High Accuracy Motor Controller For Positioning Optical Filters In The Claes Spectrometer

John B. Thatcher

doi:10.1117/12.948391

27 April 1988 High Accuracy Motor Controller For Positioning Optical Filters In The Claes Spectrometer

John B. Thatcher

Proceedings Volume 0973, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments III; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948391
Event: 32nd Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1988, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A brushless DC motor is ideally suited as a filter positioner in a cryogenic infrared spectrometer. Unlike stepper motors, a DC torque motor has infinite resolution for setting an etalon filter to any desired angle. However, the very precise angular positioning and rapid step response needed place rather constricting requirements on the electronic controller. Accuracy, stability, fast step response, and mechanism mechanical characteristics combine to pose a unique electronic design challenge. This paper describes one controller developed for the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) on the Upper Atmospheric Re-search Satellite (UARS). An 18-bit control loop provides high accuracy, resolution, and stability. Details on loop stability and signal/noise considerations are discussed. Dynamic computer interaction allows the user to optimize step response.

Citation Download Citation

John B. Thatcher "High Accuracy Motor Controller For Positioning Optical Filters In The Claes Spectrometer", Proc. SPIE 0973, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments III, (27 April 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948391

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