Electrically-augmented damping

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 9188483
  • Patent Number
    9,188,483
  • Date Filed
    Friday, December 9, 2011
    13 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 17, 2015
    9 years ago
Abstract
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for electrically-augmented damping of an actuator and associated devices. In particular, electrically-augmented damping derived from measurement of voltage across an actuator and current flowing through an actuator is provided.
Description
FIELD

Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for electrically-augmented damping of an actuator and associated devices. In particular, electrically-augmented damping derived from measurement of voltage across an actuator and current flowing through an actuator is provided.


BACKGROUND

Fourier transform interferometric spectrometers are widely used in the analysis of chemical compounds. By measuring the absorption of radiation by an unknown sample at various wave lengths and comparing the results with known standards, these instruments generate useful information with respect to the chemical makeup of the unknown sample.


Conventional Fourier-transform (FT) spectrometers are based on Michelson interferometer arrangements. In a typical FT spectrometer, light from a light emitting source is collected, passed through an interferometer and sample to be analyzed, and is brought to focus on a detector (Saptari, Vidi, Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy Instrumentation Engineering. SPIE Press, Bellingham Wash., Vol. No.: TT61 (2004), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The interferometer system, in combination with the sample, modulates the intensity of the light that strikes the detector, and thereby forms a time variant intensity signal. A detector, analog-to-digital converter, and processor then receive, convert, and analyze the signal.


In an FT spectrometer utilizing an interferometer (SEE FIG. 1), input light is divided into two beams by a beam splitter. One beam is reflected off a fixed mirror and one off a moving mirror. While the path length of the beam striking the fixed mirror is substantially constant, movement of the moving mirror alters the path length of the other beam, thereby changing the distance the beam travels in comparison to the reference beam (e.g., the beam reflected off the fixed mirror. This changing path length introduces a time delay between the beams upon reaching the detector. The time-offset beams interfere or reinforce each other, allowing the temporal coherence of the light to be measured at different time delay settings, effectively converting the time domain into a spatial coordinate. Measurements of the signal at many discrete positions of the moving mirror are used to construct a spectrum using a FT of the temporal coherence of the light. The power spectrum of the FT of the interferogram corresponds to the spectral distribution of the input light. The moving mirror allows a time-domain interferogram to be generated which, when analyzed, allows high resolution frequency-domain spectra to be produced. A Fourier transform is performed on the data to produce a spectrum which shows spectral-energy versus frequency.


It is critical in the design of these instruments that the surface of the moving mirror be very accurately held in an orthogonal position, both to the fixed mirror and to the direction of the motion of the moving mirror. Mirror positional accuracy is of importance because deviations in the mirror alignment produce small errors in the time-domain interferogram which may translate into large errors in the frequency-domain spectrum. In a typical interferometer, mirror deviations larger than one wave length of the analytical radiation are considered significant and can degrade the quality of the entire instrument. Contemporary high- and moderate-performance Fourier-transform spectrometry instruments may utilize stabilization assemblies, typically flexure assemblies, to support the moving mirror in the interest of minimizing mechanical hysteresis and other non-linear effects.


Despite all measures taken to reduce undesired alteration of the moving mirror's position, some degree of unwanted or unintended deviation may occur in even high quality systems. The motion of the mirror in response to applied force is described by a second-order differential equation whose coefficients are determined by the mass of the moving mirror, the effective spring constant of the flexures, the frictional loss introduced by suspension, and viscous loss introduced by motion through the atmosphere. Forces directed at the moving mirror may be a result of a command sent to the mirror actuator (e.g., a voice-coil actuator) as part of the normal function of the FTS instrument, or may be undesired disturbances, caused, for example, by incidental motion of the entire instrument. The frictional losses present in the flexure suspension are very low, a condition which leads to a lightly-damped system response to applied force. Such a system is significantly more difficult to control than one with a greater level of inherent damping. The lightly-damped system is also more susceptible to externally-produced disturbance forces than one with greater damping.


SUMMARY

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of providing electrically-augmented damping of a voice-coil actuator comprising: subtracting a rate-feedback voltage from an actuator command voltage, wherein the rate feedback voltage is derived from measurement of voltage across the actuator and current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, the voltage across the actuator comprises a component due to the flow of current through impedances of the actuator, and a component due to movement of an armature. In some embodiments, the rate-feedback voltage is derived by subtracting a voltage equal to the component of the voltage across the actuator due to the flow of current through the impedances of the actuator from the voltage across the actuator. In some embodiments, the voltage is equal to the component of the voltage across the actuator due to the flow of current through the impedances of the actuator is derived by scaling the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator). In some embodiments, the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator) is only a function of the current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator) is substantially a function only of the current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, the electrically-augmented damping results in reduced performance anomalies for the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, the rate-feedback voltage is calculated without use of a velocity sensor.


In some embodiments, provided herein are systems and devices comprising circuitry for providing electrically-augmented damping of a voice-coil actuator, comprising: (a) a transconductance amplifer A1, wherein an output of the transconductance amplifier A1 is a function of: (i) command voltage, and (ii) a rate-feedback voltage; (b) an actuator, wherein the actuator comprises: (i) a permanent magnet, and (ii) an armature that carries current through a magnetic field associated with the permanent magnet; (c) an amplifier A2, wherein an output of the amplifier A2 is a function of the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator); and (d) an amplifier A3, wherein an output of the amplifier A3 is a function of: (i) the voltage appearing at terminal α (the top of the actuator), and (ii) a voltage proportional to the component of the voltage appearing at terminal α (the top of the actuator) due to the flow of current through the actuator. In some embodiments, the output of the transconductance amplifier A1 flows into the actuator. In some embodiments, the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator) is a function of flow of current through the actuator. In some embodiments, the voltage appearing at terminal α (the top of the actuator) is a function of: (i) flow of current through the actuator, and (ii) movement of the armature through the magnetic field associated with the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the amplifier A2 scales and inverts the voltage appearing at terminal β (the bottom of the actuator) to produce a voltage equal in magnitude to, but 180 degrees out of phase with, the component of the voltage across appearing at terminal α (the top of the actuator) due to the flow of current through the actuator. In some embodiments, the output of amplifier A3 is the sum of the output of amplifier A2 and the voltage appearing at terminal α (the top of the actuator). In some embodiments, the output of amplifier A3 is equal to the voltage resulting from the movement of the armature through the magnetic field associated with the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the output of amplifier A3 is the rate-feedback voltage.


In some embodiments, provided herein are voice-coil actuators associated with a system for electrically-augmented damping. In some embodiments, a rate-feedback voltage is subtracted from an actuator command voltage to effectively damp the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, the rate feedback voltage is derived from measurement of voltage across the actuator and current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, the electrically-augmented damping results in reduced performance anomalies for the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, the rate-feedback voltage is calculated without use of a velocity sensor.


In some embodiments, provided herein are Fourier-transform spectrometers comprising an optical path-length modulator utilizing a voice-coil actuator and comprising a system for electrically-augmented damping. In some embodiments, a rate-feedback voltage is subtracted from the actuator command voltage to effectively damp the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, the rate feedback voltage is derived from measurement of voltage across the actuator and current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, the rate-feedback voltage is calculated without use of a velocity sensor. In some embodiments, the electrically-augmented damping results in reduced performance anomalies for the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, reduced performance anomalies for the voice-coil actuator provide a reduction in errors in time-domain interferograms, a reduction in errors in frequency-domain spectrum, and improved spectrometer performance.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and detailed description is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are included by way of example and not by way of limitation.



FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a Fourier-transform spectrometer (adapted from: Saptari, Vidi, Fourier-Transform Spectroscopy Instrumentation Engineering. SPIE Press, Bellingham Wash., Vol. No.: TT61 (2004), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).



FIG. 2 shows a circuit schematic employed in embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.



FIG. 3 shows a sample plot of compensated plant loop gain.



FIG. 4 shows a sample plot of compensated plant closed-loop gain.



FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a circuit sub-component employed in additional embodiments.



FIG. 6 shows a sample plot of a Transconductance (Gm) amplifier open-loop transfer function.



FIG. 7 shows a sample plot of a Gm amplifier closed-loop transfer function.



FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a circuit sub-component employed in additional embodiments.



FIG. 9 shows a sample plot of a Phase-Lead (lead) amplifier closed-loop gain.



FIG. 10 shows a sample plot of lead amplifier peak output voltages for a locked armature.



FIG. 11 shows a schematic of a Summing Amplifier circuit sub-component employed in some embodiments.



FIG. 12 shows a plot of SNR of rate feedback signal.



FIG. 13 shows a plot of transfer function of synthesized circuits.





DEFINITIONS

When used to compare two or more voltages, currents, or other values, the term “equal,” indicates that the voltages or currents are substantially identical, or identical within reasonable error associated with the circuitry or system. Such reasonable errors are understood by those in the art, and may be, for example <5% error, <2% error, <1% error, <0.1% error, <0.01% error, <0.001% error, <0.0001% error, or less, depending upon the particular utility. A skilled artisan is capable of determining such limits. The values need not be precisely identical; however, values which are merely similar or approximate do not satisfy the criteria of being “equal.”


As used herein, the terms “actuator” and “motor” are used synonymously.


As used herein, the terms “top of the actuator” and “terminal α” are used synonymously.


As used herein, the terms “bottom of the actuator” and “terminal β” are used synonymously.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Provided herein are devices, systems, computer-executable instructions, and methods for electrically-augmented damping of an actuator and associated devices. Example actuators include, but are not limited to, voice-coil actuators. In some embodiments, methods for increased effective damping without the use of a dedicated velocity sensor are provided. In some embodiments, a rate signal is developed (e.g., for use in damping) without input from a dedicated velocity sensor. In some embodiments, electrically-augmented damping derived from measurement of voltage across an actuator and current flowing through an actuator is provided. In particular, a rate signal is developed, for use in damping, from measurements of the voltage appearing between the two terminals of the voice-coil actuator and the current flowing through the actuator. Embodiments are described in which a dedicated velocity sensor is not used, thereby reducing cost and volume of the system.


Provided herein are methods for providing a compensation voltage for electrically-augmented damping of any suitable system. In some embodiments, the compensation voltage is calculated, determined, and/or derived from currents and voltages within the system. In some embodiments, currents and voltages within the system are manipulated in any suitable manner to provide a compensation voltage (e.g., rate feedback) to damp the system. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is provided by rate feedback circuitry or compensation circuitry. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage or rate-feedback signal is provided without additional devices or apparatuses (e.g., velocity sensors). In some embodiments, a compensation voltage or rate-feedback signal is provided without additional devices or apparatuses (e.g., velocity sensors) other than compensation circuitry to obtain, divert, and manipulate currents and voltages within the existing circuitry.


Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for electrically-augmented damping of actuators which find use in any suitable device, system, or apparatus. In embodiments, a computing device executing a program of instructions may be utilized to perform the relevant calculation in order to control the system and/or perform the method. As is to be appreciated, the instructions may be embodied in a variety of media, including, but not limited to, tangible media such as hard drives, memory (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, magnetic and optic media and so forth. In some embodiments, voice-coil actuators find use in, for example, Fourier-transform spectrometers (e.g., FT infrared spectrometers), hard disk drives, loudspeakers, shaker tables, lens focusing, medical equipment, laser-cutting tools, etc. In some embodiments, an actuator utilizing the damping described herein is an element in an optical path-length modulator mechanism of a Fourier-transform spectrometer. In some embodiments, Fourier-transform spectrometers comprising an optical path-length modulator mechanism employing electrically-augmented damping are provided. In some embodiments, increased effective damping results in noise reduction or increased precision for devices and systems utilizing systems and methods described herein. In particular, increased effective damping in the optical path-length modulator mechanism of a Fourier-transform spectrometer results in a reduction in errors in time-domain interferograms. These errors may translate into errors (e.g., comparatively larger errors) in the frequency-domain spectrum; hence, reducing such errors may results in improved spectrometer performance while minimizing the overall “footprint” of such a device. Similar performance enhancements are realized in other devices and systems utilizing the damping methods and systems described herein.


In some embodiments, electronically-augmented damping actuators (e.g., non-linear actuators, voice-coil actuators, rotational actuators, etc.) are provided. In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is provided. In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is provided for use in a Fourier-transform spectrometer, loudspeaker, hard disk drive, shaker tables, lens focusing, medical equipment, laser-cutting tools, etc. In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is employed in an optical path-length modulator mechanism of a Fourier-transform spectrometer (e.g., providing movement of the “moving mirror”). In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is an electromagnetic device that produces accurately controllable forces over a limited stroke with a single coil or phase (Goque & Stepak, Voice-coil actuators, G2 Consulting, Beaverton, Oreg., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is a linear actuator. In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is a swing-arm actuator or rotation actuator, and is used to rotate a load through an angle. In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is capable of accelerations greater than 10 times gravitational acceleration (e.g., >10 g . . . 15 g . . . 20 g . . . 25 g . . . 30 g . . . 40 g . . . 50 g, etc.). In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator is capable of precise positioning (e.g., error of less than one hundred thousandth of an inch (e.g., <0.00001, <0.000001, <0.0000001, <0.00000001, etc.). In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator has a settling time, e.g., the time required for structural vibration to settle down to below the measurement threshold after a high-acceleration move, of less than 10 milliseconds (e.g., <10 ms, <5 ms, <2 ms, <1 ms, <0.5 ms, <0.1 ms, <0.01 ms, etc.). A voice-coil actuator functions based on the principle that if a conductor (e.g., wire) carrying electric current passes through a magnetic field, a force is generated on the conductor orthogonal to both the direction of the current and the magnetic flux. Likewise, if a current is passed through a conductor which lies between two poles of a magnetic field, a force will be generated on the conductor orthogonal to both the direction of the current and the magnetic flux. The ratio of generated force to current may be referred to as the “force constant”. The generated force varies as a function of the amount of current, direction of current, coil speed, coil position, rate of change of the current, strength of magnetic field, etc. Once the conductor (e.g., armature) begins to move as a result of the generated force, a voltage is induced in the conductor, caused by its motion in a magnetic field. This voltage, called back electromotive force (EMF), is proportional to speed, field strength and current, and is in a direction to oppose motion. It reduces the voltage across the coil, lowering the current and the rate of acceleration.


