Multiphase Active Way Linear Motor: Proof-of-Concept Prototype

In this paper, an active way linear synchronous motor with multiphase independent supply is presented. A proof-of-concept prototype of the proposed linear motor has been built, including power electronics and control. The control is based on a multi digital signal processor (multi DSP) master-slave structure. The controller design and the power and control boards have been described. The analytical model of the motor is presented. The analytical results are compared with a finite-element simulation, showing a good agreement. The analytical model has been also used to implement a dynamic model of the whole system in the Matlab/Simulink/Plecs simulation environment. The proof-of-concept prototype has been fully tested with one and two independent gliders. The obtained experimental results show that the chosen multi DSP master-slave structure allows the control of the proposed linear motor with good performances and reasonable costs.