Characteristics and Stabilization of an Inertial Platform

In attempting to gain some insight into the synthesis and analysis of a stable platform system the simple assumption that the platform can be analyzed on a single-axis basis is adopted. The single-axis analysis is then made applicable to the three-axis case by introducing a coupling factor. Of course, the shortcomings of this assumption, such as the omission of mechanical interactions, must be recognized. The inherently close association of the stability of the servo-system and the basis character of the input-output response will generally require that design requirements be compromised. The servosystem is essential to effect a suitable reduction in the influence of disturbances, and the factors involved in achieving stiffness must necessarily be considered. Finally, in discussing the design and features of the servoamplifiers it should be realized that the conditionally stable character of the system and the large attenuation involved in securing adequate phase lead create a difficult circuitry problem. In this regard, active research and development programs are under way toward the development of improved transistorized amplifiers.