In some embodiments, a voice-coil actuator comprises a permanent magnet, and an armature that carries a current through the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, a command voltage is applied to the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, a force is induced on the armature due to the flow of current through the magnetic field. In some embodiments, back EMF is produced by movement of the armature, hereby reducing the voltage across the voice-coil. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to compensate for the voltage caused by the movement of the armature. In some embodiments, methods and systems herein serve to alter the effective command voltage applied to a voice-coil actuator to compensate for undesired inputs (e.g., voltage caused by armature movement, noise, fluctuations, etc.). In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is applied to the command voltage. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is a rate signal. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is analogous to a rate signal. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is derived from a rate signal. In some embodiments, an effective command voltage is produced by applying a compensation voltage to a command voltage. In some embodiments, a voltage analogous to the armature rate (e.g., compensation voltage) is removed from the command voltage applied to the voice-coil actuator. In some embodiments, a voltage analogous to the armature rate (e.g., compensation voltage) is removed from the command voltage to yield an effective command voltage. In some embodiments, a rate signal is developed, for use in damping, from measurements of the voltage appearing between the two terminals of the conductor the voice-coil actuator and the current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is derived from the voltage across the voice-coil actuator and the current flowing through the actuator. In some embodiments, a compensation voltage is derived from summing the voltage appearing at the top of the actuator and a voltage equal to the inverse of the component of voltage appearing at the top of the actuator produced by the flow of current through the actuator.



FIG. 2 provides a schematic representing exemplary circuitry for applying the methods provided herein. In some embodiments, a series of amplifiers and/or circuits are employed to obtain a compensation voltage to correct the command voltage producing an effective command voltage.


Amplifier A1 is a transconductance (Gm) amplifier (SEE FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the transconductance amplifier A1 is configured according to the circuit synthesis outlined in FIG. 5. Other suitable transconductance amplifier circuitry can be employed as well. The output of transconductance amplifier A1 is a current which is a function of: (1) the command voltage eCmd and (2) the compensation voltage or rate-feedback voltage eδ. In some embodiments, the output of transconductance amplifier A1 is a current which is a function of the sum of the command voltage and the compensation voltage.


In some embodiments, the output current produced by transconductance amplifier A1 flows into the actuator, dividing between the motor electrical impedance Zm and the shunt resistance RSh (SEE FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the total current from the Zm and RSh then flows through Sense Resistance RSense. The voltage generator depicted in the motor model of FIG. 2 represents the voltage produced by the motion of the armature through the magnetic field associated with the permanent magnet. The magnitude of this voltage is given by the product of the angular velocity of the armature (Θ-dot) and the Back-EMF constant of the motor (KBEMF). This generator is represented in the complex-frequency domain model with amplitude s*Θ*KBEMF. The voltage appearing at the top of the motor eα contains (1) a component due to the flow of current through the motor impedances eα1, and (2) a component due to armature motion eα2. The voltage appearing at the bottom of the motor eβ is a function of current flowing through the actuator (e.g., no component due to armature movement). Other motors, generators, and actuators that produce voltages according to other schemes are provided herein. For example, other suitable motors are used in place of the one described in FIG. 2. Changes to the circuitry can be used to adapt to different motor setups.


The lead amplifier A2 may scale the voltage observed at the bottom of the motor eβ such that the output of the lead amplifier A2 is substantially identical to that component of the voltage appearing at the top of the motor which is due to motor current (SEE FIG. 2). The lead amplifier A2 can be configured according to the circuit synthesis outlined in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the transfer function of lead amplifier A2 scales the voltage eβ such that lead amplifier A2 output eγ is equal to the component of eα produced by the flow of current through the motor impedances. In this way the lead amplifier A2 can invert the phase of the current. In some embodiments, lead amplifier A2 introduces a phase shift of 180 degrees, thereby inverting the phase of the current.


In some embodiments, the rate summer amplifier A3 adds voltages eγ and eα (SEE FIG. 2), due to the inversion produced by lead amplifier A2. This results in a subtraction. In some embodiments, the voltage at the output of rate summer amplifier A3 is the compensation voltage eδ, which is equal to the motional voltage s*Θ*KBEMF scaled by the gain of rate summer amplifier A3. The rate summer amplifier A3 may be configured according to the circuit synthesis outlined in FIG. 11. The output of the rate summer amplifier A3 represents only the motional voltage produced by armature motion, the effects of motor current having cancelled in the subtraction. Thus, the compensation voltage eδ is analogous to the velocity at the motor armature, Θ-dot.


In some embodiments, the compensation voltage eδ is subtracted from the command voltage applied to transconductance amplifier A1 to yield an effective command voltage (SEE FIG. 2). As eδ is analogous to armature rate, the compensation (e.g., voltage subtraction) augments the damping inherent in the physical mechanism. In some embodiments, the voltage compensation at transconductance amplifier A1 accounts for voltage effects of the movement of the armature through the magnetic field.


The circuitry and/or amplifier connectivity described above should not be viewed as limiting. Additional embodiments, although not explicitly described herein are contemplated based on design preference and can be used with the described embodiments.


Certain embodiments, including sample algorithms, are described below to illustrate use in the context of a Fourier-transform spectrometry instrument. These embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.


Example 1
Transfer Function of an Uncompensated System

The armature assembly and its flexure suspension form a lightly-damped second-order rotational system. A torque balance at the armature yields the following:







Torque
Armature

=





s
2

·
Θ
·

J
Armature


+

s
·
Θ
·

K
Damping


+

Θ
·

K
Spring









Torque
Armature


=

Θ
·

J
Armature

·

(



s
2

·
s
·


K
Damping


J
Armature



+


K
Spring


J
Armature



)








Solving for armature angle Θ:






Θ
=


(


Torque
Armature


J
Armature


)

·

(

1



s
2

·
s
·


K
Damping


J
Armature



+


K
Spring


J
Armature




)







The torque developed by the actuator is related to the current by the TorqueConstantActuator:

TorqueArmature=ActuatorCurrent·TorqueConstantActuator

Therefore:






Θ
=


(


ActuatorCurrent
·

TorqueConstant
Actuator



J
Armature


)

·



[

1


s
2

+

s
·

(


K
Damping


J
Armature


)


+


K
Spring


J
Armature




]








KUncompensatedPlant was expressed as:







K
UncompensatedPlant

=

Θ
ActuatorCurrent






Therefore:







K
UncompensatedPlant

=


(


TorqueConstant
Actuator


J
Armature


)

·

[

1


s
2

+

s
·

(


K
Damping


J
Armature


)


+


K
Spring


J
Armature




]














ω

n





_





UncompensatedPlant


=



K
Spring


J
Armature











2
·

ζ
UncompensatedPlant

·

ω
n


=




K
Damping


J
Armature




ζ
UncompensatedPlant


=



K
Damping

2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature










Example 2
Developing Transfer Functions for Servo Components

Transfer functions were developed to define the forward branch of the compensated plant loop:







ForwardGain
CompensatedPlant

=


Θ
Armature


e

Out





_





ErrorAmp










Θ
Armature

=


e

Out





_





ErrorAmp


·
Gm
·

K
UncompensatedPlant







Therefore:

ForewardGainCompensatedPlant=Gm·KUncompensatedPlant

The transconductance (Gm) amplifier was expressed as:






Gm
=


i
Motor


e

Out





_





ErrorAmp








Therefore:












ForwardGain
CompensatedPlant

=

Gm
·

K
UncompensatedPlant










ForwardGain
CompensatedPlant

=

Gm
·

[


(


TorqueConstant
Actuator


J
Armature


)

·

[

1


s
2

+

s
·

(


K
Damping


J
Armature


)


+


K
Spring


J
Armature




]


]







Transfer functions were developed to express the feedback branch of the compensated plant loop:







FeedbackGain
CompensatedPlant

=


e
RateSummer_Out






t




Θ
Armature










e
RateSummer_Out






represents





the





angular





rate





at





the






armature
.






