Simulation of active control systems considering different levels of detail in the signal processing chain

The continuing trend towards model-based design requires increasingly detailed numerical models. Active vibration control systems are characterized by a high interaction over several physical domains. Hence, early stage numerical investigation requires the set-up of holistic models which include structural components, actuators, sensors, power electronics and digital signal processing. Furthermore, these models need to be adaptable to represent subsystems with the varying level of detail available throughout the development process. This work focuses on the modeling of the digital signal processing chain for active vibration control systems. The goal is to evaluate the control performance and to assess the influence of practical component characteristic from early on in the development phase. Starting with an idealized signal processing chain, the component models are modified to reflect more realistic characteristics. It is shown that control performance is quite sensitive to parasitic effects caused by different elements in the signal processing chain.