Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Hand, P. J..
Heaters for thermal stabilization are unnecessary when analog dc voltage provided by gyroscope temperature sensor is used to change outputs to compensate for temperature variations. Sensor is normally installed on all precision gryoscopes.
A circuit which maintains the inertial element of a gyroscope or accelerometer at a constant position by delivering pulses to a rebalancing motor is discussed. The circuit compensates for temperature changes by using a temperature sensor that varies the threshold of inertial element movement required to generate a rebalance pulse which reacts to changes in viscosity of the flotation fluid. The output of the temperature sensor also varies the output level of the current source to compensate for changes in the strength of the magnets of the rebalancing motor. The sensor also provides a small signal to the rebalance motor to provide a temperature dependent compensation for fixed drift or fixed bias.
Circuit which integrates spacecraft gyro output voltages to provide analog position signals has been developed. Accurate integration is provided by all solid state system which uses no choppers and takes advantage of commercially available flight qualified components.
Balanced positive and negative voltage output circuit, in which error voltage for control is developed from difference in absolute value of positive and negative voltages referenced to a common point, regulates voltage for use with inertial reference unit. Fast-acting, temperature-compensated, high-gain operational amplifier circuits maintain common point.
Manufacturing, test program, and performance characteristics of Range Block III attitude control system