The feedback variable eRateSummerOut is synthesized from voltages observed at the Top and the Bottom of the actuator. The voltage at the Bottom of the actuator coil is a function of the motor current given by:

eMotorBottom=iMotor·RSense

The voltage appearing at the top of the motor due to current from the Gm amplifier is:

eMotorTopGmAmplifierCurrent=iMotor·(RMotor+s·LMotor+RSense)

In addition to the above voltage, the back EMF constant of the motor generates a voltage proportional to armature motion:







e
MotorTop_BEMF

=


(





t




Θ
Armature


)

·

K
BEMF







The two voltages add yielding a voltage at the top of the motor given by:







e
MotorTop

=



i
Motor

·

(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor


+

R
Sense


)


+


(





t




Θ
Armature


)

·

K
BEMF








The Lead Amplifier scales the voltage observed at the Motor Bottom such that the output of the Lead Amplifier is identical to that component of the voltage appearing at the Motor Top which is due to motor Current. The Rate Summer amplifier subtracts the output of the Lead Amplifier from the voltage appearing at the Motor Top. The output of the Rate Summer represents only the motional voltage produced by armature motion, the effects of motor current having cancelled in the subtraction. A transfer function for the lead amplifier was developed which satisfies the restraints and requirements of the system. For the effects of motor current to cancel at the Rate Summer, the transfer function of the Lead Amplifier must satisfy the expression:

(eMotorBottom·TransferFunctionLeadAmplifier=−eMotorTopLockedArmature)

Therefore:







TransferFunction
LeadAmplifier

=


-
1

·




i
Motor

·

(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor


+

R
Sense


)


+


(
0
)

·

K
BEMF





i
Motor

·

R
Sense
















TransferFunction
LeadAmplifier

=


-
1

·



R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor


+

R
Sense



R
Sense
















TransferFunction
LeadAmp

=


Gain

LeadAmp_

0


·

(


s
·

τ

LeadAmp_Zero

_

0



+
1

)














When


:









Gain

LeadAmp_

0


=




-
1

·



R
Sense

+

R
Motor



R
Sense





τ

LeadAmp_Zero

_

0



=


L
Motor



R
Sense

+

R
Motor









The Rate Summer subtracts the Lead Amplifier output from the voltage present at the Motor Top, yielding a signal which is a function of Armature position alone. The Rate Summer scales this signal by the factor KRateSummer. The output of the Rate Summer is:

eRateSummerOut=(eMotorTop+eLeadAmplfierOutKRateSummer

Substituting the previous expressions for eMotorTop, eMotorBottom, and the Lead Amplifier Transfer Function, the output of the Rate Summer becomes:







e
RateSummerOut

=






[






[



i
Motor

·

(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor


+

R
Sense


)


+


(

s
·

Θ
Armature


)

·

K
BEMF



]








+







(


i
Motor

·

R
Sense


)

·

(


-
1

·



R
Sense

+

R
Motor



R
Sense



)

·

(


s
·


L
Motor



R
Sense

+

R
Motor




+
1

)





]

·

K
RateSummer








e
RateSummerOut


=



K
RateSummer

·
s
·

Θ
Armature

·


K
BEMF


units







are






(

Volt

Radians
Mechanical


)









A transfer function was developed for an error amplifier:







e
ErrorAmplifier_Out

=


(


e
Command

-

e
RateSummer_Out


)

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier









where


Gain
ErrorAmplifier


:=

1
·

volt
volt







Transfer function for the Open-Loop Gain of the compensated loop was determined:







LoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=


ForwardGain
CompensatedPlant

·

FeedbackGain
CompensatedPlant

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier









LoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=



[

Gm
·

[


(


TorqueConstant
Actuator


J
Armature


)

·



[

1


s
2

+

s
·

(


K
Damping


J
Armature


)


+


K
Spring


J
Armature




]

]


]

·

(

s
·

K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer


)

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier









Transfer function for the Closed-Loop Gain of the compensated loop was determined:












ClosedLoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=


Forward






Gain
CompensatedPlant



1
+

LoopGain
CompensatedPlant











ClosedLoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=



(



TorqueConstant
Actuator

·
Gm


J
Armature


)

·



1


s
2

+

s
·

(


J
Armature


)












ClosedLoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=


(



TorqueConstant
Actuator

·
Gm


J
Armature


)

·

1



s
2

+
s




·

(

2
·

ξ
CompensatedPlant

·

ω
n_CompensatedPlant


)


+

ω
n_CompensatedPlant
2










The resonant frequencies of the compensated and uncompensated plants are substantially identical (e.g. identical):












ω
n_CompensatedPlant

=



K
Spring


J
Armature











2
·

ζ
CompensatedPlant

·

ω
n


=






K
Damping

+

Gm
·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·








K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier






J
Armature









ζ
CompensatedPlant

=







K
Damping

+

Gm
·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·








K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier





2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature

















ζ
UncompensatedPlant

=



K
Damping

2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature











The damping of the Compensated Plant is the sum of two terms: the damping in the Uncompensated Plant (which may be inherent), plus a term determined by the loop gain:







ζ
CompensatedPlant

=


ζ
UncompensatedPlant

=






Gm
·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·

K
BEMF

·







K
RateSummer

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier





2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature










Example 3
Selection of Circuit Parameters to Achieve Performance Metrics

Circuit values were chosen to produce a closed-loop gain meeting the following performance metrics which were deemed suitable for an instrument (e.g. Fourier-transform spectrometry instrument):







ClosedLoopGain

0

_CompensatedPlant


:=



4.03049
3

·


deg
volt



ClosedLoopGain

0

_CompensatedPlant




=

1.343


deg
volt















ζ
CompensatedPlant

:=
0.9













ω
n_CompensatedPlant

=

ω
n_UncompensatedPlant














Θ
Armature_Max

:=

4.03049
·
deg














Θ
Armature_Min

:=


-
4.03049

·
deg







Observed uncompensated plant performance using the above circuit values:







ω
n_UncompensatedPlant

:=

235.3
·

rad
sec









SpringConstant

Flexure_

1


:=


0.0296
·
lbf
·
in

deg















SpringConstant

Flexure_

2


:=


0.0004
·
lbf
·
in

deg














ζ
UncompensatedPlant

:=
0.0239








K
Spring

:=



(


SpringConstant

Flexure_

1


+

SpringConstant

Flexure_

2



)



K
Spring


=

3.39
×

10

-
3









N
·
m

deg










ω
n
2

=





K
Spring


J
Armature





J
Armature


:=




K
Spring


ω
n_UncompensatedPlant
2




J
Armature


=

3.508
×

10

-
6








kg
·

m
2










Observed actuator parameters using the above circuit values:







L
Motor

:=

6.019
·
mH








R
Motor

:=

30.0
·
ohm








Torque






Constant
Actuator


:=

0.1649
·


N
·
m

amp









K
BEMF

:=

0.748
·

volt

Rad
sec










Radius
MirrorArm

:=

0.4
·
in








K

Θ





_To

_OPD


:=

4
·

Radius
MirrorArm







Gm required to satisfy Closed-Loop gain requirement:







ClosedLoopGain
CompensatedPlant

=


(



TorqueConstant
Actuator

·

Gm
0



J
Armature


)

·



1


s
2

·
s
·

(






K
Damping

+


Gm
0

·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·








K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer

·
G





J
Armature


)









Therefore, at frequency=0:







ClosedLoopGain






0

_CompensatedPlant



=

(



TorqueConstant
Actuator

·

Gm
0



K
Spring


)







    • Setting this equal to the desired value of Closed Loop Gain, and solving for the required value of Gm:










