Abstract: Described are systems, methods and computer-program product for replacing a prior input/output (I/O) module and terminal board with a universal I/O device by providing software based instructions and configuration settings for the installer. The method includes provisions for new wiring changes or harnesses as well as preset adapters, converting prior device configuration settings from an I/O module, pack, and/or terminal board to new configuration settings for a programmable I/O device, generating a wiring chart for any wiring changes based on the settings, and displaying the information for the installer and/or programmer's use. This allows a universal I/O device capable of each channel having different operating modes to replace one or more of a mixture of several types of dedicated I/O modules.

Abstract: Described are systems, methods and computer-program product for replacing a prior input/output (I/O) module and terminal board with a universal I/O device by providing software based instructions and configuration settings for the installer. The method includes provisions for new wiring changes or harnesses as well as preset adapters, converting prior device configuration settings from an I/O module, pack, and/or terminal board to new configuration settings for a programmable I/O device, generating a wiring chart for any wiring changes based on the settings, and displaying the information for the installer and/or programmer's use. This allows a universal I/O device capable of each channel having different operating modes to replace one or more of a mixture of several types of dedicated I/O modules.

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: A method and system for configuring a valve in a turbine. The method includes transmitting a first signal from a servo to a first coil of an actuator to cause the valve to move to a first position, determining a first magnitude of the valve, and transmitting a second signal from the servo to a second coil of the actuator to cause the valve to move to second position. The method also includes determining a second magnitude of the valve, and comparing the first magnitude to the second magnitude to determine the polarity of wiring coupled between the servo and the actuator.

Abstract: A system for providing power to a device includes a first power supply unit having a first power module that provides A.C. power and is selectively connectable to input lines and a first communication module. The system also includes a second power supply unit having a second power module selectively connectable to the input lines and that provides A.C. power and a second communication module coupled to the first communication module. Only one of the first or second power supply units is coupled to the input lines at a given time.

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: A method and system for configuring a valve in a turbine. The method includes transmitting a first signal from a servo to a first coil of an actuator to cause the valve to move to a first position, determining a first magnitude of the valve, and transmitting a second signal from the servo to a second coil of the actuator to cause the valve to move to second position. The method also includes determining a second magnitude of the valve, and comparing the first magnitude to the second magnitude to determine the polarity of wiring coupled between the servo and the actuator.

Abstract: A system for providing redundant power to a device includes a first power supply unit that includes a first communication module including first and second first power supply unit transmitters and first and second first power supply unit receivers and a second power supply unit that includes a second communication module coupled to the first communication module and including first and second second power supply unit transmitters and first and second second power supply unit receivers coupled, respectively, to the first and second first power supply unit transmitters. The first power supply unit transmits on both the first and second first transmitters and the second power supply is configured to provide power to the device in the event that signals are not received from both the first and second first power supply unit transmitters by the first and second second power supply unit receivers.

Abstract: A system for providing redundant power to a device includes a first power supply unit that includes a first communication module including first and second first power supply unit transmitters and first and second first power supply unit receivers and a second power supply unit that includes a second communication module coupled to the first communication module and including first and second second power supply unit transmitters and first and second second power supply unit receivers coupled, respectively, to the first and second first power supply unit transmitters. The first power supply unit transmits on both the first and second first transmitters and the second power supply is configured to provide power to the device in the event that signals are not received from both the first and second first power supply unit transmitters by the first and second second power supply unit receivers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining measurements and detecting connectivity faults associated with a voltage mode sensor. The method can include coupling a DC bias current into a circuit. The circuit includes a voltage mode sensor, and the voltage mode sensor can output a time varying signal. The method can also include setting a nominal level of the DC bias current, monitoring a voltage associated with the DC bias current, and determining circuit connectivity status based at least in part on monitoring the voltage.

Abstract: A system for providing power to a device includes a first power supply unit having a first power module that provides A.C. power and is selectively connectable to input lines and a first communication module. The system also includes a second power supply unit having a second power module selectively connectable to the input lines and that provides A.C. power and a second communication module coupled to the first communication module. Only one of the first or second power supply units is coupled to the input lines at a given time.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining measurements and detecting connectivity faults associated with a voltage mode sensor. The method can include coupling a DC bias current into a circuit. The circuit includes a voltage mode sensor, and the voltage mode sensor can output a time varying signal. The method can also include setting a nominal level of the DC bias current, monitoring a voltage associated with the DC bias current, and determining circuit connectivity status based at least in part on monitoring the voltage.

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 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 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.