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Synchro/Resolver Conversion Handbook (PDF)

Preface to the Synchro/Resolver Conversion Handbook

The Synchro/Resolver Conversion Handbook is designed as a practical tutorial and reference source. It discusses the theory of operation of data converter products (synchro, resolver, and linear variable differential transformer [LVDTJ]), performance parameters, and design factors for typical applications. The subject matter and applications are chosen to be those of greatest interest and concern to the designers, systems engineers, and systems operators with whom DDC has worked over the years. The text treats both DDC's own approach to shaft encoding and other generally accepted techniques. Because various points of view are presented, the Handbook has served well as a teaching aid over the years.

Our first Synchro Conversion Handbook was conceived in 1973 during a series of technical seminars conducted at DDC. It was the first integrated reference source on synchro/resolver data converters.

Now after 70,000 copies and as a result of reader comments, as well as recent advances in the state of the art, we decided extensive revisions were needed to better serve the needs of engineers who use synchro/resolver converters. Most of the changes stem from the recent increases in converter performance and functionality. The introduction of the single-chip 16-bit R/D monolithic has forever altered the cost benefit ratio of the competing shaft position encoding schemes in favor of the resolver and type It tracking converter. Other conversion techniques are still described but only for historical completeness and perspective.

Since 1968 DDC has been the leader in new product development in the field of synchro/resolver converters. DDC's introduction, in 1968, of the first modular synchro converters (in a 0.8 x 2.6 x 3.1 inch package) instantly made the existing rack, box, and card-set converters obsolete. Indeed, the biggest sales problem was convincing engineers that they were able to design complete synchro/resolver systems using only a few small DDC hybrids. Shortly thereafter, hybrid technology matured and we were able to once again make a dramatic size reduction down to a single DIP packages. Now, with the advent of custom monolithic technology, we are making major advances in functionality and cost (size is more and more being determined by pin count requirements). Today, as in 1968, DDC is still committed to being the leader in synchro conversion and related test equipment. We intend to do this by offering superior products that meet the needs of the engineering community and supporting those products with the necessary application support.

This preface would not be complete without an acknowledgement of the many individuals, past and present, of DDC whose efforts and expertise have gone into it. Much of the material was supplied by DDC's design and engineering personnel, especially Seymour Lanton, Wayne Grandner and Robert Kruse. Significant conceptual and technical contributions were also made by DDC's sales and marketing staff. A special thanks goes to David Dayton of our Synchro/Resolver Applications Group, for without his efforts this fourth edition would not be possible.