PID Controller in Verilog for FPGA and ASIC Applications

Overview

This repository houses a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, implemented in Verilog, suitable for FPGA and ASIC applications. PID controllers are pivotal in control theory, and they are used in myriad applications, including those that are time-sensitive. The project aims to serve as a basis for sophisticated control systems where fine-grained control and real-time operation are essential.

Features

• 16-bit arithmetic for high-precision control.
• Configurable Kp, Ki, Kd coefficients to adapt to various systems.
• Clock prescaling feature to adjust the controller's sampling rate.
• Includes a testbench simulating a generic linear system for validation.

Current Areas of Focus

1. Robustness: Ongoing efforts are focused on making the PID controller more robust to cater to different environmental conditions and systems.

2. Model Predictive Control: An additional layer of Model Predictive Control (MPC) is under development, aiming to provide optimal control in complex systems.

3. Standardized Test Stimulus: Work is in progress to create a standardized testbench stimulus that simulates a common linear system for more rigorous testing and validation.

Code Structure

The main Verilog module pid_controller takes care of the PID calculations:

• clk, rst_n: Clock and Reset signals.
• setpoint, feedback: Control variables.
• Kp, Ki, Kd: PID coefficients.
• clk_prescaler: Clock prescaler for adjustable sampling rate.
• control_signal: Output control signal.

The pid_tb (testbench) module provides a simulated environment to validate the PID controller. It includes the feedback system and allows for adjustments to the Kp, Ki, Kd coefficients and clk_prescaler to test the controller in different scenarios.

Applications in Time-Sensitive Systems

1. Automated Manufacturing: In industrial settings where machinery needs to respond in real-time.
2. Telecommunications: For latency-critical applications such as real-time packet routing.
3. Robotics and Drones: Where fast and precise control is necessary for stabilization and movement.
4. Healthcare Devices: In medical instruments like infusion pumps and ventilators where precision and speed are critical.

Getting Started

Dependencies

• Xilinx Vivado for synthesizing the design (optional for FPGA deployment)
• A Verilog simulator like ModelSim for simulation and testing

Running the Project

1. Clone this repository.
2. Open the .xpr file in Xilinx Vivado if you are planning to synthesize for FPGA.
3. To run the simulation, open the project in a Verilog simulator and execute the testbench.

Contributing

Contributions to enhance the functionality are most welcome. Fork this repository and create a pull request or open an issue for discussion.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. For more information, see LICENSE.md.