Patent Publication Number: US-2023145816-A1

Title: Motor control feedback and adaptation

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS 
     The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 17/231,173, entitled “Motor control feedback and adaptation,” filed Apr. 15, 2021, pending, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/856,813, entitled “Motor drive input adaptation with in-line drive-sense circuit,” filed Apr. 23, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,188,043 on Nov. 30, 2021, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/355,922, entitled “Motor drive input adaptation with in-line drive-sense circuit,” filed Mar. 18, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,671,034 on Jun. 2, 2020, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to data communication systems and more particularly to sensed data collection and/or communication. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Sensors are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from in-home automation, to industrial systems, to health care, to transportation, and so on. For example, sensors are placed in bodies, automobiles, airplanes, boats, ships, trucks, motorcycles, cell phones, televisions, touch-screens, industrial plants, appliances, motors, checkout counters, etc. for the variety of applications. 
     In general, a sensor converts a physical quantity into an electrical or optical signal. For example, a sensor converts a physical phenomenon, such as a biological condition, a chemical condition, an electric condition, an electromagnetic condition, a temperature, a magnetic condition, mechanical motion (position, velocity, acceleration, force, pressure), an optical condition, and/or a radioactivity condition, into an electrical signal. 
     A sensor includes a transducer, which functions to convert one form of energy (e.g., force) into another form of energy (e.g., electrical signal). There are a variety of transducers to support the various applications of sensors. For example, a transducer is capacitor, a piezoelectric transducer, a piezoresistive transducer, a thermal transducer, a thermal-couple, a photoconductive transducer such as a photoresistor, a photodiode, and/or phototransistor. 
     A sensor circuit is coupled to a sensor to provide the sensor with power and to receive the signal representing the physical phenomenon from the sensor. The sensor circuit includes at least three electrical connections to the sensor: one for a power supply; another for a common voltage reference (e.g., ground); and a third for receiving the signal representing the physical phenomenon. The signal representing the physical phenomenon will vary from the power supply voltage to ground as the physical phenomenon changes from one extreme to another (for the range of sensing the physical phenomenon). 
     The sensor circuits provide the received sensor signals to one or more computing devices for processing. A computing device is known to communicate data, process data, and/or store data. The computing device may be a cellular phone, a laptop, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), a work station, a video game device, a server, and/or a data center that support millions of web searches, stock trades, or on-line purchases every hour. 
     The computing device processes the sensor signals for a variety of applications. For example, the computing device processes sensor signals to determine temperatures of a variety of items in a refrigerated truck during transit. As another example, the computing device processes the sensor signals to determine a touch on a touch screen. As yet another example, the computing device processes the sensor signals to determine various data points in a production line of a product. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 D  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 E  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drive sense circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    is an example of a power signal graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is an example of a sensor graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signal change detection circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drive-sense circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  15 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  15 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  16 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal via a coupler in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  16 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal via a coupler and one or more additional motor related sensors in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  17 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  17 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of induction machine operation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  22    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  23    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  24    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  25    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  26    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  27    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  28    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  29    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  30    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  31    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  32    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  33    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  34    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  35    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  36 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  36 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  37 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  37 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  38 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  38 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  39 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  39 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  40 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  40 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  41 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  41 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  42    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  43 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of input electric power adaptation based on in-line DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  43 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of input electric power adaptation based on in-line DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  44 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  44 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  45    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  46    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  47    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  48    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  49    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  50    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  51    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  52    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  53    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  54    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  55    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  56    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  57    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  58    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  59    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  60 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a wind turbine operative in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  60 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of one or more wind turbines operative in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  61    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of wind turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  62    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of wind turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  63    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  64 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of blades of an impulse hydro turbine or steam turbine in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  64 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of blades of a reaction hydro turbine or steam turbine in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  65    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a hydro turbine generation system operative in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  66    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of hydro turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  67    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of hydro turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  68    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  69    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of steam turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  70    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of steam turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  71    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  72 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a Hall effect sensor; 
         FIG.  72 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  73    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  74    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  75    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of multiple Hall effect sensors operative in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  76    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of multiple Hall effect sensors operative in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  77    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  78 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  78 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  79    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  80    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  81 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  81 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  82 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  82 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  83 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  83 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  84    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  85    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  86    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  87    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  88    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG.  89    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system  10  that includes a plurality of computing. devices  12 - 10 , one or more servers  22 , one or more databases  24 , one or more networks  26 , a plurality of drive-sense circuits  28 , a plurality of sensors  30 , and a plurality of actuators  32 . Computing devices  14  include a touch screen  16  with sensors and drive-sensor circuits and computing devices  18  include a touch &amp; tactic screen  20  that includes sensors, actuators, and drive-sense circuits. 
     A sensor  30  functions to convert a physical input into an electrical output and/or an optical output. The physical input of a sensor may be one of a variety of physical input conditions. For example, the physical condition includes one or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves (e.g., amplitude, phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity); a biological and/or chemical condition (e.g., fluid concentration, level, composition, etc.); an electric condition (e.g., charge, voltage, current, conductivity, permittivity, eclectic field, which includes amplitude, phase, and/or polarization); a magnetic condition (e.g., flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude, phase, and/or polarization); an optical condition (e.g., refractive index, reflectivity, absorption, etc.); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature, flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanical condition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain, stress, pressure, torque, etc.). For example, piezoelectric sensor converts force or pressure into an eclectic signal. As another example, a microphone converts audible acoustic waves into electrical signals. 
     There are a variety of types of sensors to sense the various types of physical conditions. Sensor types include, but are not limited to, capacitor sensors, inductive sensors, accelerometers, piezoelectric sensors, light sensors, magnetic field sensors, ultrasonic sensors, temperature sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, touch sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, level sensors, smoke sensors, and gas sensors. In many ways, sensors function as the interface between the physical world and the digital world by converting real world conditions into digital signals that are then processed by computing devices for a vast number of applications including, but not limited to, medical applications, production automation applications, home environment control, public safety, and so on. 
