Abstract:
A multi-rotor vehicle includes a plurality of electric motors and edge computing systems (ECSs). The electric motors are operatively coupled to respective rotors, and cause the respective rotors to rotate relative to the airframe. The ECSs are independent, distinct and distributed to the electric motors, each operatively coupled to a respective electric motor and thereby a respective rotor. Each ECS is configured to acquire and process sensor data for the respective rotor to determine rotor status information, and execute motor commands to control the respective electric motor and thereby the respective rotor. The ECSs are configured according to a model in which any of the ECSs is selectable as a primary ECS, and others of the ECSs are operable as secondary ECSs, the secondary ECSs configured to communicate respective rotor status information to the primary ECS, and the primary ECS configured to provide the motor commands to the secondary ECSs.
Abstract:
Dither circuitry includes harmonic signal generation circuitry configured generate a high order even harmonic of a base excitation signal. The dither circuitry also includes a combiner configured to generate a dithered excitation signal based on the high order even harmonic and the base excitation signal. The dither circuitry further includes an output terminal configured to output the dithered excitation signal to a sensor device.
Abstract:
A method for controlling an electric motor. A desired speed is identified for the electric motor during operation of the electric motor. A voltage is identified to cause the electric motor to turn at the desired speed. The voltage is applied to the electric motor and actively controlled during operation of the electric motor.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor. A switching frequency meeting a desired operating condition is identified from information relating to operation of the electric motor. A switching of a current supplied to the electric motor with the switching frequency identified is controlled.
Abstract:
A pulse-width modulation control circuit includes a first transistor and a signal generator. The first transistor includes a first terminal coupled to a power source and a second terminal coupled to a first input of a controlled component. The signal generator includes a first node coupled to a gate of the first transistor. The signal generator is configured to receive a comparison value and a comparison criterion and to compare the comparison value to a counter value based on the comparison criterion. In response to the comparison value satisfying the comparison criterion with respect to the counter value, the signal generator is configured to send a control signal to the gate of the first transistor to generate a pulse edge of a pulse of a pulse-width modulated signal.
Abstract:
A multi-rate system for controlling an actuator may include an incremental command limiter that receives a command from a first control system and outputs a limited incremental command; a feed-forward that receives the limited incremental command from the incremental command limiter and outputs a feed forward rate command; a first differentiator that limits the limited incremental command to a maximum allowable command; an upsampler state that outputs a current state back to the differentiator; a first summer that receives the limited incremental command and the current state from the upsampler state, and outputs an incremental position command; and a second summer that combines the incremental position command and the feed forward rate command to produce a rate error output signal.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor. A switching frequency meeting a desired operating condition is identified from information relating to operation of the electric motor. A switching of a current supplied to the electric motor with the switching frequency identified is controlled.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling a motor. The motor comprises windings. A switch bridge comprising a plurality of switches is configured to couple a power source to the windings. A motor controller is configured to control the plurality of switches. An undesired condition identifier is configured to identify an undesired condition when the motor is providing power to the power source, wherein the undesired condition is defined with respect to a characteristic of the power source. An undesired condition reducer is configured to reduce the undesired condition in response to identifying the undesired condition by the undesired condition identifier.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an electric motor. A controller is configured to identify a position of a disc relative to a plate with coils physically associated with the plate. The controller is further configured to control a current sent to the coils based on the position of a disc. The disc is configured to move such that a closest point between the disc and the plate changes along a periphery of the disc.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor. A controller is configured to identify a start time for a signal based on a back electromotive force present in an electric motor during operation of the electric motor. The start time is for a position of a rotor relative to a group of coils. The controller is further configured to send the signal to the group of coils using the start time identified. An effect of the back electromotive force on the signal is reduced.