Multiplexing A/D converter for a generator control unit

A method for controlling the acquisition of data derived from a plurality of analog input signals to be read by a microprocessor, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) waiting for a start-multiplexing signal from said microprocessor;
• (b) addressing a multiplexer to output a particular one of said plurality of analog input signals at a particular time as a single analog output signal;
• (c) providing a start-sampling signal to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter;
• (d) digitally sampling in said A/D converter said single analog output signal to provide a data sample;
• (e) providing an end-sampling signal from said A/D converter;
• (f) addressing a particular storage location in a memory;
• (g) storing said data sample at said particular storage location in said memory;
• (h) providing an end-channel signal to said microprocessor;
• (i) incrementing said multiplexer and memory addresses;
• (j) repeating steps (b) through (i) until data samples from all of said plurality of analog input signals have been stored in said memory;
• (k) reading at least one of said particular storage locations of said memory by said microprocessor only after the corresponding end-channel signal for that storage location has been received;
• and
• (l) providing said start-multiplexing signal only after the desired storage locations have been read.

A generator control unit for an electrical power generating system including a generator having a power output signal which is controllable by a generator control signal, said generator control unit comprising:

• a plurality of input means for monitoring various parameters of said generator power output signal, and for providing a corresponding plurality of analog input signals;
• means for multiplexing said plurality of analog input signals as a multiplexed analog signal;
• means for converting said multiplexed analog signal into a plurality of data words, said converting means having a first operating rate;
• buffer means for storing said plurality of data words;
• processor means for providing a digital control signal in response to said plurality of stored data words, said processor means including:
• internal memory means for storing multiple sets of instructions corresponding to multiple feedback control loops, said multiple feedback control loops corresponding to said various parameters of said generator power output signal;
• logic means, having a second operating rate, for executing each of said multiple sets of instructions utilizing information provided by at least one of said plurality of stored data words;
• and
• interface means for controlling said multiplexing means, said converting means, said buffer means, and said logic means in response to said first and second operating rates, such that said logic means and said converting means exhibit a reversible
• master/slave relationship as determined by their respective operating rates;
• and
• said generator control unit further comprising:
• output means for conditioning said digital control signal, thereby providing said generator control signal.