     The various types of sensors have a variety of sensor characteristics that are factors in providing power to the sensors, receiving signals from the sensors, and/or interpreting the signals from the sensors. The sensor characteristics include resistance, reactance, power requirements, sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity, error, response time, and/or frequency response. For example, the resistance, reactance, and/or power requirements are factors in determining drive circuit requirements. As another example, sensitivity, stability, and/or linear are factors for interpreting the measure of the physical condition based on the received electrical and/or optical signal (e.g., measure of temperature, pressure, etc.). 
     An actuator  32  converts an electrical input into a physical output. The physical output of an actuator may be one of a variety of physical output conditions. For example, the physical output condition includes one or more of, but is not limited to, acoustic waves (e.g., amplitude, phase, polarization, spectrum, and/or wave velocity); a magnetic condition (e.g., flux, permeability, magnetic field, which amplitude, phase, and/or polarization); a thermal condition (e.g., temperature, flux, specific heat, thermal conductivity, etc.); and a mechanical condition (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration, force, strain, stress, pressure, torque, etc.). As an example, a piezoelectric actuator converts voltage into force or pressure. As another example, a speaker converts electrical signals into audible acoustic waves. 
     An actuator  32  may be one of a variety of actuators. For example, an actuator  32  is one of a comb drive, a digital micro-mirror device, an electric motor, an electroactive polymer, a hydraulic cylinder, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a screw jack, a servomechanism, a solenoid, a stepper motor, a shape-memory allow, a thermal bimorph, and a hydraulic actuator. 
     The various types of actuators have a variety of actuators characteristics that are factors in providing power to the actuator and sending signals to the actuators for desired performance. The actuator characteristics include resistance, reactance, power requirements, sensitivity, range, stability, repeatability, linearity, error, response time, and/or frequency response. For example, the resistance, reactance, and power requirements are factors in determining drive circuit requirements. As another example, sensitivity, stability, and/or linear are factors for generating the signaling to send to the actuator to obtain the desired physical output condition. 
     The computing devices  12 ,  14 , and  18  may each be a portable computing device and/or a fixed computing device. A portable computing device may be a social networking device, a gaming device, a cell phone, a smart phone, a digital assistant, a digital music player, a digital video player, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet, a video game controller, and/or any other portable device that includes a computing core. A fixed computing device may be a computer (PC), a computer server, a cable set-top box, a satellite receiver, a television set, a printer, a fax machine, home entertainment equipment, a video game console, and/or any type of home or office computing equipment. The computing devices  12 ,  14 , and  18  will be discussed in greater detail with reference to one or more of  FIGS.  2 - 4   . 
     A server  22  is a special type of computing device that is optimized for processing large amounts of data requests in parallel. A server  22  includes similar components to that of the computing devices  12 ,  14 , and/or  18  with more robust processing modules, more main memory, and/or more hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.). Further, a server  22  is typically accessed remotely; as such it does not generally include user input devices and/or user output devices. In addition, a server may be a standalone separate computing device and/or may be a cloud computing device. 
     A database  24  is a special type of computing device that is optimized for large scale data storage and retrieval. A database  24  includes similar components to that of the computing devices  12 ,  14 , and/or  18  with more hard drive memory (e.g., solid state, hard drives, etc.) and potentially with more processing modules and/or main memory. Further, a database  24  is typically accessed remotely; as such it does not generally include user input devices and/or user output devices. In addition, a database  24  may be a standalone separate computing device and/or may be a cloud computing device. 
     The network  26  includes one more local area networks (LAN) and/or one or more wide area networks WAN), which may be a public network and/or a private network. A LAN may be a wireless-LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi access point, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.) and/or a wired network (e.g., Firewire, Ethernet, etc.). A WAN may be a wired and/or wireless WAN. For example, a LAN may be a personal home or business&#39;s wireless network and a WAN is the Internet, cellular telephone infrastructure, and/or satellite communication infrastructure. 
     In an example of operation, computing device  12 - 1  communicates with a plurality of drive-sense circuits  28 , which, in turn, communicate with a plurality of sensors  30 . The sensors  30  and/or the drive-sense circuits  28  are within the computing device  12 - 1  and/or external to it. For example, the sensors  30  may be external to the computing device  12 - 1  and the drive-sense circuits are within the computing device  12 - 1 . As another example, both the sensors  30  and the drive-sense circuits  28  are external to the computing device  12 - 1 . When the drive-sense circuits  28  are external to the computing device, they are coupled to the computing device  12 - 1  via wired and/or wireless communication links as will be discussed in greater detail with reference to one or more of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C . 
     The computing device  12 - 1  communicates with the drive-sense circuits  28  to; (a) turn them on, (b) obtain data from the sensors (individually and/or collectively), (c) instruct the drive sense circuit on how to communicate the sensed data to the computing device  12 - 1 , (d) provide signaling attributes (e.g., DC level, AC level, frequency, power level, regulated current signal, regulated voltage signal, regulation of an impedance, frequency patterns for various sensors, different frequencies for different sensing applications, etc.) to use with the sensors, and/or (e) provide other commands and/or instructions. 
     As a specific example, the sensors  30  are distributed along a pipeline to measure flow rate and/or pressure within a section of the pipeline. The drive-sense circuits  28  have their own power source (e.g., battery, power supply, etc.) and are proximally located to their respective sensors  30 . At desired time intervals (milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, etc.), the drive-sense circuits  28  provide a regulated source signal or a power signal to the sensors  30 . An electrical characteristic of the sensor  30  affects the regulated source signal or power signal, which is reflective of the condition (e.g., the flow rate and/or the pressure) that sensor is sensing. 
     The drive-sense circuits  28  detect the effects on the regulated source signal or power signals as a result of the electrical characteristics of the sensors. The drive-sense circuits  28  then generate signals representative of change to the regulated source signal or power signal based on the detected effects on the power signals. The changes to the regulated source signals or power signals are representative of the conditions being sensed by the sensors  30 . 
     The drive-sense circuits  28  provide the representative signals of the conditions to the computing device  12 - 1 . A representative signal may be an analog signal or a digital signal. In either case, the computing device  12 - 1  interprets the representative signals to determine the pressure and/or flow rate at each sensor location along the pipeline. The computing device may then provide this information to the server  22 , the database  24 , and/or to another computing device for storing and/or further processing. 
