Control system using a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator with nonlinear process modeling

A method of processing signals utilizing a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator configured to model nonlinearities of a nonlinear system process, the method comprising:

• generating a quantizer output signal;
• applying a nonlinear function to the quantizer output signal in a feedback loop of the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator to generate a feedback signal, wherein the nonlinear function models the nonlinearities of the nonlinear process;
• and
• combining the feedback signal with a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator input signal to generate a difference signal.

A control system to provide a control signal to a nonlinear plant, wherein the nonlinear plant generates a response signal that is responsive to the control signal, the control system comprising:

• a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator, wherein:
• the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator includes:
• a loop filter;
• a quantizer coupled to the loop filter;
• and
• a feedback path coupled between the loop filter and the quantizer, wherein the feedback path includes a nonlinear feedback model that models nonlinearity of a nonlinear plant process of the nonlinear plant;
• and
• wherein, during operation, the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator is configured to generate a quantizer output signal to control at least one aspect of the control signal and the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator is configured to shape noise in a spectral domain of the response signal.

A method of controlling a nonlinear process, wherein the nonlinear process generates an output signal responsive to a control signal generated by a control system, the method comprising:

• receiving an input signal;
• spectrally shaping the input signal with a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator to shift noise out of a baseband of the nonlinear process output signal;
• generating a nonlinear delta-sigma modulator output signal having a value representing the spectral shaping of the input signal;
• and
• using the nonlinear delta-sigma modulator output signal to generate the control signal.