[n: By Using A Data Buffer] [n0804] {g11b 19/04b6} Patents (Class G9B/19.009)
  • Patent number: 8442684
    Abstract: A control system for achieving high-speed torque for a joint of a robot includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a collocated joint processor and high-speed communication bus. The PCBA may also include a power inverter module (PIM) and local sensor conditioning electronics (SCE) for processing sensor data from one or more motor position sensors. Torque control of a motor of the joint is provided via the PCBA as a high-speed torque loop. Each joint processor may be embedded within or collocated with the robotic joint being controlled. Collocation of the joint processor, PIM, and high-speed bus may increase noise immunity of the control system, and the localized processing of sensor data from the joint motor at the joint level may minimize bus cabling to and from each control node. The joint processor may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Oceaneeering Space Systems
    Inventors: Donald R. Davis, Nicolaus A. Radford, Frank Noble Permenter, Michael C. Valvo, R. Scott Askew