     As another example of operation, computing device  12 - 2  is coupled to a drive-sense circuit  28 , which is, in turn, coupled to a senor  30 . The sensor  30  and/or the drive-sense circuit  28  may be internal and/or external to the computing device  12 - 2 . In this example, the sensor  30  is sensing a condition that is particular to the computing device  12 - 2 . For example, the sensor  30  may be a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient noise sensor, etc. As described above, when instructed by the computing device  12 - 2  (which may be a default setting for continuous sensing or at regular intervals), the drive-sense circuit  28  provides the regulated source signal or power signal to the sensor  30  and detects an effect to the regulated source signal or power signal based on an electrical characteristic of the sensor. The drive-sense circuit generates a representative signal of the affect and sends it to the computing device  12 - 2 . 
     In another example of operation, computing device  12 - 3  is coupled to a plurality of drive-sense circuits  28  that are coupled to a plurality of sensors  30  and is coupled to a plurality of drive-sense circuits  28  that are coupled to a plurality of actuators  32 . The generally functionality of the drive-sense circuits  28  coupled to the sensors  30  in accordance with the above description. 
     Since an actuator  32  is essentially an inverse of a sensor in that an actuator converts an electrical signal into a physical condition, while a sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal, the drive-sense circuits  28  can be used to power actuators  32 . Thus, in this example, the computing device  12 - 3  provides actuation signals to the drive-sense circuits  28  for the actuators  32 . The drive-sense circuits modulate the actuation signals on to power signals or regulated control signals, which are provided to the actuators  32 . The actuators  32  are powered from the power signals or regulated control signals and produce the desired physical condition from the modulated actuation signals. 
     As another example of operation, computing device  12 - x  is coupled to a drive-sense circuit  28  that is coupled to a sensor  30  and is coupled to a drive-sense circuit  28  that is coupled to an actuator  32 . In this example, the sensor  30  and the actuator  32  are for use by the computing device  12 - x . For example, the sensor  30  may be a piezoelectric microphone and the actuator  32  may be a piezoelectric speaker. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device  12  (e.g., any one of  12 - 1  through  12 - x ). The computing device  12  includes a core control module  40 , one or more processing modules  42 , one or more main memories  44 , cache memory  46 , a video graphics processing module  48 , a display  50 , an Input-Output (I/O) peripheral control module  52 , one or more input interface modules  56 , one or more output interface modules  58 , one or more network interface modules  60 , and one or more memory interface modules  62 . A processing module  42  is described in greater detail at the end of the detailed description of the invention section and, in an alternative embodiment, has a direction connection to the main memory  44 . In an alternate embodiment, the core control module  40  and the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52  are one module, such as a chipset, a quick path interconnect (QPI), and/or an ultra-path interconnect (UPI). 
     Each of the main memories  44  includes one or more Random Access Memory (RAM) integrated circuits, or chips. For example, a main memory  44  includes four DDR4 (4 th  generation of double data rate) RAM chips, each running at a rate of 2,400 MHz. In general, the main memory  44  stores data and operational instructions most relevant for the processing module  42 . For example, the core control module  40  coordinates the transfer of data and/or operational instructions from the main memory  44  and the memory  64 - 66 . The data and/or operational instructions retrieve from memory  64 - 66  are the data and/or operational instructions requested by the processing module or will most likely be needed by the processing module. When the processing module is done with the data and/or operational instructions in main memory, the core control module  40  coordinates sending updated data to the memory  64 - 66  for storage. 
     The memory  64 - 66  includes one or more hard drives, one or more solid state memory chips, and/or one or more other large capacity storage devices that, in comparison to cache memory and main memory devices, is/are relatively inexpensive with respect to cost per amount of data stored. The memory  64 - 66  is coupled to the core control module  40  via the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52  and via one or more memory interface modules  62 . In an embodiment, the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52  includes one or more Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) buses to which peripheral components connect to the core control module  40 . A memory interface module  62  includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling a memory device to the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . For example, a memory interface  62  is in accordance with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) port. 
     The core control module  40  coordinates data communications between the processing module(s)  42  and the network(s)  26  via the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 , the network interface module(s)  60 , and a network card  68  or  70 . A network card  68  or  70  includes a wireless communication unit or a wired communication unit. A wireless communication unit includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication device, a cellular communication device, a Bluetooth device, and/or a ZigBee communication device. A wired communication unit includes a Gigabit LAN connection, a Firewire connection, and/or a proprietary computer wired connection. A network interface module  60  includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling the network card to the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . For example, the network interface module  60  is in accordance with one or more versions of IEEE 802.11, cellular telephone protocols, 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN protocols, etc. 
     The core control module  40  coordinates data communications between the processing module(s)  42  and input device(s)  72  via the input interface module(s)  56  and the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . An input device  72  includes a keypad, a keyboard, control switches, a touchpad, a microphone, a camera, etc. An input interface module  56  includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling an input device to the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . In an embodiment, an input interface module  56  is in accordance with one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocols. 
     The core control module  40  coordinates data communications between the processing module(s)  42  and output device(s)  74  via the output interface module(s)  58  and the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . An output device  74  includes a speaker, etc. An output interface module  58  includes a software driver and a hardware connector for coupling an output device to the I/O and/or peripheral control module  52 . In an embodiment, an output interface module  56  is in accordance with one or more audio codec protocols. 
     The processing module  42  communicates directly with a video graphics processing module  48  to display data on the display  50 . The display  50  includes an LED (light emitting diode) display, an LCD (liquid crystal display), and/or other type of display technology. The display has a resolution, an aspect ratio, and other features that affect the quality of the display. The video graphics processing module  48  receives data from the processing module  42 , processes the data to produce rendered data in accordance with the characteristics of the display, and provides the rendered data to the display  50 . 
       FIG.  2    further illustrates sensors  30  and actuators  32  coupled to drive-sense circuits  28 , which are coupled to the input interface module  56  (e.g., USB port). Alternatively, one or more of the drive-sense circuits  28  is coupled to the computing device via a wireless network card (e.g., WLAN) or a wired network card (e.g., Gigabit LAN). While not shown, the computing device  12  further includes a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) memory coupled to the core control module  40 . 
