Electronic throttle control

A throttle control method in a vehicle having a throttle valve with a default position intermediate a fully-closed position and a fully-open position, and a spring mechanism coupled to the throttle valve that creates torque to move the throttle valve toward the default position in the absence of other torque, the throttle control method comprising:

• receiving a command signal at a processor;
• comparing a new value of the command signal with a prior value of the command signal at the processor;
• generating a control signal at the processor, wherein the control signal is a function of the deviation between the new and prior values of the command signal;
• providing the control signal to an actuator that is attached to the throttle valve, with lash existing between the actuator and the throttle valve;
• and
• generating torque at the actuator to open and close the throttle valve in response to the control signal.

A vehicle comprising:

• a throttle valve with a default position intermediate a fully-closed position and a fully-open position;
• a restoring means coupled to the throttle valve for creating torque to move the throttle valve toward the default position in the absence of other torque;
• a torquing means attached to the throttle valve for generating torque to open and close the throttle valve in response to a control signal, wherein lash exists between the torquing means and the throttle valve;
• and
• a processing means in communication with the torquing means, the processing means for executing a stored program to:
• (i) compare a new value of a command signal with a prior value of the command signal, and
• (ii) generate the control signal as a function of the deviation between the new and prior values of the command signal.