Pneumatic actuation systems having improved feedback control

Abstract

A triplex pneumatic architecture system is disclosed having first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems where triplex redundancy may be accomplished by measuring only one particular node in each system, such as a measured current of the servo valve. Each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems are configured to control a separate redundant pneumatic actuation assembly. Each subsystem may comprise a current sensor to measure a control current from a servo driver to a servo valve that controls the pneumatic actuation assembly to output a measured current value, and a dump valve coupled to a relay. Each processor is configured to generate a termination signal to actuate the first relay to open the first dump valve. The triplex pneumatic architecture system further includes a communication bus to communicatively couple each of the first, second, and third pneumatic subsystems. Each processor is configured to generate the termination signal and to communicate the termination signal to one or more of the relays when one measured current value deviates from the two other measured current values by a predetermined error value.