       FIG.  3    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing device  14  that includes a core control module  40 , one or more processing modules  42 , one or more main memories  44 , cache memory  46 , a video graphics processing module  48 , a touch screen  16 , an Input-Output (I/O) peripheral control module  52 , one or more input interface modules  56 , one or more output interface modules  58 , one or more network interface modules  60 , and one or more memory interface modules  62 . The touch screen  16  includes a touch screen display  80 , a plurality of sensors  30 , a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), and a touch screen processing module  82 . 
     Computing device  14  operates similarly to computing device  12  of  FIG.  2    with the addition of a touch screen as an input device. The touch screen includes a plurality of sensors (e.g., electrodes, capacitor sensing cells, capacitor sensors, inductive sensor, etc.) to detect a proximal touch of the screen. For example, when one or more fingers touches the screen, capacitance of sensors proximal to the touch(es) are affected (e.g., impedance changes). The drive-sense circuits (DSC) coupled to the affected sensors detect the change and provide a representation of the change to the touch screen processing module  82 , which may be a separate processing module or integrated into the processing module  42 . 
     The touch screen processing module  82  processes the representative signals from the drive-sense circuits (DSC) to determine the location of the touch(es). This information is inputted to the processing module  42  for processing as an input. For example, a touch represents a selection of a button on screen, a scroll function, a zoom in-out function, etc. 
       FIG.  4    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing device  18  that includes a core control module  40 , one or more processing modules  42 , one or more main memories  44 , cache memory  46 , a video graphics processing module  48 , a touch and tactile screen  20 , an Input-Output (I/O) peripheral control module  52 , one or more input interface modules  56 , one or more output interface modules  58 , one or more network interface modules  60 , and one or more memory interface modules  62 . The touch and tactile screen  20  includes a touch and tactile screen display  90 , a plurality of sensors  30 , a plurality of actuators  32 , a plurality of drive-sense circuits (DSC), a touch screen processing module  82 , and a tactile screen processing module  92 . 
     Computing device  18  operates similarly to computing device  14  of  FIG.  3    with the addition of a tactile aspect to the screen  20  as an output device. The tactile portion of the screen  20  includes the plurality of actuators (e.g., piezoelectric transducers to create vibrations, solenoids to create movement, etc.) to provide a tactile feel to the screen  20 . To do so, the processing module creates tactile data, which is provided to the appropriate drive-sense circuits (DSC) via the tactile screen processing module  92 , which may be a stand-alone processing module or integrated into processing module  42 . The drive-sense circuits (DSC) convert the tactile data into drive-actuate signals and provide them to the appropriate actuators to create the desired tactile feel on the screen  20 . 
       FIG.  5 A  is a schematic plot diagram of a computing subsystem  25  that includes a sensed data processing module  65 , a plurality of communication modules  61 A-x, a plurality of processing modules  42 A-x, a plurality of drive sense circuits  28 , and a plurality of sensors  1 - x , which may be sensors  30  of  FIG.  1   . The sensed data processing module  65  is one or more processing modules within one or more servers  22  and/or one more processing modules in one or more computing devices that are different than the computing devices in which processing modules  42 A-x reside. 
     A drive-sense circuit  28  (or multiple drive-sense circuits), a processing module (e.g.,  41 A), and a communication module (e.g.,  61 A) are within a common computing device. Each grouping of a drive-sense circuit(s), processing module, and communication module is in a separate computing device. A communication module  61 A-x is constructed in accordance with one or more wired communication protocol and/or one or more wireless communication protocols that is/are in accordance with the one or more of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model, and other communication protocol module. 
     In an example of operation, a processing module (e.g.,  42 A) provides a control signal to its corresponding drive-sense circuit  28 . The processing module  42  A may generate the control signal, receive it from the sensed data processing module  65 , or receive an indication from the sensed data processing module  65  to generate the control signal. The control signal enables the drive-sense circuit  28  to provide a drive signal to its corresponding sensor. The control signal may further include a reference signal having one or more frequency components to facilitate creation of the drive signal and/or interpreting a sensed signal received from the sensor. 
     Based on the control signal, the drive-sense circuit  28  provides the drive signal to its corresponding sensor (e.g.,  1 ) on a drive &amp; sense line. While receiving the drive signal (e.g., a power signal, a regulated source signal, etc.), the sensor senses a physical condition 1-x (e.g., acoustic waves, a biological condition, a chemical condition, an electric condition, a magnetic condition, an optical condition, a thermal condition, and/or a mechanical condition). As a result of the physical condition, an electrical characteristic (e.g., impedance, voltage, current, capacitance, inductance, resistance, reactance, etc.) of the sensor changes, which affects the drive signal. Note that if the sensor is an optical sensor, it converts a sensed optical condition into an electrical characteristic. 
     The drive-sense circuit  28  detects the effect on the drive signal via the drive &amp; sense line and processes the affect to produce a signal representative of power change, which may be an analog or digital signal. The processing module  42 A receives the signal representative of power change, interprets it, and generates a value representing the sensed physical condition. For example, if the sensor is sensing pressure, the value representing the sensed physical condition is a measure of pressure (e.g., x PSI (pounds per square inch)). 
     In accordance with a sensed data process function (e.g., algorithm, application, etc.), the sensed data processing module  65  gathers the values representing the sensed physical conditions from the processing modules. Since the sensors  1 - x  may be the same type of sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor), may each be different sensors, or a combination thereof, the sensed physical conditions may be the same, may each be different, or a combination thereof. The sensed data processing module  65  processes the gathered values to produce one or more desired results. For example, if the computing subsystem  25  is monitoring pressure along a pipeline, the processing of the gathered values indicates that the pressures are all within normal limits or that one or more of the sensed pressures is not within normal limits. 
     As another example, if the computing subsystem  25  is used in a manufacturing facility, the sensors are sensing a variety of physical conditions, such as acoustic waves (e.g., for sound proofing, sound generation, ultrasound monitoring, etc.), a biological condition (e.g., a bacterial contamination, etc.) a chemical condition (e.g., composition, gas concentration, etc.), an electric condition (e.g., current levels, voltage levels, electro-magnetic interference, etc.), a magnetic condition (e.g., induced current, magnetic field strength, magnetic field orientation, etc.), an optical condition (e.g., ambient light, infrared, etc.), a thermal condition (e.g., temperature, etc.), and/or a mechanical condition (e.g., physical position, force, pressure, acceleration, etc.). 
