FPGA Implementation of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for a Boost Converter with a Partially Saturating Inductor

Enhancing power density is a primary objective in electronic power converters. This can be accomplished by employing smaller inductors operating in partial magnetic saturation. In this study, an embedded digital controller is proposed, based on nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC), for the regulation of a DC–DC boost converter, exploiting a partially saturating inductor. The NMPC prediction model exploits a behavioral inductor model that accounts for magnetic saturation and losses and allows the converter regulation while enforcing constraints. The NMPC controller is implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), demonstrating its real-time feasibility while successfully controlling a boost converter operating at switching frequencies up to 80 kHz. Hardware–software co-simulation results show accurate voltage regulation and constraint satisfaction, even under partial magnetic saturation.