Abstract: A measuring-while-drilling system having a downhole, motor-driven acoustic signal generator includes a motor speed control circuit featuring feedback compensation which accounts for varying loading conditions on the motor. The acoustic signal generator is motor driven at speeds for imparting to well fluid an acoustic signal having phase states representative of data derived from measured downhole conditions. The motor control circuit includes circuitry which forms a phase locked loop for driving the motor at a reference phase and at a substantially constant carrier frequency producing speed in the absence of data of one logic state and also includes circuitry for temporarily changing the speed of the motor, according to a pre-programmed function, to effect a predetermined amount of phase change in the carrier signal upon data of the predetermined logic state.

Abstract: A measuring-while-drilling system includes motor speed detection during encoding for returning control to a phase locked loop circuit when the rate of an acoustic signal generator has precisely returned to a carrier frequency producing rate. The measuring-while-drilling system includes the acoustic generator which has a moveable member disposed within the flow of drilling fluid and which is driven at speeds for imparting to the drilling fluid an acoustic signal having phase states representative of encoded data signals derived from measured downhole conditions. The phase locked loop circuit drives the moveable member at a substantially constant rate to thereby effect a substantially constant carrier frequency in the acoustic signal. A frequency changing control circuit is provided for temporarily changing the rate of the member to effect a predetermined phase change in the carrier signal according to the data.

Abstract: A measuring-while-drilling system has a digitally implemented motor speed control circuit for controlling a downhole, motor-driven acoustic signal generator. The acoustic generator is motor driven at speeds for imparting to well fluid an acoustic signal having phase states representative of encoded data derived from measured downhole conditions. The digital motor control circuit drives the motor at a substantially constant, carrier frequency producing speed in the absence of data of one logic state and temporarily changes the speed of the motor to effect a predetermined phase change in the carrier signal upon data of the predetermined logic state.