Automatic gain control of a torque sensor for a power assist steering system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling gain of a torque sensor of a type providing two output signals, each output signal having a value functionally related to a value of an input drive signal and torque sensed by said torque sensor, said apparatus comprising:
- variable gain amplifier means for providing said input drive signal;
means for monitoring the two output signals of said torque sensor; and
means for adjusting the gain of said drive signal in response to the values of said monitored two output signals of said torque sensor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A control circuit (33) controls the gain of a torque sensor (32) of a type providing two output signals (V02, V03) where the two output signals have values functionally related to a value of an input drive signal (VD) and torque sensed by the torque sensor. The two values varies substantially equally and oppositely from each other in response to sensed torque. A variable gain amplifier (36) provides the input drive signal. A rectifiers/filters circuit (38) monitors the two output signals of the torque sensor. A gain control circuit (50) controls the gain of the drive signal in response to the sum of the monitored two output signals of the torque sensor relative to a reference voltage.
28 Citations
10 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for controlling gain of a torque sensor of a type providing two output signals, each output signal having a value functionally related to a value of an input drive signal and torque sensed by said torque sensor, said apparatus comprising:
-
variable gain amplifier means for providing said input drive signal; means for monitoring the two output signals of said torque sensor; and means for adjusting the gain of said drive signal in response to the values of said monitored two output signals of said torque sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
-
-
4. An apparatus for controlling gain of a torque sensor of a type providing two output signals, said two output signals having a value functionally related to a value of an input drive signal and torque sensed by said torque sensor, said two output values varying substantially equally and oppositely from each other in response to sensed torque, said apparatus comprising:
-
variable gain amplifier means for providing said input drive signal; means for monitoring the two output signals of said torque sensor; and means for adjusting the gain of said drive signal in response to the values of said monitored two output signals of said torque sensor. - View Dependent Claims (5)
-
-
6. A method for controlling gain of a torque sensor of a type providing two output signals, each output signal having a value functionally related to a value of an input drive signal and torque sensed by said torque sensor, said method comprising the steps of:
-
providing said input drive signal with a controllable voltage value; monitoring the two output signals of said torque sensor; and adjusting the gain of said drive signal in response to the values of said monitored two output signals of said torque sensor. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for controlling gain of a torque sensor of a type providing two output signals, said two output signals having a value functionally related to a value of an input drive signal and torque sensed by said torque sensor, said two output values varying substantially equally and oppositely from each other in response to sensed torque, said method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a controllable input drive signal to said torque sensor; monitoring the two output signals of said torque sensor; and adjusting the gain of said drive signal in response to the values of said monitored two output signals of said torque sensor. - View Dependent Claims (10)
-
Specification