Gm

0

_Required


:=




ClosedLoopGain

0

_CompensatedPlant



TorqueConstant
Actuator


·


K
Spring



Gm

0

_Required




=

27.616






mAmp
volt








Rate-Summer gain required to yield desired damping:







ζ
CompensatedPlant

=


ζ
UncompensatedPlant

+








Gm
0

·
Torque








Constant
Actuator

·

K

BEMF
·










K
RateSummer

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier





2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature












    • Setting this equal to the desired value of damping, and solving for the required value of Rate Summer Gain:










ζ
CompensatedPlant_Desired

=


ζ
UncompensatedPlant

+








Gm
0

·
Torque








Constant
Actuator

·

K

BEMF
·










K
RateSummer

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier





2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature













K
RateSummer_Required

:=


2
·




ζ
CompensatedPlant

-

ζ
UncompensatedPlant








(

1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature



)


1
2


·

Gm

0

_Required


·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·







K
BEMF

·

Gain
ErrorAmplifier








K
RateSummer_Required



=
0.425





Example 4
Evaluation of Servo Transfer Functions

Compensated plant transfer functions were evaluated using the parameters determined in example 3.


Open-Loop transfer function (SEE FIG. 3):












ζ
UncompensatedPlant

=



K
Damping

2

·


1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature


















K
Damping

:=




2
·

ζ
UncompensatedPlant




1


K
Spring

·

J
Armature







K
Damping


=

3.945
×

10

-
5









N
·
m


rad
sec












LoopGain

CompensatedPlant
f


:=

[


Gm

0

_Required


·

[






(


TorqueConstant
Actuator


J
Armature


)

·



[

1



(

s
f

)

2

+


s
f

·

(


K
Damping


J
Armature


)


+


K
Spring


J
Armature




]

]


]





·

(


s
f

·

K
BEMF

·

K

RateSummer

_

Re











Closed-Loop transfer function (SEE FIG. 4):







ClosedLoopGain

CompensatedPlant
f


:=


(



TorqueConstant
Actuator

·

Gm

0

_Required




J
Armature


)

·







(

s
f

)

2

+


s
f

·

(



K
Dramping

+


Gm

0


_

Required



·

TorqueConstant
Actuator

·
K



J
Arma














CurrentTransferFunction
UncompensatedPlantf

:=


Gm

0

_Required


·

[


(


TorqueConstant
Actuator


J
Armature


)

·



[

1



(

s
f

)

2

+


s
f



(

2
·

ζ
UncompensatedPlant

·



K
Spring


J
Armature




)


+

I

J
j













Example 5
Circuit Synthesis

Circuits were developed to meet the performance requirements for the amplifiers.


A. Gm Amplifier Circuit Synthesis (SEE FIG. 5):


Driving Requirements:







Gm

0

_Required


=

27.616






mAmp
volt









Θ
Armature_Max

=

4.03049





deg








Θ
Armature_Min

=


-
4.03049






deg








freq
Gm

:=


10
·



ω
n_UncompensatedPlant


2
·
π




freq
Gm



=

374.492


1
s










V
dd

:=

5
·
volt








V

Out_Amp

_Max


:=


V
dd

-

1
·
volt









V
ee

:=


-
5

·
volt








V

Out_Amp

_Min


:=


V
ee

-

1
·
volt






Evaluation of RSense:









I
Motor_Max

·

TorqueConstant
Actuator



K
Spring


=



Θ
Armature_Max



I
Motor_Max


:=




Θ
Armature_Max


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·


K
Spring



I
Motor_Max



=

0.083





A









    • to avoid exceeding the output capability of the amplifier, RSense is to satisfy the relationship:












(


I
Motor_Max

+



I
Motor_Max

·

R
Motor



R
Sh



)

·

R
Sense_Max


+


I
Motor_Max

·

R
Motor



=

V

Out_Amp

_Max









R
Sense_Max

:=





R
Sh

·

(


V

Out_Amp

_Max


-


I
Motor_Max

·

R
Motor



)





R
Sh

·

I
Motor_Max


-


I
Motor_Max

·

R
Motor






R
Sense_Max


=

16.675





Ω









PowerDissipation





R_Sense


:=




(


I
Motor_Max


12


)

2

·


R
Sense



PowerDissipation





R_Sense




=

5.72
×

10

-
3







watt






Evaluation of Rln_Gm and RFGm:











γ
=


R
f


R
in















I
Motor

=


I
AmpOut



(


R
Sh



R
Sh

-

R
Motor



)















therfore


I
AmpOut


=


I
Motor



(



R
Sh

-

R
Motor



R
Sh


)















and


e
β


=


I
AmpOut

·

R
Sense















substituting


e
β


=


I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense















At





the





inverting





input





of





the






amplifier



e
in


R
in




=


e
β


R
f















therfore



e
in


R
in



=



I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense



R
f










since


Gm
0


=




I
Motor


e
in




Gm
0


=




R
f


R
in


·



R
Sh



(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)

·

R
Sense





Gm
0



=

γ
·


R
Sh



(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)

·

R
Sense

















γ
:=



Gm

0

_Required


·


[



(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)

·

R
Sense



R
Sh


]


γ


=


0.304










R
In_Gm


:=




R
F_Gm

γ



R
In_Gm


=

13896.1





Ω









Evaluation of CF—Gm:

    • The cutoff frequency of the Gm amplifier was expressed as:






:=


10
·



ω
n_UncompensatedPlant


2
·
π




freq
Gm



=

374.492






1
s









    • Therefore:















1


R
f



C
f



=

10
·

ω
n_UncompensatedPlant










C
F_Gm

:=



1


R
F_Gm

·

(

10
·

ω
n_UncompensatedPlant


)





C
F_Gm


=

0.101





μFarad














Standard





value


:







C
F_Gm


=

0.1





μFarad






Evaluation of Gm Amplifier Open-Loop Transfer Function:

    • The Open Loop gain of the transconductance amplifier is given by the product:

      LoopGainGmf=VoltageTransferRatioαToβf·VoltageTransferRatioβToγf·AOpenLoopOPA561f
    • Voltage divider from α to β:












VoltageTransferRatio







α_

To






=

β
α













β
=

α
·


R
Sense



R
Sense

+

Z

α





β


















Z

α





β


=


[



(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)


-
1


+

1

R
Sh



]


-
1










VoltageTransferRatio







α_

To






=


R
Sense



R
Sense

+

1


1


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor




+

1

R
Sh













VoltageTransferRatio







α_

To




f




:=


R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor














    • Voltage divider from β to γ:















VoltageTransferRatio







β_

To






=

γ
β













γ
=

β
·


R
in



R
in

+

Z
feedback

















Z
feedback

=


(


1

R
f


+

s
·

C
f



)


-
1















VoltageTransferRatio







β_

To






=


R
in



R
in

+

1


1

R
f


+

s
·

C
f














VoltageTransferRatio







β_

To




f




:=



R
In_Gm

+


R
In_Gm

·

s
f

·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm





R
In_Gm

+


R
In_Gm

·

s
f

·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm


+

R
F_Gm









    • OPA561 open loop gain:










A

0

_OPA





561


:=

10
5








freq

3

db_OPA





561


:=

170
·
Hz








A

OpenLoop_OPA






561
f



:=


A

0

_OPA





561


·

1



s
f

·

1

2
·
π
·

freq

3





db_OPA





561





+
1









    • The above quantities were substituted into the expression for loop gain (SEE FIG. 6).

