Multi-channel control switchover logic
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorsJeffry K. Kamenetz, Mark A. Johnston, Edward John Marotta, Cathleen R. Bleier, John M. O'Neil
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Abstract
A multi-channel control system includes a first primary control microprocessor and a second primary control microprocessor operable to control a device, and a first secondary control microprocessor and a second secondary control microprocessor operable to control the device. Each of the first and second primary control microprocessors and the first and second secondary control microprocessors are arranged as an independent control channel.
Claims14
A method of electronically controlling a device comprising:
- controlling a device using a first primary control microprocessor under normal conditions;
- controlling said device using a second primary control microprocessor when said first primary control microprocessor is unhealthy and said second primary control microprocessor is healthy;
- controlling said device using a first secondary control microprocessor or a second secondary control microprocessor when said first primary control microprocessor and said second primary control microprocessor are unhealthy;
- each of said first primary control microprocessor, said second primary control microprocessor, said first secondary control microprocessor, and said second secondary control microprocessors that is not controlling said device accepting a channel in-control signal from one of said first primary control microprocessor, said second primary control microprocessor, said first secondary control microprocessor, and said second secondary control microprocessor wherein the microprocessor originating the channel in-control signal is controlling said device;
- and
- wherein said channel in-control signal prohibits each of said first primary control microprocessor, said second primary control microprocessor, said first secondary control microprocessor, and said second secondary control microprocessors that is not controlling said device from asserting control.
An electrical control configuration comprising:
- at least a first primary control microprocessor and a second primary control microprocessor operable to control a device;
- at least a first secondary control microprocessor and a second secondary control microprocessor operable to control said device;
- each of said first and second primary control microprocessors and said first and second secondary control microprocessors being arranged as an independent equivalent control channel;
- wherein each of said first and second primary control microprocessors and said first and second secondary control microprocessors further comprises a control input, and wherein a signal received at said control input is a positive voltage when another of said first and second primary control microprocessors and said first and second secondary control microprocessors is healthy and controlling said device;
- and wherein said control input is operable to prevent each of said first and second primary control microprocessors and said first and second secondary control microprocessors from asserting control over said device when said signal received at said control input is the positive voltage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.