Lock-in rate discriminate apparatus for ring laser angular rate sensors
This patent describes an angular rate sensor of the class wherein two waves are generated to travel in opposite directions along a closed-loop path. The frequency of each of the waves is a function of rotation of the closed-loop path. The sensor includes a biasing means for introducing a frequency bias in at least one of the waves so as to provide a frequency separation of the waves for at least a majority of the time, and means responsive to the frequency difference between the waves to provide a sensor output signals indicative of the angle of rotation of the sensor. A lock-in rate of rotation exists below which the frequency of the waves locks in to a common frequency. An apparatus is described for providing a signal indicative of the lock-in rate of the sensor comprising: phase detection means responsive to the waves for producing a first phase signal related to the instantaneous phase difference between the waves; means for providing a reference signal related to the frequency difference between the waves; and lock-in rate discriminant signal generating means responsive to the first phase signal for providing a discriminant signal indicative of the lock-in rate of the sensor as a function of the first phase signal and the reference signal.
- Assignee:
- Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, MN
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4657392
- OSTI ID:
- 6417889
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 5 Aug 1982
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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