     The computing subsystem  25  may further include one or more actuators in place of one or more of the sensors and/or in addition to the sensors. When the computing subsystem  25  includes an actuator, the corresponding processing module provides an actuation control signal to the corresponding drive-sense circuit  28 . The actuation control signal enables the drive-sense circuit  28  to provide a drive signal to the actuator via a drive &amp; actuate line (e.g., similar to the drive &amp; sense line, but for the actuator). The drive signal includes one or more frequency components and/or amplitude components to facilitate a desired actuation of the actuator. 
     In addition, the computing subsystem  25  may include an actuator and sensor working in concert. For example, the sensor is sensing the physical condition of the actuator. In this example, a drive-sense circuit provides a drive signal to the actuator and another drive sense signal provides the same drive signal, or a scaled version of it, to the sensor. This allows the sensor to provide near immediate and continuous sensing of the actuator&#39;s physical condition. This further allows for the sensor to operate at a first frequency and the actuator to operate at a second frequency. 
     In an embodiment, the computing subsystem is a stand-alone system for a wide variety of applications (e.g., manufacturing, pipelines, testing, monitoring, security, etc.). In another embodiment, the computing subsystem  25  is one subsystem of a plurality of subsystems forming a larger system. For example, different subsystems are employed based on geographic location. As a specific example, the computing subsystem  25  is deployed in one section of a factory and another computing subsystem is deployed in another part of the factory. As another example, different subsystems are employed based function of the subsystems. As a specific example, one subsystem monitors a city&#39;s traffic light operation and another subsystem monitors the city&#39;s sewage treatment plants. 
     Regardless of the use and/or deployment of the computing system, the physical conditions it is sensing, and/or the physical conditions it is actuating, each sensor and each actuator (if included) is driven and sensed by a single line as opposed to separate drive and sense lines. This provides many advantages including, but not limited to, lower power requirements, better ability to drive high impedance sensors, lower line to line interference, and/or concurrent sensing functions. 
       FIG.  5 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem  25  that includes a sensed data processing module  65 , a communication module  61 , a plurality of processing modules  42 A-x, a plurality of drive sense circuits  28 , and a plurality of sensors  1 - x , which may be sensors  30  of  FIG.  1   . The sensed data processing module  65  is one or more processing modules within one or more servers  22  and/or one more processing modules in one or more computing devices that are different than the computing device, devices, in which processing modules  42 A-x reside. 
     In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits  28 , the processing modules, and the communication module are within a common computing device. For example, the computing device includes a central processing unit that includes a plurality of processing modules. The functionality and operation of the sensed data processing module  65 , the communication module  61 , the processing modules  42 A-x, the drive sense circuits  28 , and the sensors  1 - x  are as discussed with reference to  FIG.  5 A . 
       FIG.  5 C  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem  25  that includes a sensed data processing module  65 , a communication module  61 , a processing module  42 , a plurality of drive sense circuits  28 , and a plurality of sensors  1 - x , which may be sensors  30  of  FIG.  1   . The sensed data processing module  65  is one or more processing modules within one or more servers  22  and/or one more processing modules in one or more computing devices that are different than the computing device in which the processing module  42  resides. 
     In an embodiment, the drive-sense circuits  28 , the processing module, and the communication module are within a common computing device. The functionality and operation of the sensed data processing module  65 , the communication module  61 , the processing module  42 , the drive sense circuits  28 , and the sensors  1 - x  are as discussed with reference to  FIG.  5 A . 
       FIG.  5 D  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem  25  that includes a processing module  42 , a reference signal circuit  100 , a plurality of drive sense circuits  28 , and a plurality of sensors  30 . The processing module  42  includes a drive-sense processing block  104 , a drive-sense control block  102 , and a reference control block  106 . Each block  102 - 106  of the processing module  42  may be implemented via separate modules of the processing module, may be a combination of software and hardware within the processing module, and/or may be field programmable modules within the processing module  42 . 
     In an example of operation, the drive-sense control block  104  generates one or more control signals to activate one or more of the drive-sense circuits  28 . For example, the drive-sense control block  102  generates a control signal that enables of the drive-sense circuits  28  for a given period of time (e.g., 1 second, 1 minute, etc.). As another example, the drive-sense control block  102  generates control signals to sequentially enable the drive-sense circuits  28 . As yet another example, the drive-sense control block  102  generates a series of control signals to periodically enable the drive-sense circuits  28  (e.g., enabled once every second, every minute, every hour, etc.). 
     Continuing with the example of operation, the reference control block  106  generates a reference control signal that it provides to the reference signal circuit  100 . The reference signal circuit  100  generates, in accordance with the control signal, one or more reference signals for the drive-sense circuits  28 . For example, the control signal is an enable signal, which, in response, the reference signal circuit  100  generates a pre-programmed reference signal that it provides to the drive-sense circuits  28 . In another example, the reference signal circuit  100  generates a unique reference signal for each of the drive-sense circuits  28 . In yet another example, the reference signal circuit  100  generates a first unique reference signal for each of the drive-sense circuits  28  in a first group and generates a second unique reference signal for each of the drive-sense circuits  28  in a second group. 
     The reference signal circuit  100  may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the reference signal circuit  100  includes a DC (direct current) voltage generator, an AC voltage generator, and a voltage combining circuit. The DC voltage generator generates a DC voltage at a first level and the AC voltage generator generates an AC voltage at a second level, which is less than or equal to the first level. The voltage combining circuit combines the DC and AC voltages to produce the reference signal. As examples, the reference signal circuit  100  generates a reference signal similar to the signals shown in  FIG.  7   , which will be subsequently discussed. 
     As another example, the reference signal circuit  100  includes a DC current generator, an AC current generator, and a current combining circuit. The DC current generator generates a DC current a first current level and the AC current generator generates an AC current at a second current level, which is less than or equal to the first current level. The current combining circuit combines the DC and AC currents to produce the reference signal. 
