Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a torque motor monitoring system that includes a first observer module configured to receive a first collection of operational information about a torque motor when the torque motor is operating normally, and determine a duty offset ratio value based on the first collection of operational information, a second observer module configured to receive a second collection of operational information about a torque motor, determine a MOSFET gate duty ratio value based on the second collection of operational information and the duty offset ratio value, and determine a motor current value, and a fault detection module configured to identify a fault in the torque motor based on the MOSFET gate duty ratio value, the motor current value, and a predetermined fault determination threshold value.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving a first electrical current output setpoint, identifying a first operational condition based on the first electrical current output setpoint, providing, based on the identified first operational condition, a first pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having a first predetermined duty cycle, based on the first electrical current output setpoint, provided on a predetermined period, receiving a second electrical current output setpoint, identifying a second operational condition different from the first operational condition based on the second electrical current output setpoint, and providing, based on the identified second operational condition, a second PWM signal having a second predetermined duty cycle, based on the second electrical current output setpoint, provided on a predetermined multiple of the predetermined period.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a torque motor monitoring system that includes a first observer module configured to receive a first collection of operational information about a torque motor when the torque motor is operating normally, and determine a duty offset ratio value based on the first collection of operational information, a second observer module configured to receive a second collection of operational information about a torque motor, determine a MOSFET gate duty ratio value based on the second collection of operational information and the duty offset ratio value, and determine a motor current value, and a fault detection module configured to identify a fault in the torque motor based on the MOSFET gate duty ratio value, the motor current value, and a predetermined fault determination threshold value.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a motion control apparatus that includes a brushless DC motor to actuate a mechanical output based on a collection of phase power signals, a collection of first Hall effect sensors configured to provide a collection of first feedback signals in response to a sensed motor position and a sensed motor speed, a controller configured to determine a speed and position of the motor based on the feedback signals, and determine an electrical current level based on a collection of operational parameters and feedback signals including a position of the mechanical output, the motor speed, and the motor position, a current controller configured to provide electrical phase sequence output signals based on the electrical current level, and a motor driver configured to provide the collection of phase power signals based on the electrical phase sequence output signals.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a motion control apparatus that includes a brushless DC motor to actuate a mechanical output based on a collection of phase power signals, a collection of first Hall effect sensors configured to provide a collection of first feedback signals in response to a sensed motor position and a sensed motor speed, a controller configured to determine a speed and position of the motor based on the feedback signals, and determine an electrical current level based on a collection of operational parameters and feedback signals including a position of the mechanical output, the motor speed, and the motor position, a current controller configured to provide electrical phase sequence output signals based on the electrical current level, and a motor driver configured to provide the collection of phase power signals based on the electrical phase sequence output signals.

Abstract: A half-bridge variable differential transformer position sensing system that includes a transducer having a stator with an inductive coil having a center tap configured to provide an output signal. The transducer also has an armature with a magnetically permeable core configured to move within the inductive coil, such that movement of the magnetically permeable core causes a change in the output signal. The position sensing system includes a first circuit configured to provide an excitation signal at one terminal of the inductive coil. The system includes no more than three electrical interface wires, and a microcontroller configured to calculate the degree of change in the position of the magnetically permeable core, and is configured to correct for variations in the voltage of the output signal due to the temperature of the transducer and due to non-linear effects on the output signal caused by movement of the magnetically permeable core.

Abstract: A aircraft control system is provided that provides tactile feedback between control columns of the aircraft relating to discrepancies in the control inputs to the sticks of the respective control columns. In one implementation, the sticks each have an associated feedback assembly that is adjustable relative to mechanical ground to adjust the feedback profile applied to the corresponding stick. The position of each feedback assembly is adjusted based on a relative displacement between the other feedback assembly and its corresponding stick to provide active feedback relating to the control of the other control column.

Abstract: A half-bridge variable differential transformer position sensing system that includes a transducer having a stator with an inductive coil having a center tap configured to provide an output signal. The transducer also has an armature with a magnetically permeable core configured to move within the inductive coil, such that movement of the magnetically permeable core causes a change in the output signal. The position sensing system includes a first circuit configured to provide an excitation signal at one terminal of the inductive coil. The system includes no more than three electrical interface wires, and a microcontroller configured to calculate the degree of change in the position of the magnetically permeable core, and is configured to correct for variations in the voltage of the output signal due to the temperature of the transducer and due to non-linear effects on the output signal caused by movement of the magnetically permeable core.

Abstract: A aircraft control system is provided. that provides tactile feedback between control columns of the aircraft relating to discrepancies in the control inputs to the sticks of the respective control columns. In one implementation, the sticks each have an associated feedback assembly that is adjustable relative to mechanical ground to adjust the feedback profile applied to the corresponding stick. The position of each feedback assembly is adjusted based on a relative displacement between the other feedback assembly and its corresponding stick to provide active feedback relating to the control of the other control column.