Abstract: A voltage is sensed at a switching device and the voltage is associated with a status of a switching device. The sensed voltage is converted to a useable voltage regardless of the value and type of the sensed voltage. At a single self-contained integrated circuit that is powered by the sensed voltage, the usable voltage is converted into a digital representation. The digital representation is configured to be usable by a processing device to determine the value of the voltage at the switching device.

Abstract: A voltage is sensed at a switching device and the voltage is associated with a status of a switching device. The sensed voltage is converted to a useable voltage regardless of the value and type of the sensed voltage. At a single self-contained integrated circuit that is powered by the sensed voltage, the usable voltage is converted into a digital representation. The digital representation is configured to be usable by a processing device to determine the value of the voltage at the switching device.

Abstract: At a contact input circuit, a voltage at a switching device is sensed and the voltage is associated with a status of a switching device. The contact input circuit is operated according to the sensed voltage regardless of the value of the sensed voltage. The power usage of the contact input circuit is maintained to be within a predetermined range of power consumption values regardless of the value of the sensed voltage. Wetting voltages can be continuously monitored and the approaches described herein can monitor open contact, closed contact, and open field wire conditions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling actuator drive current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling actuator drive current. The method may include receiving a reference signal, determining a feedback signal based at least in part on the drive current, determining a conditioned feedback signal based at least in part on the feedback signal, comparing the reference signal to the conditioned feedback signal, and controlling the drive current based on the comparison of the reference signal and the conditioned feedback signal. Certain embodiments of the method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via hysteresis control.

Abstract: Embodiments can include systems, methods, and apparatus for driving servo actuators. In one embodiment, a system may include a H-bridge circuit coupled to a winding circuit of the servo actuator, the H-bridge circuit including switching devices. The system can include a controller for providing a control pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to one of the switches. The PWM signal drives one of the switches to periodically establish a one-direction electric current path through the winding circuit. The system can include a feedback loop configured to measure a current flowing through the winding circuit and, based at least in part on the detection, generate a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) signal. The feedback loop can include a modulation switch that forces the operated switch of the H-bridge control circuit to periodically open based at least in part on the PFM signal controlling the current flowing through the winding circuit.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling actuator drive current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling actuator drive current. The method may include receiving a reference signal, determining a feedback signal based at least in part on the drive current, determining a conditioned feedback signal based at least in part on the feedback signal, comparing the reference signal to the conditioned feedback signal, and controlling the drive current based on the comparison of the reference signal and the conditioned feedback signal. Certain embodiments of the method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via hysteresis control.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling bi-directional drive current through an actuator. The method may include receiving a direction control signal, manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one switchable positive current path and at least one switchable negative current path through an actuator based at least in part on the direction control signal, providing feedback based at least on current associated with the actuator, and controlling the current based at least in part on the feedback. Certain embodiments of the method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via hysteresis control.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing high efficiency servo actuator and excitation drivers. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling an actuator. The method may include generating a reference signal, manipulating the actuator with a switched drive signal based at least in part on the reference signal, generating a switched excitation signal, and controlling the reference signal based at least in part on feedback associated with the switched excitation signal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling bi-directional drive current through an actuator. The method may include receiving a direction control signal, manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one switchable positive current path or at least one switchable negative current path through an actuator based at least in part on the direction control signal, providing feedback based at least on current associated with the actuator, and controlling the current based at least in part on the feedback. The method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via pulse width modulation control.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling bi-directional drive current through an actuator. The method may include receiving a direction control signal, manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one switchable positive current path or at least one switchable negative current path through an actuator based at least in part on the direction control signal, providing feedback based at least on current associated with the actuator, and controlling the current based at least in part on the feedback. The method may include manipulating one or more devices to establish at least one positive current path and at least one negative current path through an actuator via pulse width modulation control.