     Returning to the example of operation, the reference signal circuit  100  provides the reference signal, or signals, to the drive-sense circuits  28 . When a drive-sense circuit  28  is enabled via a control signal from the drive sense control block  102 , it provides a drive signal to its corresponding sensor  30 . As a result of a physical condition, an electrical characteristic of the sensor is changed, which affects the drive signal. Based on the detected effect on the drive signal and the reference signal, the drive-sense circuit  28  generates a signal representative of the effect on the drive signal. 
     The drive-sense circuit provides the signal representative of the effect on the drive signal to the drive-sense processing block  104 . The drive-sense processing block  104  processes the representative signal to produce a sensed value  97  of the physical condition (e.g., a digital value that represents a specific temperature, a specific pressure level, etc.). The processing module  42  provides the sensed value  97  to another application running on the computing device, to another computing device, and/or to a server  22 . 
       FIG.  5 E  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a computing subsystem  25  that includes a processing module  42 , a plurality of drive sense circuits  28 , and a plurality of sensors  30 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of  FIG.  5 D  with the functionality of the drive-sense processing block  104 , a drive-sense control block  102 , and a reference control block  106  shown in greater detail. For instance, the drive-sense control block  102  includes individual enable/disable blocks  102 - 1  through  102 - y . An enable/disable block functions to enable or disable a corresponding drive-sense circuit in a manner as discussed above with reference to  FIG.  5 D . 
     The drive-sense processing block  104  includes variance determining modules  104 - 1   a  through  y  and variance interpreting modules  104 - 2   a  through  y . For example, variance determining module  104 - 1   a  receives, from the corresponding drive-sense circuit  28 , a signal representative of a physical condition sensed by a sensor. The variance determining module  104 - 1   a  functions to determine a difference from the signal representing the sensed physical condition with a signal representing a known, or reference, physical condition. The variance interpreting module  104 - 1   b  interprets the difference to determine a specific value for the sensed physical condition. 
     As a specific example, the variance determining module  104 - 1   a  receives a digital signal of 1001 0110 (150 in decimal) that is representative of a sensed physical condition (e.g., temperature) sensed by a sensor from the corresponding drive-sense circuit  28 . With 8-bits, there are 2 8  (256) possible signals representing the sensed physical condition. Assume that the units for temperature is Celsius and a digital value of 0100 0000 (64 in decimal) represents the known value for 25 degree Celsius. The variance determining module  104 - b   1  determines the difference between the digital signal representing the sensed value (e.g., 1001 0110, 150 in decimal) and the known signal value of (e.g., 0100 0000, 64 in decimal), which is 0011 0000 (86 in decimal). The variance determining module  104 - b   1  then determines the sensed value based on the difference and the known value. In this example, the sensed value equals 25+86*(100/256)=25+33.6=58.6 degrees Celsius. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit  28 - a  coupled to a sensor  30 . The drive sense-sense circuit  28  includes a power source circuit  110  and a power signal change detection circuit  112 . The sensor  30  includes one or more transducers that have varying electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance, impedance, current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions  114  (e.g., pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.), or vice versa (e.g., an actuator). 
     The power source circuit  110  is operably coupled to the sensor  30  and, when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module  42 , power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received, etc.) provides a power signal  116  to the sensor  30 . The power source circuit  110  may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linear regulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce a voltage-based power signal, a current supply circuit (e.g., a current source circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce a current-based power signal, or a circuit that provide a desired power level to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor. The power source circuit  110  generates the power signal  116  to include a DC (direct current) component and/or an oscillating component. 
     When receiving the power signal  116  and when exposed to a condition  114 , an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects  118  the power signal. When the power signal change detection circuit  112  is enabled, it detects the affect  118  on the power signal as a result of the electrical characteristic of the sensor. For example, the power signal is a 1.5 voltage signal and, under a first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliamp of current, which corresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under a second conditions, the power signal remains at 1.5 volts and the current increases to 1.5 milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2, the impedance of the sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. The power signal change detection circuit  112  determines this change and generates a representative signal  120  of the change to the power signal. 
     As another example, the power signal is a 1.5 voltage signal and, under a first condition, the sensor draws 1 milliamp of current, which corresponds to an impedance of 1.5 K Ohms. Under a second conditions, the power signal drops to 1.3 volts and the current increases to 1.3 milliamps. As such, from condition 1 to condition 2, the impedance of the sensor changed from 1.5 K Ohms to 1 K Ohms. The power signal change detection circuit  112  determines this change and generates a representative signal  120  of the change to the power signal. 
     The power signal  116  includes a DC component  122  and/or an oscillating component  124  as shown in  FIG.  7   . The oscillating component  124  includes a sinusoidal signal, a square wave signal, a triangular wave signal, a multiple level signal (e.g., has varying magnitude over time with respect to the DC component), and/or a polygonal signal (e.g., has a symmetrical or asymmetrical polygonal shape with respect to the DC component). Note that the power signal is shown without affect from the sensor as the result of a condition or changing condition. 
     In an embodiment, power generating circuit  110  varies frequency of the oscillating component  124  of the power signal  116  so that it can be tuned to the impedance of the sensor and/or to be off-set in frequency from other power signals in a system. For example, a capacitance sensor&#39;s impedance decreases with frequency. As such, if the frequency of the oscillating component is too high with respect to the capacitance, the capacitor looks like a short and variances in capacitances will be missed. Similarly, if the frequency of the oscillating component is too low with respect to the capacitance, the capacitor looks like an open and variances in capacitances will be missed. 
     In an embodiment, the power generating circuit  110  varies magnitude of the DC component  122  and/or the oscillating component  124  to improve resolution of sensing and/or to adjust power consumption of sensing. In addition, the power generating circuit  110  generates the drive signal  110  such that the magnitude of the oscillating component  124  is less than magnitude of the DC component  122 . 
       FIG.  6 A  is a schematic block diagram of a drive center circuit  28 - al  coupled to a sensor  30 . The drive sense-sense circuit  28 - al  includes a signal source circuit  111 , a signal change detection circuit  113 , and a power source  115 . The power source  115  (e.g., a battery, a power supply, a current source, etc.) generates a voltage and/or current that is combined with a signal  117 , which is produced by the signal source circuit  111 . The combined signal is supplied to the sensor  30 . 
