Digital control algorithms for multi-degree-of-freedom microgravity isolation systems

Two general methodologies have been developed to design digital controllers for multi-degree-of-freedom microgravity isolation systems such that the desired transmissibility matrix is achieved. The absolute accelerations and relative displacements are used as feedback signals. Absolute acceleration signals are used to provide proportional damping in the system whereas relative displacement signals are used to achieve the desired transmissibility. In the first method, the closed-form expression of the controller transfer function metrix for the relative displacement feedback is obtained directly in the Z-domain. The controller transfer function matrix is first obtained in the S-domain and then discretized in the second method. The discrete-time controller transfer function matrices and numerical results are presented for a three-degree-of-freedom system with attractive electromagnetic actuators.