Abstract: An electrical system comprises an inverter, a three-phase electric motor and a cable to transfer energy from the inverter to the motor. The cable further comprises a center conductor and two additional conductors disposed about the center conductor. Insulators physically and electrically separate the conductors from one another. Electromagnetic emissions from the cable are substantially prevented due to the construction of the cable.

Abstract: Provided is a method and circuit for measuring the leakage path resistance in an electric vehicle having an isolated high voltage traction battery and an auxiliary battery grounded to the vehicle. The circuit operates by periodically applying a selected excitation signal and comparing the voltage induced on an energy storage element by the excitation signal to a selected reference voltage during a selected time period. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a circuit which operates by applying a periodic excitation signal and comparing the phase shift of the voltage induced on an energy storage element to the phase shift of a signal derived from the excitation signal.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system for a position sensor coupled to a control device in a throttle control system. The position sensor includes a potentiometer having a main resistor coupled across a source of electrical power and a wiper arm mechanically coupled to the control device and electrically coupled to the main resistor. An electrical signal is developed on the wiper arm which is directly proportional to the actual position of the control device. A sensing or monitoring resistor is connected in series between the main resistor and source of electrical power for providing a current measurement directly correlated with actual resistance of the main resistor. The voltage drop across the sense resistor is compared to a predetermined range for providing an indication of main resistor operation independently of wiper arm position.

Abstract: A system (20) for linearizing a non-linear transducer output signal (s.sub.2) which may be amplified to a non-linear output signal (s.sub.2) by suitable amplifier means (2) by providing signal (s.sub.2) to both a summing or linearization means (6) and an analog to digital converter which provides a signal (s.sub.3) to a storage means (4) which selectively provides a predetermined correction signal (s.sub.4) which is received by a digital to analog converter (5) to provide a signal (s.sub.5) to linearization means (6) for combination with signal (s.sub.2) to provide a linearized output signal (s.sub.6).

Abstract: A torque motor and throttle body are integrated within a single assembly for application with an internal combustion engine charge air inlet. The butterfly valving element of the throttle body and rotor of the motor are mounted on a common shaft, the position of which is established by a fly-by-wire control circuit. The control circuit includes a driver which selectively energizes the motor in response to the simultaneous receipt of both duty cycle and pulse with information. The control circuit further provides redundant outputs and transducers to enhance system failsafing.

Abstract: A system (20) for linearizing a non-linear transducer output signal (s.sub.2) which may be amplified to a non-linear output signal (s.sub.2) by suitable amplifier means (2) by providing signal (s.sub.2) to both a summing or linearization means (6) and an analog to digital converter which provides a signal (s.sub.3) to a storage means (4) which selectively provides a predetermined correction signal (s.sub.4) which is received by a digital to analog converter (5) to provide a signal (s.sub.5) to linearization means (6) for combination with signal (s.sub.2) to provide a linearized output signal (s.sub.6).

Abstract: A saturation condition regulator system for a power transistor which achieves the regulation objectives of a Baker clamp but without dumping excess base drive current into the transistor output circuit. The base drive current of the transistor is sensed and used through an active feedback circuit to produce an error signal which modulates the base drive current through a linearly operating FET. The collector base voltage of the power transistor is independently monitored to develop a second error signal which is also used to regulate base drive current. The current-sensitive circuit operates as a limiter. In addition, a fail-safe timing circuit is disclosed which automatically resets to a turn OFF condition in the event the transistor does not turn ON within a predetermined time after the input signal transition.

Abstract: A drivetrain (48) for an electric passenger vehicle (10) includes a battery (40) for energizing a single-phase A.C. traction motor (18) which drives a ground engaging wheel (12) through a multispeed transaxle (20). The motor is characterized by an external ferrite permanent magnet rotor (26) drivingly engaging an input shaft (32) of the transaxle. The motor is controlled by an inverter circuit (44) and a control circuit (46) which generates switch command signals to reciprocally actuate power transistors (56) and (62) within the inverter circuit as a function of operator demand, rotor position and rotor speed. The control circuit includes a motor positioning circuit (442) which toggles the motor current when the rotor speed falls below a predetermined level to dither the rotor about a park position for a predetermined period. A prestart rotor positioner (224) is provided to mechanically lock the rotor in its park position to ensure the availability of a high electrical starting torque.

Abstract: A method and system for providing assured start-up of a multi-pole permanent magnet electric motor from an at rest position. A vane is mounted on the rotational axis of the motor for rotation therewith. The vane includes a plurality of radially projecting portions each of which is maintained in a fixed angular relationship with a different one of the poles of the motor. A first and second pair of sensors are mounted in a fixed angular relationship with the stator of the motor, the second pair of sensors being spaced further apart than the first pair. The sensors generate a signal when one of the protecting portions of the vane passes through them. A control circuit receives input selectively from either the first sensor pair, under normal motor operation, or from the second pair of sensors when the motor is starting. The control circuit controls the direction of current flow through the motor in response to signals from the selected pair of sensors.

Abstract: A minimum speed start-up circuit and method for an electric powered vehicle which ensures a minimum torque output from the motor at low vehicle speeds. The circuit includes a speed determining means for providing a signal indicative of the present speed of the vehicle, a demand current generating means for generating an operating current for delivery to the motor to enable normal vehicle operation, and a minimum torque demand current generating means for generating a minimum demand current for delivery to the motor when the vehicle's accelerator is depressed at low vehicle speeds. The start-up circuit selectively supplies the greater of the operating current or the demand current to the motor so that at least a minimum torque is output by the motor.

Abstract: A drivetrain (48) for an electric passenger vehicle (10) includes a battery (40) for energizing a single-phase A.C. traction motor (18) which drives a ground engaging wheel (12) through a multi-speed transaxle (20). The motor is characterized by an external ferrite permanent magnet rotor (26) drivingly engaging an input shaft (32) of the transaxle. The motor is controlled by an inverter circuit (44) and a control circuit (46) which generates switch command signals to reciprocally actuate power transistors (56 and 62) within the inverter circuit as a function of operator demand, rotor position and rotor speed. The control circuit includes a motor positioning circuit (442) which toggles the motor current when the rotor speed falls below a predetermined level to dither the rotor about a park position for a predetermined period. A pre-start rotor positioner (224) is provided to mechanically lock the rotor in its park position to ensure the availability of a high electrical starting torque.