     The signal source circuit  111  may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linear regulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce a voltage-based signal  117 , a current supply circuit (e.g., a current source circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce a current-based signal  117 , or a circuit that provide a desired power level to the sensor and substantially matches impedance of the sensor. The signal source circuit  111  generates the signal  117  to include a DC (direct current) component and/or an oscillating component. 
     When receiving the combined signal (e.g., signal  117  and power from the power source) and when exposed to a condition  114 , an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects  119  the signal. When the signal change detection circuit  113  is enabled, it detects the affect  119  on the signal as a result of the electrical characteristic of the sensor. 
       FIG.  8    is an example of a sensor graph that plots an electrical characteristic versus a condition. The sensor has a substantially linear region in which an incremental change in a condition produces a corresponding incremental change in the electrical characteristic. The graph shows two types of electrical characteristics: one that increases as the condition increases and the other that decreases and the condition increases. As an example of the first type, impedance of a temperature sensor increases and the temperature increases. As an example of a second type, a capacitance touch sensor decreases in capacitance as a touch is sensed. 
       FIG.  9    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor reduced the DC component but had little to no effect on the oscillating component. For example, the electrical characteristic is resistance. In this example, the resistance or change in resistance of the sensor decreased the power signal, inferring an increase in resistance for a relatively constant current. 
       FIG.  10    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor reduced magnitude of the oscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component. For example, the electrical characteristic is impedance of a capacitor and/or an inductor. In this example, the impedance or change in impedance of the sensor decreased the magnitude of the oscillating signal component, inferring an increase in impedance for a relatively constant current. 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor shifted frequency of the oscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component. For example, the electrical characteristic is reactance of a capacitor and/or an inductor. In this example, the reactance or change in reactance of the sensor shifted frequency of the oscillating signal component, inferring an increase in reactance (e.g., sensor is functioning as an integrator or phase shift circuit). 
       FIG.  11 A  is a schematic block diagram of another example of a power signal graph in which the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor is affecting the power signal. In this example, the effect of the electrical characteristic or change in electrical characteristic of the sensor changes the frequency of the oscillating component but had little to no effect on the DC component. For example, the sensor includes two transducers that oscillate at different frequencies. The first transducer receives the power signal at a frequency of f 1  and converts it into a first physical condition. The second transducer is stimulated by the first physical condition to create an electrical signal at a different frequency f 2 . In this example, the first and second transducers of the sensor change the frequency of the oscillating signal component, which allows for more granular sensing and/or a broader range of sensing. 
       FIG.  12    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power signal change detection circuit  112  receiving the affected power signal  118  and the power signal  116  as generated to produce, therefrom, the signal representative  120  of the power signal change. The affect  118  on the power signal is the result of an electrical characteristic and/or change in the electrical characteristic of a sensor; a few examples of the affects are shown in  FIGS.  8 - 11 A . 
     In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit  112  detect a change in the DC component  122  and/or the oscillating component  124  of the power signal  116 . The power signal change detection circuit  112  then generates the signal representative  120  of the change to the power signal based on the change to the power signal. For example, the change to the power signal results from the impedance of the sensor and/or a change in impedance of the sensor. The representative signal  120  is reflective of the change in the power signal and/or in the change in the sensor&#39;s impedance. 
     In an embodiment, the power signal change detection circuit  112  is operable to detect a change to the oscillating component at a frequency, which may be a phase shift, frequency change, and/or change in magnitude of the oscillating component. The power signal change detection circuit  112  is also operable to generate the signal representative of the change to the power signal based on the change to the oscillating component at the frequency. The power signal change detection circuit  112  is further operable to provide feedback to the power source circuit  110  regarding the oscillating component. The feedback allows the power source circuit  110  to regulate the oscillating component at the desired frequency, phase, and/or magnitude. 
       FIG.  13    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a drive sense circuit  28 - b  includes a change detection circuit  150 , a regulation circuit  152 , and a power source circuit  154 . The drive-sense circuit  28 - b  is coupled to the sensor  30 , which includes a transducer that has varying electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, inductance, impedance, current, voltage, etc.) based on varying physical conditions  114  (e.g., pressure, temperature, biological, chemical, etc.). 
     The power source circuit  154  is operably coupled to the sensor  30  and, when enabled (e.g., from a control signal from the processing module  42 , power is applied, a switch is closed, a reference signal is received, etc.) provides a power signal  158  to the sensor  30 . The power source circuit  154  may be a voltage supply circuit (e.g., a battery, a linear regulator, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter, etc.) to produce a voltage-based power signal or a current supply circuit (e.g., a current source circuit, a current mirror circuit, etc.) to produce a current-based power signal. The power source circuit  154  generates the power signal  158  to include a DC (direct current) component and an oscillating component. 
     When receiving the power signal  158  and when exposed to a condition  114 , an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects  160  the power signal. When the change detection circuit  150  is enabled, it detects the affect  160  on the power signal as a result of the electrical characteristic of the sensor  30 . The change detection circuit  150  is further operable to generate a signal  120  that is representative of change to the power signal based on the detected effect on the power signal. 
     The regulation circuit  152 , when its enabled, generates regulation signal  156  to regulate the DC component to a desired DC level and/or regulate the oscillating component to a desired oscillating level (e.g., magnitude, phase, and/or frequency) based on the signal  120  that is representative of the change to the power signal. The power source circuit  154  utilizes the regulation signal  156  to keep the power signal at a desired setting  158  regardless of the electrical characteristic of the sensor. In this manner, the amount of regulation is indicative of the affect the electrical characteristic had on the power signal. 
     In an example, the power source circuit  158  is a DC-DC converter operable to provide a regulated power signal having DC and AC components. The change detection circuit  150  is a comparator and the regulation circuit  152  is a pulse width modulator to produce the regulation signal  156 . The comparator compares the power signal  158 , which is affected by the sensor, with a reference signal that includes DC and AC components. When the electrical characteristics is at a first level (e.g., a first impedance), the power signal is regulated to provide a voltage and current such that the power signal substantially resembles the reference signal. 