      LoopGainGmf:=AOpenLoopOPA561f·VoltageTransferRatioαToβf·VoltageTransferRatioβToγf





Evaluation of Gm Amplifier Closed-Loop Transfer Function:







VoltageTransferRatio

α





_To



f



:=


R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor














    • Voltage appearing across the motor (SEE FIG. 7):















Voltage
Motor

=

α
-
β














Voltage
Motor

=

α
·

(

1
-

VoltageTransferRatio

α





_To





)
















su

bstituting



Voltage
Motor


=

β
·

(


1
-

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To







VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To






)















I
Motor

=


Voltage
Motor



R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor












substituting


I
Motor


=

β
·


1
-

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To








VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·

(



R
Motor

+
s



·

L
Motor



)











solving





for






β

β


=



-

I
Motor




(

-
1

)

+

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To







·

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·

(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)














summing





currents





at





the





op






input



e
in


R
in




=

β


(


1

R
F_Gm


+

s
·

C
F_Gm



)


-
1












substituting


-
1


·


e
in


R
In_Gm



=



I
Motor



(

-
1

)

+

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To







·

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·

(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)

·

(


1

R
F_Gm


+

s
·

C
f



)










-

e
in







R
In_Gm

·

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·







(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)

·

(

1
+

s
·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm



)






·






[


(

-
1

)

+

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To






]

·

R
F_G







solving





for





the





ratio







I
Motor

/

e
in













I
Motor


e
in



=



-
1






R
In_Gm

·

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·







(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)

·

(

1
+

s
·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm



)






·






[


(

-
1

)

+

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To






]

·

R
F_G








therfore

Gm


=



-
1






R
In_Gm

·

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To





·







(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)

·

(

1
+

s
·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm



)






·





[


(

-
1

)

+

VoltageTransferRatio


α_

To






]










substituting





the





Voltage





Transfer





Ratio





expressions





Gm

=



-
1



R
in

·

R
Sense

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)



·






R
Sense




·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+









R
Sense

·
s
·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·
s
·

L
Motor








(


R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor



)

·

(

1
+


s
·

C
f




R
f



)







·

[






(

-
1





)

+






R
Sense










Gm
=




(


(


R
F_Gm

·

R
Sh


)


(


R
Sense




·

R
In_Gm

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
In_Gm

·

R
Motor




)


)

·










[







s
2

·

(



R
Sense

·

R
in_Gm

·

L
Motor

·

C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm








R
Sense

·

R
in_Gm

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·








R
in_Gm

·

R
Motor






)


+

s
·

(







R
Sense

·

R
in_Gm



·






L
Motor


























simplify










G

m
f


:=






[



R
F_Gm

·

R
Sh




R
Sense

·

R
In_Gm

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)



]

·











[

1




(

s
f

)

2

·

(


R


F
Gm

·

L
Motor

·

C

F
Gm






R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)


+

(






L
Motor

+


C
F_Gm

·

R
F_Gm

·

R
Sh


+







R
Motor

·

C

F
Gm


·

R
F_Gm







R
Sh

+

R
Motor





























Verification of Closed-Loop Performance Requirements of Gm Amplifier:






Low





frequency





transconductance






gain







G

m
0




=


27.411






mAmp
volt







Gm

0

_Required



=


27.616






mAmp
volt






Output





voltage






excursion


e

Out_OPA





561

_Max




:=




I
Motor_Max

·

(

R
Motor

)


+


I
Motor_Max

·

(

1
-


R
Motor


R
Sh



)

·


R
Sense



e

Out_OPA





561

_Max





=


3.396





V





Closed


-


Loop






Bandwidth


G


m

_


3

db




:=






G

m
0





2




G

m_

3

db



=


19.382






mAmp
volt






evaluating





the





Gm





function





at





the





3





db






frequency




G

m
257






=


19.51







mAmp
volt



freq
257



=

371.535





Hz




















B. Lead Amplifier Circuit Synthesis (See FIG. 8):


Driving requirements provide that the product of the voltage at the Motor Low terminal and the Lead Amplifier Transfer Function is identical to the voltage observed at the Motor High when the Armature is locked. The output of the Lead Amplifier has a phase shift of 180 degrees (i.e., inversion).


The voltage at the Motor Bottom is:







e
MotorBottom

=


e
β

=


I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense







The ratio of the voltage at the Motor Bottom to that at the Motor Top is:







VoltageTransferRatio

α





_To



f



=


R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor












Therefore:







e

MotorTop
f


=


e

MotorBottom
f




R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor















    • Dividing by the voltage at the Motor Bottom yields an expression for the required Lead Amplifier Closed Loop Transfer Function:










ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=

1


R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor
















ClosedLoopGain

LeadAmplifier_Required
f


:=




[




R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor





R
Sense

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)



]








The Closed Loop Transfer Function of the Lead Amplifier has the form:







TransferFunction
LeadAmp_Required

=


Gain

LeadAmp_

0


·



s
·

τ

LeadAmp_Zero

_

1



+
1



s
·

τ

LeadAmp_Pole

_

1



+
1










Gain

LeadAmp_

0


:=



-
1

·





R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor





R
Sense

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)





Gain

LeadAmp_

0




=

-
3.728









τ

LeadAmp_Zero

_

1


:=



L
Motor

·


(



R
Sense

+

R

Sh










R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor




)



τ

LeadAmp_Zero

_

1




=

151.694





μ





Sec









τ

LeadAmp_Pole

_

1


:=



L
Motor

·


(

1


R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)



τ

LeadAmp_Pole

_

1




=

18.184





μ





Sec






An expression for the Lead Amplifier Closed-Loop Response was developed:












e
Out

=


e
In

·

(

-
1

)

·


Z
Feedback


Z
In
















ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=


e
Out


e
In















ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=


(

-
1

)

·

(


Z
Feedback


Z
In


)










Z
Feedback

=




(


1

R
f


+

s
·

C
f



)


-
1








and






Z
In



=


(


1

R
In


+

1


R
Stop

+

1

s
·

C
Lead






)


-
1










ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=




[



(

-

R
f


)

·

R
Stop

·

C
Lead


-


R
f




C
Lead

·

R
In




]

·
s

-

R
f









R
In

·

s
2

·

C
f




R
f




R
Stop

·

C
Lead



+








(



R
In

·

R
Stop

·

C
Lead


+



R
In

·

C
f




R
f



)

·
s

+

R
In













ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=



-

R
f



R
In


·




(


R
Stop

+

R
In


)

·

C
Lead

·
s

+
1





s
2

·

C
f




R
f




R
Stop

·

C
Lead



+

s
·

(



R
Stop

·

C
Lead


+


C
f



R
f



)


+
1










ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=


-
1

·

(


R
f


R
In


)

·

[



s
·

[


(


R
In

+

R
Stop


)

·

C
Lead


]


+
1



(


s
·

R
Stop

·

C
Lead


+
1

)

·

(



s
·

C
f




R
f


+
1

)



]






Therefore:







ClosedLoopGain
LeadAmplifier

=


A

0

_LeadAmplifier


·

[



s
·

(

τ

Zero_

1

_LeadAmplifier


)


+
1



(


s
·

τ

Pole_

1

_LeadAmplifier



+
1

)

·

(


s
·

τ

Pole_

2

_LeadAmplifier



+
1

)



]














A

0

_LeadAmplifier


=


-
1

·


R
F_LeadAmplifier


R
In_LeadAmplifier











τ

Zero_

1

_LeadAmplifier


=


(


R
In_LeadAmplifier

+

R
Stop_LeadAmplifier


)

