An Angle-Compensating, Complex-Coefficient PI Controller Used for Decoupling Control of a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor

An asymmetric, cross-coupling effect, as well as digital control delays, in a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) will deteriorate its current-control performance in the high-speed range, especially for electric motors used in electric vehicles (EVs) with features such as high-power density and a low carrier/modulation frequency ratio. In this paper, an angle-compensating, complex-coefficient, proportional-integrator (ACCC-PI) controller is proposed, which aims to provide an excellent decoupling performance even with considerable digital control delay. Firstly, the current open and closed loop complex-coefficient transfer functions were established in the synchronous rotation coordinate system. The proposed method, along with existing ones, were then evaluated and theoretically compared. On this basis, the parameter-tuning method of the ACCC-PI controller was presented. Finally, simulation and experimental results proved the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the proposed method.

Who is pulling the strings in the platform economy? Accounting for the dark and unexpected sides of algorithmic control

This paper aims to address the dark side perspective on digital control and surveillance by emphasizing the affective grip of ideological control, namely the process that silently ensures the subjugation of digital labour, and which keeps the ‘unexpectedness’ of algorithmic practices at bay: that is, the propensity of users to contest digital prescriptions. In particular, the theoretical contribution of this paper is to combine Labour Process with psychoanalytically-informed, post-structuralist theory, in order to connect to, and further our understanding of, how and why digital workers assent to, or oppose, the interpellations of algorithmic ideology at work. To illustrate the operation of affective control in the Platform Economy, the emblematic example of ride-hailing platforms, such as Uber, and their algorithmic management, is revisited. Thus, the empirical section describes the way drivers are glued to the algorithm (e.g. for one more fare, or for the next surge pricing) in a way that prevents them, although not always, from considering genuine resistance to management. Finally, the paper discusses the central place of ideological fantasy and cynical enjoyment in the Platform Economy, as well as the ethical implications of the study.

Digital Control of Active Network Microstructures on Silicon Wafers

This chapter presents a promising digital control of active microstructures developed and tested on silicon chips by current division and thus independent Joule heating powers, especially for planar submillimeter two-dimensional (2-D) grid microstructures built on silicon wafers by surface microfabrication. Current division on such 2-D grid networks with 2 × 2, 3 × 3, and n × n loops was modeled and analyzed theoretically by employing Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) and Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL), which demonstrated the feasibility of active control of the networks by Joule heating effect. Furthermore, in situ testing of a typical 2-D microstructure with 2 × 2 loops by different DC sources was carried out, and the thermomechanical deformation due to Joule heating was recorded. As a result, active control of the current division has been proven to be a reliable and efficient approach to achieving the digital actuation of 2-D microstructures on silicon chips. Digital control of such microstructural networks on silicon chips envisions great potential applications in active reconfigurable buses for microrobots and flexible electronics.

Dynamics of an autonomous spacecraft control system at initial transition to a tracking mode

The problems of autonomous digital control of the information satellites and space robots during their initial transition to a tracking mode, namely in the initial orientation modes, are considered. Autonomous angular guidance and modularly limited vector digital control using a vector of the modified Rodrigues parameters are applying to bring the spacecraft’s orientation from completely arbitrary to the required one. The developed methods, algorithms and simulation results for a mini-satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit are presented.

A Bootstrap Structure Directly Charged by BUS Voltage with Threshold-Based Digital Control for High-Speed Buck Converter

This article proposes a high-frequency, area-efficient high-side bootstrap circuit with threshold-based digital control (TBDC) that is directly charged by BUS voltage (DCBV). In the circuit, the voltage of the bootstrap is directly obtained from the BUS voltage instead of the on-chip low dropout regulator (LDO), which is more suitable for a high operating frequency. An area-efficient threshold-based digital control structure is used to detect the bootstrap voltage, thereby effectively preventing bootstrap under-voltage or over-voltage that may result in insufficient driving capability, increased loss, or breakdown of the power device. The design and implementation of the circuit are based on CSMC 0.25 µm 60 V BCD technology, with an overall chip area of 1.4 × 1.3 mm2, of which the bootstrap area is 0.149 mm2 and the figure-of-merit (FOM) is 0.074. The experimental results suggest that the bootstrap circuit can normally operate at 5 MHz with a maximum buck converter efficiency of 83.6%. This work plays a vital role in promoting the development of a wide range of new products and new technologies, such as integrated power supplies, new energy vehicles, and data storage centers.