Generation of SVPWM on FPGA to Control 3-Phase Inverter

Abstract

Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) is a high-performance modulation strategy for voltage source inverters, offering improved DC link voltage utilization and lower harmonic content compared to traditional PWM techniques. This work presents the design and FPGA-based realization of an SVPWM algorithm implemented on a Basys-3 development board using a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA and Verilog hardware description language. The proposed architecture exploits the parallel processing capability and deterministic execution of FPGA hardware to perform essential SVPWM operations, including Clarke transformation, sector determination, dwell time computation, and real-time pulse generation. Three-phase switching signals are generated using sector-dependent switching sequences covering all six space vector regions. The correctness of the generated PWM-A, PWM-B, and PWM-C signals is verified through simulation and validated experimentally using on-board LEDs for visual confirmation of switching transitions. Hardware results demonstrate accurate six-sector space vector synthesis, low latency, and reliable real-time operation. The proposed FPGA-based SVPWM implementation is therefore well suited for high-performance inverter applications such as motor drives and renewable energy systems.

Introduction

Three-phase voltage source inverters are widely used in industrial drives, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles, where output voltage quality depends heavily on the modulation strategy. Conventional SPWM is simple but suffers from limited DC-link utilization and higher harmonic distortion. Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) overcomes these limitations by representing the inverter output as a rotating voltage vector, enabling improved DC bus utilization, lower harmonics, and better voltage quality. However, SVPWM requires precise and fast computations, which are challenging for software-based controllers at high switching frequencies.

This work presents the design and real-time implementation of an FPGA-based SVPWM controller using Verilog HDL on a Xilinx Artix-7 (Basys-3) FPGA. The proposed architecture performs Clarke transformation, sector identification, dwell-time calculation, and PWM signal generation entirely in hardware using fixed-point arithmetic, ensuring deterministic timing and high-speed operation.

The methodology includes digital reference signal generation, Clarke transformation, parallel sector identification, dwell-time computation for all six sectors, symmetric switching sequence synthesis, and center-aligned PWM generation with dead-time insertion. The system was simulated and experimentally validated on FPGA hardware.

Results demonstrate stable, glitch-free PWM waveforms across all six space-vector sectors, accurate sector transitions, and precise dwell-time control at a 100 MHz clock frequency. LED-based hardware validation confirmed correct real-time SVPWM operation. Overall, the study proves that FPGA-based SVPWM provides a reliable and efficient solution for high-performance three-phase inverter applications.

Conclusion

The FPGA-based implementation of Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) successfully demonstrates accurate generation of three-phase PWM-A, PWM-B, and PWM-C signals across all six space vector sectors. Hardware realization of sector identification, voltage vector selection, and switching sequence generation ensures deterministic execution with low latency and high switching accuracy. Real-time validation using on-board FPGA LEDs effectively confirms correct switching behavior and smooth sector transitions. The close agreement between simulation and experimental results verifies the correctness of the proposed SVPWM architecture. Improved DC-link voltage utilization and reduced harmonic distortion are achieved compared to conventional sinusoidal PWM techniques. Symmetrical switching sequences contribute to smoother phase voltage waveforms and stable inverter operation. The FPGA-based design exhibits reliable real-time performance and supports high switching frequencies. Overall, the results confirm the suitability of FPGA platforms for high-performance SVPWM applications in motor drive and power conversion systems.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Nimma Vandana, Dr. K. Bhaskar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.