Exploration of Chaotic SPWM in Reconfigurable Systems: From Logistic Map to THD Analysis

Abstract

With the growing energy demand, various power converter applications have emerged that employ high-frequency controlled switching devices, primarily utilizing Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM). This work proposes the use of chaotic carrier signals generated through logistic maps implemented in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), replacing conventional deterministic triangular carriers. The main objective is to improve the harmonic spectrum and reduce Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in reconfigurable systems. The methodology leverages the pseudorandom nature of logistic maps to disperse harmonic spectral content, preventing energy concentration at specific frequencies. The implementation in FPGA facilitates real-time generation of chaotic sequences with high temporal resolution and reconfiguration flexibility. Chaotic dynamics are characterized by their sensitivity to initial conditions and deterministic yet unpredictable behavior, which makes them particularly suitable for spreading the harmonic content across a wider frequency range. The logistic map, defined by its iterative nonlinear equation, generates sequences that appear random while being entirely deterministic, providing reproducibility and controllability essential for practical applications. By modulating the pulse width using these chaotic carriers instead of traditional periodic triangular waveforms, the resulting switching patterns exhibit reduced spectral peaks and more uniform energy distribution. A comparative analysis of THD between conventional SPWM techniques and the proposed chaotic carrier approach is performed, evaluating performance in devices operating at medium and high switching frequencies. The reconfigurable nature of FPGA platforms allows for parameter tuning and optimization without hardware modifications, facilitating the exploration of different chaotic regimes and their effects on harmonic spectra. This study represents an advance in power electronics by incorporating chaos theory into modulation technique test beds, offering potential benefits in carrier signal analysis to evaluate compliance with industry standards.