·

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier














τ


Pole

_


1

_LeadAmplifier


=


R
Stop_LeadAmplifier

·

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier















τ

Pole_

2

_LeadAmplifier


=


R
f_LeadAmplifier

·

C
f_LeadAmplifier









    • In some embodiments, the frequency of the second pole is placed above the zero to achieve the desired Lead-Lag response.
      • Synthesis of Pole 1:















τ

LeadAmp_Pole

_

1


:=


L
Motor

·

(

1


R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)















τ

Pole_

1

_LeadAmplifier


=


R
Stop_LeadAmplifier

·

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier
















R
Stop_LeadAmplifier

·

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier


=


L
Motor

·

(

1


R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)















C
Lead_LeadAmplifier

:=

0.02
·
μFarad









R
Stop_LeadAmplifier

:=





L
Motor

·

(

1


R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)



C
Lead_LeadAmplifier




R
Stop_LeadAmplifier


=

909.215





Ω














Standard





Value


:







R
Stop_LeadAmplifier


=

909
·
ohm










      • Synthesis of Zero 1:












τ

Zero_

1

_LeadAmplifier


:=


L
Motor

·



R
Sense

+

R
Sh





R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor












τ

Zero_

1

_LeadAmplifier


=


(


R
In_LeadAmplifier

+

R
Stop_LeadAmplifier


)

·

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier









R
In_LeadAmplifier

:=




L
Motor

·



R
Sense

+

R
Sh





R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor




·

(

1

C
Lead_LeadAmplifier


)


-


R
Stop_LeadAmplifier



R
In_LeadAmplifier



=

6675.72





Ω














Standard





Value


:







R
In_LeadAmplifier


=

6675.72





Ω










      • Synthesis of Gain0:

















Gain

LeadAmp_

0


=


-
1

·




R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor





R
Sense

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)

















A

0

_LeadAmplifier


=


-
1

·


R
F_LeadAmplifier


R
In_LeadAmplifier











R
F_LeadAmplifier

:=



R
In_LeadAmplifier

·


[




R

Sense






·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor





R
Sense

·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)



]



R
F_LeadAmplifier



=

24791.843





Ω














Standard






v

alue



:







R
F_LeadAmplifier


=

24.9
·
kOhm










      • Synthesis of Pole 2:

















τ

Pole_

2


:=

0.1
·

τ

LeadAmp_Pole

_

1
















τ

Pole_

2

_LeadAmplifier


=


R
F_LeadAmplifier

·

C
F_LeadAmplifier










C
F_LeadAmplifier

:=




τ

Pole_

2



R
F_LeadAmplifier




C
F_LeadAmplifier


=

73.029





pFarad














Standard





value


:







C
F_LeadAmplifier


=

68
·
pFarad








    • Evaluation of Lead Amplifier Closed-Loop Response by substitution of values determined during Lead Amplifier synthesis into the expression for the Lead amplifier Closed-Loop Transfer Function (SEE FIG. 9).










ClosedLoopGain

LeadAmplifier
f


:=


(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·








The response of the Lead amplifier was validated:

IMotorPeakf:=IMotorMax


The voltage at the Motor Bottom when the motor is driven at IMotorPeak:







e

β_






Peak
f



:=


I

Motor





_






Peak
f



·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·







    • Multiplying by the Lead Amplifier Closed Loop Transfer Function yields an expression for the Locked-Armature output Voltage assuming a one-amp motor current:










e

Out





_





LeadAmp





_






Peak
f



:=


[


I

Motor





_






Peak
f



·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense


]

·



[


(


-
1



·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier





)

·











The voltage at the Motor Top under conditions of a One-amp motor current is:







e

MotorTop





_






Peak
f



:=



I

Motor





_






Peak
f



·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense




R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor















    • Validation revealed that Lead Amplifier response was correct for frequencies below approximately 30 kHz (SEE FIG. 10).


      C. Rate Summer Amplifier Circuit Synthesis (See FIG. 11):





The desired output of the Rate Summer Amplifier, according to the servo design is:

KRateSummerRequired=0.425

    • An expression for the Rate Summer Closed-Loop Response was developed. Since the gains applied to both inputs are substantially, e.g. identical:












R
β

=


R
α

=

R

In





_





RateSummer











Transfer






Function
RateSummer


=


-
1

·

(

Gain

0





_





RateSummer


)

·

(

1


s
·

τ

Pole





_





RateSummer



+
1


)














where


τ

Pole





_





RateSummer



=


C

f





_





RateSummer


·

R

f





_





RateSummer
















Gain

0





_





RateSummer


=


-
1

·

(


R

F





_





RateSummer



R

In





_





RateSummer



)







Synthesis of PoleRateSummer:







τ

Pole





_





RateSummer


:=

0.05
·

τ

LeadAmp





_





Pole





_





1










C

F





_





RateSummer


:=

100
·
pFarad








τ

Pole





_





RateSummer


=


R

F





_





RateSummer


·

C

F





_





RateSummer










therfore


R

F





_





RateSummer



:=




τ

Pole





_





RateSummer



C

F





_





RateSummer













R

F





_





RateSummer



=

9092.145

Ω









Standard





value


:







R

F





RateSummer



=

9090
·
ohm





Synthesis of Gain0Ratesummer:

KRateSummerRequired=0.425

    • The subtraction required at the error amplifier was accomplished by an inversion implemented at the Rate Summer, absorbing this inversion into the Rate Summer design












Gain

0





_





RateSummer


=


-
1

·


R

F





_





RateSummer



R

In





_





RateSummer












R

In





_





RateSummer


:=




R

F





_





RateSummer



K

RateSummer





_





required





R

In





_





RateSummer



=

21410.051

Ω














Standard





value


:







R

In





_





RateSummer



=

21500
·
ohm














K
RateSummer

:=




R

F





_





RateSummer



R

In





_





RateSummer





K
RateSummer


=
0.423







D. The Feedback Branch Response to IMotor and ΘArmature was evaluated.


The output of the Rate Summer is the superposition of two functions: The desired signal due to the motional EMF produced by the moving armature, and an error term arising from the incomplete rejection of the voltage produced by the motor current. The output of the Rate Summer is given by:












e

Out





_





RateSummer


=


(


e

Out





_





LeadAmplifier


+

e
MotorTop


)

·

K
RateSummer










e

Out





_





LeadAmplifier


=


[


I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense


]

·




(


-
1




R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·







The component of the voltage appearing at the Motor Top due to motor current is:







e

MotorTop





_





LockedArmature


=



I

Motor






·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense




R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·
s
·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·
s
·

L
Motor













The Motor Top voltage due to Armature motion is:







e

MotorTop





_





Motional


=


(





t




Θ
Armature


)

·

K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer








    • Substituting these terms into the expression for voltage at the output of the Rate Summer:










e

Out





_





RateSummer


=


[





I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·







R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer





]

·



[



(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·

+




[



I
Motor

·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer




R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor









R
Sense

·

R
Sh


+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sense

·
s
·

L
Motor


+








R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·
s
·

L
Motor









]

+





t





Θ
Armature

·

K
BEM













At frequencies below mechanical resonance, the motor current may be expressed as a function of armature angle:














Θ
Armature


=




I
Motor

·


TorqueConstant
Actuator


K
Spring

















therfore


I
Motor



=


Θ
Armature

·


K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator















e

Out





_





RateSummer


=



[


Θ
Armature

·


K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·













K
RateSummer

]

·

[


(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·

[



s
f

·

[

(
:




[


s
f

·

R
Stop_LeadA




]


]


+












[






Θ
Armature

·


(

K
Spring

)


(

TorqueConstant
Actuator

)


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·







R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer






(


R
Sense

·


(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor



)


(





R
Sense

+

R
Sh

+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+







R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor





)



)


]

+















t





Θ
Armature

·

K
BEMF

·

K
R












    • The portion of the Rate Summer output voltage that is due to the motional EMF produced by the armature constitutes the feedback signal.

