Abstract: A programmed microprocessor motor control apparatus is provided for a vehicle propulsion motor that is responsive to an input control device to determine the acceleration rate and a predetermined motor voltage curve of the propulsion motor.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus operative with a voltage source and including thyristor switch devices arranged in a bridge circuit for selectively determining forward and reverse operation of a DC series motor coupled with a vehicle, said control apparatus having provision for regenerative braking of the motor to provide current back into the voltage source.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion motor control apparatus includes a motor current regulating chopper apparatus and a free wheeling diode in the motor circuit. It is desired that the chopper apparatus not be commutated OFF when the free wheeling diode is conducting motor current to prevent damage to the free wheeling diode. A current detector is provided to prevent commutation of the chopper apparatus in response to sensing a current flow through the free wheeling diode.

Abstract: A solid-state direct current motor control apparatus including a programmed microprocessor operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation, a brake mode of operation and a coast mode of operation, with a desired energization of particular motor fields before the brake mode of operation.

Abstract: A vehicle signal shunt detection apparatus responds to a first signal to establish the presence of a vehicle including a shunt circuit and then responds to a second signal to establish that the shunt circuit is operating to provide a desired predetermined vehicle signal.

Abstract: A programmed microprocessor controller chopper apparatus for an electric motor is responsive to an operating condition of the chopper such as at least one of the commutation capacitor charge voltage and the level of motor current for determining the desired commutation circuit operation for that chopper apparatus in relation to the provision of an OFF control pulse in relation to an ON control pulse every cycle of the microprocessor program operation.

Abstract: A motor control is provided for a DC series motor operative with a chopper apparatus and including a thyristor switch to determine the field shunt operation of the motor. A voltage reversal that occurs across the field windings when the chopper is OFF and not conducting is utilized to commutate and enable modulation of the field shunt thyristor switch as desired in relation to the chopper ON and OFF operation.

Abstract: A field shunt operation for a chopper controlled series DC propulsion motor in the power mode is provided in response to a desired torque request, when a predicted value of the resulting shunt field motor current is determined to be no greater than the known commutation current limit of the chopper.

Abstract: A solid-state motor control apparatus operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation and a brake mode of operation, and including a plurality of current sensors to establish the current flow in the motor armatures and in the motor fields.

Abstract: The electric braking of a passenger vehicle is described, wherein the current generated by the propulsion motor in the brake mode of operation is distributed between the power supply line and a dynamic brake resistor circuit in response to the filter capacitor voltage, and with the operation of the dynamic brake resistor circuit being controlled relative to the chopper thyristor with a predetermined frequency of operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a motor control chopper apparatus and method having a random frequency of operation with a long term average deviation of substantially zero to reduce the average magnitude of the chopper apparatus generated noise signals.

Abstract: A direct current motor power controlling chopper apparatus is disclosed which determines the operational speed of one or more traction motors propelling a passenger vehicle along a track. The speed of the motor is established by changing the ON and OFF conduction ratio or duty cycle relationship of a thyristor switch device to determine the field current and the armature voltage of that motor. The present apparatus can provide a greater controlled range of motor speeds including a lower minimum OFF operation and a full ON capacity. In addition, the present apparatus provides greater reliability due to less thermal stress on the thyristor switch devices and fewer circuit elements required to provide an improved motor current control operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a programmed microprocessor control apparatus and method for a transit vehicle electric motor through operation of a chopper apparatus. The microprocessor program controls the motor braking effort in brake mode through operation of the brake resistors and the motor tractive effort in the power mode through the motor field shunt operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a programmed microprocessor control apparatus and method for controlling the generated current of a transit vehicle electric motor in relation to a desired limit for the supply line voltage. The supply line volts are sensed and used for controlling the current generated by the transit vehicle motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a programmed microprocessor control apparatus and method for determining the electric brake current build-up for regenerative braking effort with a series motor. The microprocessor program determines the current build-up by controlling the chopper operative with the electric motor of a transit vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a programmed microprocessor control apparatus and method for transit vehicle electric motor through operation of a chopper apparatus. The microprocessor program establishes a boost signal for every program cycle of operation, including an ON control pulse positioned within the boost signal. The chopper operation monitors the provision of the boost signal to maintain the operation of the chopper motor control apparatus as determined by keeping the power supply line switch closed.