20120104295 | ACTUATOR CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD - A device for controlling an actuator includes an input interface that receives a plurality of input signals including a setpoint command signal and a feedback signal. An output interface provides a drive signal to the actuator. First, second, and third redundant loop controllers processes the setpoint command signal and the feedback signal to generate respective actuator control signals. A primary controller compares the actuator control signals to determine whether at least two are substantially similar. The device outputs the drive signal to the actuator according to an actuator control signals that has been determined by the primary controller to be substantially similar to another. Any one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swappable with a replacement loop controller such that loop controller redundancy is operatively maintained by the device in controlling the actuator while one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swapped. | 05-03-2012 |