In one aspect, a control circuit to control a speed of a motor includes a control logic circuit connected to a multifunction port. The control logic circuit is configured to receive a control signal provided at the multifunction port and to provide response signals based on the control signal to place the motor in at least two of a sleep mode, a brake mode and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) mode. The motor control circuit also includes an H-bridge circuit configured to control the motor based on the response signals.

Motor controller having a multifunction port

Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game.

Slot machine game and system with improved jackpot feature

An electric bending endoscope includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a motor as a state value indicating the driving state of a bending drive unit. A bending control device comprises: a temperature detection unit that receives the data of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a record unit in which the limits of motor temperature inputted in advance are recorded; a comparison unit that compares the data of the temperature sent from the temperature detection unit with the limits of motor temperature recorded in the record unit; and a notification unit that notifies that the driving state of a motor is approaching the limit.

Electric bending endoscope

A cooling module includes, for certain embodiments, a brushless DC fan and integral fan control circuitry which independently implements a self-contained start and run motor control loop and also includes a communications port to accept commands from a host processor and to provide status and other data in response to queries from the host processor. In one embodiment, a fan module interfaces with a two-wire serial bus, such as an I2C bus or SMbus, and accepts commands and provides status and data in a serial digital format. A variety of commands such as on/off, and various speed control settings may be received from the host system, and the actual speed of the fan may be reported back when queried by the host system. In some embodiments a temperature within or near the fan housing or of the air flow through the fan may be reported back when queried. The entire fan control circuit may preferably be incorporated within the fan housing, including a serial interface and power terminals for the fan, resulting in a compact four-wire interface for the fan module.

Cooling module and related control circuits useful therefor incorporating a communication port for receiving digital command signals to control module

A method of controlling a motor speed for a fan assembly includes receiving a duty cycle value at a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives a measured fan speed from a speed sensor. An expected fan speed is determined, where the expected fan speed corresponds to the duty cycle value. The measured fan speed is compared with the expected fan speed. A duty cycle of a motor driving signal is reduced if the measured fan speed is less than a predetermined fraction of the expected fan speed.

Microcontroller methods of improving reliability in DC brushless motors and cooling fans

A memory device, e.g. a capacitor, is provided for a collectorless DC motor. This component is charged whenever a particular rotor position is reached. In so doing, a voltage value or quantity on this memory device is changed. This quantity is compared to another quantity, which is dependent on a desired parameter, e.g. ambient temperature or gas or dust concentration. A reference signal is produced when a particular reference criterion is satisfied. The difference between the beginning of this reference signal and a second predetermined rotor position, which follows the initial predetermined rotor position with respect to time, is measured, and on the basis of this measurement, the current flow of the collectorless DC motor is influenced or regulated. In particular, the current can be toggled on and off as the rotor passes certain predetermined positions.

Method and apparatus for DC motor speed control

The invention relates to a method for limiting the current in a direct current motor, acting on a full bridge circuit (137) by which means the stator winding configuration (102) of said motor is supplied with a current. When the current limitation responds, the energy supply from the direct current network to the stator winding configuration (102) is interrupted. The stator winding configuration is then operated essentially in short circuit by means of static switches of the full bridge circuit, and the flowing, decaying current is essentially used to continue to drive the motor. When said current reaches a lower value, the energy supply from the direct current network to the motor is reactivated. Preferably, the effective value of the current flowing to the motor is thus reduced when the current limitation responds. The length of time during which said current flows in the form of blocks of current is then increased in a compensatory manner.

Method for limiting the current in an electric motor, and a motor for carrying out one such method

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a real value (actual value) of a physical quantity to a preset value (target value) with the following steps: (a) the difference between the target value and the actual value (referred to below as the control deviation) and its sign (referred to below as the control sign) is determined repeatedly at interval; (b) the control deviation is converted into at least one electrical signal during or after each measurement, and the duration thereof (referred to below as the control deviation duration) is proportional to the absolute value of the control deviation at least in the range of the target value, and the value thereof is a function of the control sign; (c) the charge of an analog electrical memory arrangement is affected by this at least one electrical signal during the control deviation duration; (d) depending on the value of the charge of the memory arrangement, the physical quantity is directly or indirectly affected to keep it in the range of the target value. Said control method, which is partially based on analog and partially on digital components produces, for a motor which uses a microprocessor for commutating or controlling, a rotation speed controller with a very simple structure.

Method and apparatus for controlling a physical parameter

An electronically commutated motor has a permanent-magnet rotor ( 124 ) having: at least two rotor poles ( 183, 186, 188, 189 ); at least one phase ( 126 ); a power stage ( 122 ); and a rotor position sensor ( 140 ). Associated therewith is a control circuit implemented to carry out the following steps in order to even out the motor current ( 320 ): A) after a change of the rotor position signal ( 182 ), referred to as a first pole change, a first value (I_MEAS(HCnt−1)) of the current through the at least one phase ( 126 ) is ascertained; B) after a predetermined time span (T_Default+T_Offset(HCnt−1)), a new commutation is carried out; C) after a change of the rotor position signal ( 182 ), referred to as a second pole change, a second value for the motor current (I_MEAS(HCnt)) is ascertained; D) as a function of the difference between the first value (I_MEAS(HCnt−1)) and second value (I_MEAS(HCnt)), the value for the predetermined time span is modified.

Method and arrangement for commutating an electronically commutated motor

An electrically driven fan arrangement, suitable for energy-conserving installations, includes a fan, an electric motor ( 110 ) serving to drive the fan, and associated control apparatus, namely: a sensing apparatus ( 140 ) for sensing a volumetric air flow rate ( 125 ) generated by the fan ( 120 ) and for generating a measured volumetric air flow value (Vmess), and a volumetric flow rate control arrangement ( 160 ) for automatically controlling the volumetric air flow rate ( 125 ) generated by the fan ( 120 ) to a predetermined target volumetric air flow value (V_s). The volumetric flow rate control arrangement ( 160 ) is configured to generate a target rotation speed value (N_s) for the electric motor ( 110 ). A rotation speed controller ( 170 ), which automatically controls the rotation speed of the electric motor ( 110 ) to the target rotation speed rate (N_s) generated by the volumetric flow rate control arrangement ( 160 ), is also provided.

Arno Karwath

Papers

Method and apparatus for DC motor speed control

Method for limiting the current in an electric motor, and a motor for carrying out one such method

Method and apparatus for controlling a physical parameter

Method and arrangement for commutating an electronically commutated motor

Energy-conserving ventilating fan