Abstract: A method of detecting a malfunction of an encoder used in a vehicle drive system includes determining an error of a motor speed based on an estimated motor speed, wherein the estimated motor speed is a function of measured current over a predetermined interval of time. The method further includes determining a maximum allowable error of the motor speed at the measured current. Yet further, the method includes comparing the error of the motor speed with the maximum allowable error of the motor speed, thereby detecting the malfunction of the encoder.

Abstract: A method of detecting a malfunction of an encoder used in a vehicle drive system includes determining an error of a motor speed based on an estimated motor speed, wherein the estimated motor speed is a function of measured current over a predetermined interval of time. The method further includes determining a maximum allowable error of the motor speed at the measured current. Yet further, the method includes comparing the error of the motor speed with the maximum allowable error of the motor speed, thereby detecting the malfunction of the encoder.

Abstract: A method for indirectly sensing absolute position of a mechanical output device of an electromechanical (EM) system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes detecting the location of a reference point established within a defined range of travel of the mechanical output device, and tracking a relative position of the mechanical output device through the movement of an electromotive actuator within the EM system. The absolute position of the mechanical output device is determined by comparison of the tracked relative position of the mechanical output device to the established reference point.

Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating a vehicle speed sensor signal input to an electronic control system includes operating a vehicle at a reference speed. A speed signal pulse period, generated by a vehicle speed sensor operatively coupled to the vehicle, is measured. The measured speed signal pulse period is then compared to a stored set of pulse period scalings within the electronic control system. A corresponding pulse period scaling is stored in memory if the measured speed signal pulse period matches one of the stored set of pulse period scalings.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for control of a vehicle generator. The voltage regulator is selectably responsive to a voltage representing the generator output voltage at the alternator output terminal, or to an external voltage sensed at a load or source point on the vehicle. The voltage regulator determines the relationship between these two sensed voltages and in response thereto chooses one of the sensed voltages for use in controlling the generator output by controlling the field excitation current input thereto. Certain conditions also cause the voltage regulator to latch in a mode where it is controlled only by one of the alternator output terminal voltage or the external voltage. Manual resetting may be required to discontinue the latched operational mode.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for control of a vehicle generator. The voltage regulator is selectably responsive to a voltage representing the generator output voltage at the alternator output terminal, or to an external voltage sensed at a load or source point on the vehicle. The voltage regulator determines the relationship between these two sensed voltages and in response thereto chooses one of the sensed voltages for use in controlling the generator output by controlling the field excitation current input thereto. Certain conditions also cause the voltage regulator to latch in a mode where it is controlled only by one of the alternator output terminal voltage or the external voltage. Manual resetting may be required to discontinue the latched operational mode.