Delco Electronics Corporation

Larry Andrew Kunk

Joel Franklin Downey

An adaptive digital filter for filtering noise from a binary signal having a baseline that is low and including valid pulses that are high, a system for monitoring a rotating element employing such an adaptive digital filter, and a method for filtering. The adaptive filter discriminates noise pulses from valid pulses by eliminating pulses of shorter duration than a specified high time threshold and eliminating pulse occurring prior to the expiration of a specified low time threshold from the filtered signal generated by the filter from the binary signal. The filter also includes a mechanism for analyzing the filtered signal and dynamically and automatically adjusting the specified high time threshold and specified low time threshold based on timing changes in the filtered signal. A method of filtering is also presented whereby the specified high time and low time thresholds are adjusted dynamically in accordance with the timing data calculated by the filter. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring a rotating element having a discontinuity thereon as may be utilized in a timing or positioning system. In the system, the binary signal is generated by a discontinuity sensor for sensing the presence of at least one discontinuity. The valid pulses are thus representative of at least one discontinuity and the specified high and low time thresholds are adjusted by the filter of the system based on changes in rotational speed of the rotating element.

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Fishers, IN, United States of America

Larry Andrew Kunk