Airflow control systems and methods using model predictive control

An engine control system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a torque requesting module that generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input;
• a torque conversion module that converts the first torque request into a second torque request;
• a setpoint module that generates air and exhaust setpoints for the spark ignition engine based on the second torque request;
• a model predictive control (MPC) module that (i) identifies sets of possible target values based on the air and exhaust setpoints, that (ii) generates predicted parameters for the sets of possible target values, respectively, based on (a) a model of the spark ignition engine and (b) the sets of possible target values, respectively, that (iii) selects one of the sets of possible target values based on comparisons of the predicted parameters with the air and exhaust set points, and that (iv) sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets;
• a first constraint module that selectively sets a predetermined range for a first one of the target values,
• wherein the MPC module limits the first one of the target values to within the predetermined range;
• and
• a throttle actuator module that controls opening of a throttle valve based on a second one of the target values.