Variable reluctance resolver using surface mounted inductors and/or transformers

1. A variable reluctance resolver, comprising:

a stator assembly including

a printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface; and

a plurality of inductors coupled with said printed circuit board first surface;

wherein said plurality of inductors are in electrical connection with a power source; and

a rotor including

a body having a first surface and a second surface; and

an annular recess located in said rotor first surface;

said annular recess comprising a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface;

wherein said annular recess defines a width variable with an angular position;

wherein said plurality of inductors are located at least partially within said annular recess and said rotor is operable to rotate relative to said stator assembly.

2. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said rotor comprises a magnetic material operable to create a magnetic circuit including said inductors and said rotor.

3. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 2 , wherein said variable width of said annular recess provides a variable gap between at least one of said radially inner and outer surfaces of said annular recess and said inductors, whereby a reluctance of said magnetic circuit is operable to change as a function of said angular position of said rotor.

4. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of inductors comprise:

a first group of inductors operable to provide a positive cosine output signal;

a second group of inductors operable to provide a positive sine output signal;

a third group of inductors operable to provide a negative cosine output signal; and

a fourth group of inductors operable to provide a negative sine output signal.

5. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 4 , wherein said first, second, third, and fourth groups of inductors each include four inductors.

6. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said rotor body comprises a non-magnetic material, a first magnetic material is coupled with said radially inner surface of said annular recess, and a second magnetic material is coupled with said radially outer surface of said annular recess.

7. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 6 , wherein said first and second magnetic materials are operable to create a magnetic circuit with said inductors.

8. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said rotor body comprises a non-magnetic material, a first plurality of magnetic sections are coupled with said radially inner surface of said annular recess, and a second plurality of magnetic sections are coupled with said radially outer surface of said annular recess.

9. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 8 , wherein each mechanical cycle of rotation of said rotor provides multiple electrical cycles.

10. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said printed circuit board comprises:

a peripheral edge defining a circle; and

a hole located through said first and second surfaces coaxial with said peripheral edge.

11. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 10 , wherein said plurality of inductors are located about a circumference concentric with said printed circuit board peripheral edge.

12. The variable reluctance resolver according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of inductors comprise:

a ferromagnetic core;

a first coil wrapped around said ferromagnetic core; and

a second coil wrapped around said ferromagnetic core, wherein said second coil is located about said first coil.

13. A method of manufacturing a variable reluctance resolver, the method comprising:

providing a printed circuit board;

providing a rotor including:

a body having a first surface and a second surface; and

an annular recess located in said rotor first surface, said annular recess comprising a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface;

wherein said annular recess defines a width variable with an angular position;

providing an automated machinery operable to electrically connect electronic components with said printed circuit board;

providing a plurality of inductors;

placing one or more of said plurality of inductors on said printed circuit board via said automated machinery;

soldering said one or more of said plurality of inductors to said printed circuit board via said automated machinery; and

locating said printed circuit board adjacent to said rotor, wherein said one or more of said plurality of inductors soldered to said printed circuit board are located at least partially within said annular recess.

14. The method of manufacturing a variable reluctance resolver according to claim 13 , the method comprising coupling said rotor with a rotating portion of a radar antenna positioning system.

15. The method of manufacturing a variable reluctance resolver according to claim 13 , wherein said plurality of inductors are provided on a reeled tape.