Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and apparatus for adjusting a variable parameter of a dynamic system in response to a signal representative of the system performance so as to optimize system performance with respect to that parameter. A first signal related to system performance is extracted from the dynamic system and is thereafter coupled to a plurality of performance index blocks, each of these blocks for operating on this signal according to a different predetermined characteristic transfer function. The output level from a selected performance index block is periodically sampled and the sampled level is compared with a previously sampled level to provide a positive or negative difference signal. A first pulsed signal is formed wherein pulses and zero levels are respectively representative of the incidence of opposite polarity levels in the difference signal. This first pulsed signal is converted into a second pulsed signal wherein the leading and trailing edges of the pulses correspond to the incidence of adjacent pulses in the first pulsed signal. The zero axis position is shifted in relation to the second pulsed signal to obtain positive and negative signals whose width is representative of the extent to which the variable parameter of the dynamic system must be inreased or decreased. The positive and negative signals are integrated to provide an output signal for adjusting this variable parameter.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim