초록 ▼

An electronic test instrument for facilitating the analysis of a machine\s response to cyclic perturbations in one of its control parameters and for adjusting the control parameter based upon the observed response so as to optimize the machine\s performance. The instrument permits manual control ove

An electronic test instrument for facilitating the analysis of a machine\s response to cyclic perturbations in one of its control parameters and for adjusting the control parameter based upon the observed response so as to optimize the machine\s performance. The instrument permits manual control over the rate and magnitude of the perturbation, the amount of bias, i.e., the deviation of the actual operating point from the optimum, and the upper and lower limits between which correction is permissible. To prevent undue hunting of the control parameter about an operating point, the instrument includes a buffering network that requires that the system call for a predetermined number of control parameter adjustments in a given direction before an actual correction will be effected. The number is selectable by manually settable switches.

대표청구항 ▼

In an optimizing control system for use with an energy consuming machine of the type having means for cyclicly perturbating a machine control parameter in opposite directions about an initial reference setting, means coupled to the machine\s output shaft for generating tach pulses at a rate proporti

In an optimizing control system for use with an energy consuming machine of the type having means for cyclicly perturbating a machine control parameter in opposite directions about an initial reference setting, means coupled to the machine\s output shaft for generating tach pulses at a rate proportional to the machine\s output shaft speed, means for accumulating said tach pulses during first and second predetermined intervals of the period of said cyclic perturbation, digital logic means for comparing the number of said tach pulses accumulated during said first and second predetermined intervals, correction circuit means responsive to the output of said logic means for generating correction control signals, and control parameter changing means coupled to receive said correction control signals for changing said reference setting from said initial value in a direction tending to increase the number of said tach pulses generated during one of said first and second predetermined intervals, the improvement comprising: (a) programmable means for establishing first and second digital values corresponding to predetermined upper and lower limits for said reference setting, respectively; (b) digital comparator means coupled to said programmable means and adapted to receive digital signals representing a current reference setting for producing an out-of-bounds signal when said reference setting is outside of a range defined by said first and second digital value; and (c) further means responsive to said out-of-bounds signal and coupled to said correction circuit means for changing said reference setting such that said reference setting is returned to said range defined by said first and second digital values.