Importance

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Abstract

A power steering control unit for use with an electric motor assisted vehicle power steering system. The control unit includes two microprocessor controllers that monitor vehicle speed and a torque applied through a vehicle steering column in calculating a duty cycle for the assist motor. The response to the speed and torque inputs can be adjusted by setting a group of four control switches on the vehicle dashboard. Each microprocessor not only calculates an optimum motor energization but also monitors motor performance. In the event this performance deviates from an expected range the assist is removed and in some cases corrective steps taken to correct the unit's performance. An electrically erasable read only memory coupled to the microprocessors stores constants needed in calculating an energization sequence. The EEROM also stores indicators of the control unit performance to aid in diagnosing difficulties.

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First Claim