      FeedbackSignalMotionalArmature·s·KBEMF·KRateSummer

    • The portion of the Rate Summer output voltage that is due solely to the Motor Current constitutes the feedback error, this is given by:










FeedbackError

I





_





Motor


=




[


Θ
Armature

·


K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer


]

·




[


(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·

[





s
·

R
Stop



]


]

+





[






Θ
Armature

·


K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·







(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer







R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+

s
·

L
Motor








R
Sense

+

R
Sh

+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sense

·
s
·








L
Motor

+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·
s
·

L
Motor









]











Taking the ration of the feedback signal and the feedback error yields an expression for the SNR of the Feedback signal (SEE FIG. 12)







SNR

RateFeedback
f


=

[




s
f

·

K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer



[






K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Acutator


·







(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer





]


·



[


(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·

[




s
f

·

[

(

R

in
Lead







s
f

·

(


R

Stop
LeadAmplifier


·




+



[


(



K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·

R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer


)


(


R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor








R
Sense

+

R
Sh

+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sense

·

s
f

·








L
Motor

+


R
Sh

·

R
Motor


+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor








)


]














E. Closed-Loop Transfer Function of Synthesized Circuits were compared to the required response, assuming standard-value components (See FIG. 13).






ForwardGain
=


Θ
Armature


e

Out





_





RateSummer










ForwardGain
Synthesis

=


G
m

·

K
UncompensatedPlant









FeedbackGain
Synthesis

=


e

Out





_





RateSummer



Θ
Armature












ForwardGain
f

=




[



R

F





_





Gm


·

R
Sh




R
Sense

·

R

In





_





Gm


·

(


R
Sh

+

R
Motor


)



]

·










[

1




(

s
f

)

2

·

(



R

F





_





Gm


·

L
Motor

·

C

F





_





Gm





R
Sh

+

R
Motor



)


+


s
f

(

















FeedbackGain
f

:=





[





[



K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·















R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer


]

·

[


(


-
1

·


R

F





_





LeadAmplifier



R

In





_





LeadAmplifier




)

·











[




s
f

·

[

(

R

in
LeadAmp







s
f

·

(


R

Stop





_





LeadAmplifier


·

C
Lea





+












[







K
Spring


TorqueConstant
Actuator


·

(



R
Sh

+

R
Motor



R
Sh


)

·







R
Sense

·

K
RateSummer







R
Sense

·



R
Sh

+

R
Motor

+


s
f

·

L
Motor








R
Sense

+

R
Sh

+


R
Sense

·

R
Motor


+








R
Sense

·

s
f

·

L
Motor


+


R
Sh

·








R
Motor

+


R
Sh

·

s
f

·

L
Motor









]

+











s
f

·

K
BEMF

·

K
RateSummer












ClosedLoopTransferFunction

CircuitSynthesis
f


:=


ForwardGain
f


1
+


ForwardGain
f

·

FeedbackGain
f








Any publications and patents mentioned in the present application are herein incorporated by reference. Various modification and variation of the described methods and compositions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although specific embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the claims should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes and embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. Moreover, while the techniques, systems, methods and approaches have been described with respect to specific devices, it is to be apparent that a variety of systems and devices may benefit from the methods, devices, and systems described herein. Examples include, but are not limited to optical based media devices, precision manufacturing devices, optical computing systems, optical measuring devices, line-of-sight communication systems, optical communication devices, and so forth.

Claims
  • 1. A method of electrically-augmented damping of an actuator, comprising: subtracting a rate-feedback voltage from an actuator command voltage, wherein the rate feedback voltage is derived from measurement of voltage across the actuator and a current flowing through the actuator, wherein the voltage across the actuator comprises a component due to flow of current through impedances of the actuator, and a component due to movement of an armature included in the actuator, and wherein the rate-feedback voltage is derived by subtracting from the voltage across the actuator a voltage component due to the flow of current through the impedances of the actuator.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the voltage equal to the component due to the flow of current through the impedances of the actuator is derived by scaling voltage appearing at a terminal β of the actuator.
  • 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the voltage appearing at the terminal β of the actuator is a function substantially of the current flowing through the actuator.
  • 4. A device comprising an actuator and comprising a system for electrically-augmented damping by the method of claim 1.
  • 5. The device of claim 4, wherein a rate-feedback voltage is subtracted from an actuator command voltage to effectively damp the actuator.
  • 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the rate feedback voltage is derived from measurement of voltage across the actuator and current flowing through the actuator.
  • 7. A device including circuitry for providing electrically-augmented damping of a voice-coil actuator, comprising: a) a transconductance amplifer A1 configured to provide an output that is a function of: i) command voltage, andii) a rate-feedback voltage;b) a voice-coil actuator, including: i) a permanent magnet,ii) a terminal α,iii) a terminal β, andiv) an armature configured to carry current through a magnetic field associated with the permanent magnet;c) an amplifier A2 configured to provide an output that is a function of voltage appearing at the terminal β of the voice-coil actuator; andd) an amplifier A3 configured to provide an output that is a function of: i) voltage appearing at the terminal a of the voice-coil actuator, andii) a voltage proportional to the voltage appearing at the terminal a of the voice-coil actuator due to a flow of current through the voice-coil actuator.
  • 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the device and voice-coil actuator are configured to cause the output of the amplifier A1 to flow into the voice-coil actuator.
  • 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the voltage appearing at the terminal β of the voice-coil actuator is a function of the flow of current through the voice-coil actuator.
  • 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the voltage appearing at the terminal α of the voice-coil actuator is a function of: i) the flow of current through the voice-coil actuator, andii) the movement of the armature through the magnetic field.
  • 11. The device of claim 7, wherein the amplifier A2 is configured to scale and invert the voltage appearing at the terminal β of the voice-coil actuator to produce a voltage equal in magnitude to, but 180 degrees out of phase with, the voltage across appearing at the terminal a of the voice-coil actuator due to the flow of current through the voice-coil actuator.
  • 12. The device of claim 7, wherein the amplifier A3 is configured to provide an output that is the sum of the output of amplifier A2 and the voltage appearing at the terminal α of the voice-coil actuator.
  • 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the amplifier A3 is configured to provide an output that is equal to the voltage resulting from the movement of the armature through the magnetic field.
  • 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the amplifier A3 is configured to output the rate-feedback voltage.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2011/064170, filed Dec. 9, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/421,486 filed Dec. 9, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind 371c Date
PCT/US2011/064170 12/9/2011 WO 00 9/9/2013
Publishing Document Publishing Date Country Kind
WO2012/078988 6/14/2012 WO A
US Referenced Citations (8)
Number Name Date Kind
3883799 Ulyanov May 1975 A
4500821 Bitting et al. Feb 1985 A
5589749 Davidson et al. Dec 1996 A
6359748 Goker Mar 2002 B1
6791786 He et al. Sep 2004 B2
7148648 Okano Dec 2006 B2
20020101681 He et al. Aug 2002 A1
20100204881 Muragishi et al. Aug 2010 A1
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20130335737 A1 Dec 2013 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
61421486 Dec 2010 US