     When the electrical characteristics changes to a second level (e.g., a second impedance), the change detection circuit  150  detects a change in the DC and/or AC component of the power signal  158  and generates the representative signal  120 , which indicates the changes. The regulation circuit  152  detects the change in the representative signal  120  and creates the regulation signal to substantially remove the effect on the power signal. The regulation of the power signal  158  may be done by regulating the magnitude of the DC and/or AC components, by adjusting the frequency of AC component, and/or by adjusting the phase of the AC component. 
     With respect to the operation of various drive-sense circuits as described herein and/or their equivalents, note that the operation of such a drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to drive and sense a signal via a single line. In comparison to switched, time-divided, time-multiplexed, etc. operation in which there is switching between driving and sensing (e.g., driving at first time, sensing at second time, etc.) of different respective signals at separate and distinct times, the drive-sense circuit is operable simultaneously to perform both driving and sensing of a signal. In some examples, such simultaneous driving and sensing is performed via a single line using a drive-sense circuit. 
     In addition, other alternative implementations of various drive-sense circuits are described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/113,379, entitled “DRIVE SENSE CIRCUIT WITH DRIVE-SENSE LINE,” (Attorney Docket No. SGS00009), filed Aug. 27, 2018, pending. Any instantiation of a drive-sense circuit as described herein may also be implemented using any of the various implementations of various drive-sense circuits described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/113,379. 
     In addition, note that the one or more signals provided from a drive-sense circuit (DSC) may be of any of a variety of types. For example, such a signal may be based on encoding of one or more bits to generate one or more coded bits used to generate modulation data (or generally, data). For example, a device is configured to perform forward error correction (FEC) and/or error checking and correction (ECC) code of one or more bits to generate one or more coded bits. Examples of FEC and/or ECC may include turbo code, convolutional code, turbo trellis coded modulation (TTCM), low density parity check (LDPC) code, Reed-Solomon (RS) code, BCH (Bose and Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem) code, binary convolutional code (BCC), Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and/or any other type of ECC and/or FEC code and/or combination thereof, etc. Note that more than one type of ECC and/or FEC code may be used in any of various implementations including concatenation (e.g., first ECC and/or FEC code followed by second ECC and/or FEC code, etc. such as based on an inner code/outer code architecture, etc.), parallel architecture (e.g., such that first ECC and/or FEC code operates on first bits while second ECC and/or FEC code operates on second bits, etc.), and/or any combination thereof. 
     Also, the one or more coded bits may then undergo modulation or symbol mapping to generate modulation symbols (e.g., the modulation symbols may include data intended for one or more recipient devices, components, elements, etc.). Note that such modulation symbols may be generated using any of various types of modulation coding techniques. Examples of such modulation coding techniques may include binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 8-phase shift keying (PSK), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM),  32  amplitude and phase shift keying (APSK), etc., uncoded modulation, and/or any other desired types of modulation including higher ordered modulations that may include even greater number of constellation points (e.g., 1024 QAM, etc.). 
     In addition, note that a signal provided from a DSC may be of a unique frequency that is different from signals provided from other DSCs. Also, a signal provided from a DSC may include multiple frequencies independently or simultaneously. The frequency of the signal can be hopped on a pre-arranged pattern. In some examples, a handshake is established between one or more DSCs and one or more processing module (e.g., one or more controllers) such that the one or more DSC is/are directed by the one or more processing modules regarding which frequency or frequencies and/or which other one or more characteristics of the one or more signals to use at one or more respective times and/or in one or more particular situations. 
     With respect to any signal that is driven and simultaneously detected by a DSC, note that any additional signal that is coupled into a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with that DSC is also detectable. For example, a DSC that is associated with such a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. is configured to detect any signal from one or more other lines, electrodes, a touch sensors, a buses, a communication links, electrical couplings or connections, etc. that get coupled into that line, electrode, touch sensor, bus, communication link, electrical coupling or connection, etc. 
     Note that the different respective signals that are driven and simultaneously sensed by one or more DSCs may be are differentiated from one another. Appropriate filtering and processing can identify the various signals given their differentiation, orthogonality to one another, difference in frequency, etc. Other examples described herein and their equivalents operate using any of a number of different characteristics other than or in addition to frequency. 
     Moreover, with respect to any embodiment, diagram, example, etc. that includes more than one DSC, note that the DSCs may be implemented in a variety of manners. In one example, all of the DSCs may be of the same type, implementation, configuration, etc. In another example, the first DSC may be of a first type, implementation, configuration, etc., and a second DSC may be of a second type, implementation, configuration, etc. that is different than the first DSC. Considering a specific example, a first DSC may be implemented to detect change of impedance associated with a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with that first DSC, while a second DSC may be implemented to detect change of voltage associated with a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with that second DSC. In addition, note that a third DSC may be implemented to detect change of a current associated with a line, an electrode, a touch sensor, a bus, a communication link, an electrical coupling or connection, etc. associated with that DSC. In general, while a common reference may be used generally to show a DSC or multiple instantiations of a DSC within a given embodiment, diagram, example, etc., note that any particular DSC may be implemented in accordance with any manner as described herein, such as described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/113,379, etc. and/or their equivalents. 
     Note that certain of the following diagrams show one or more processing modules. In certain instances, the one or more processing modules is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more other devices including one or more of DSCs, one or more components associated with a DSC, input electric power, output electric power, one or more components associated with a motor or motor coupled element, one or more components associated with a generator or generator coupled element, one or more turbines, one or more loads, etc. Note that any such implementation of one or more processing modules may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules. In addition, note that the one or more processing modules may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In addition, when a DSC is implemented to communicate with and interact with another element, the DSC is configured simultaneously to transmit and receive one or more signals with the element. For example, a DSC is configured simultaneously to drive one or more signals to the one element and to sense the one or more signals via the one element. During driving or transmission of a signal from a DSC, that same DSC is configured simultaneously to sense the signal being driven or transmitted from the DSC and any other signal may be coupled into the signal that is being driven or transmitted from the DSC. 
       FIG.  14 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  1401  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     The DSC is configured to provide a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element shown as reference numeral  1440 . Note that such a motor may be of any of a variety of types including a DC motor, an AC/induction motor, a DC brushless motor (DCBM), etc. Also, note that such motor coupled elements may be of any of a variety of types including a motor controller, a current buffer, a sensor or monitor associated with the motor, an actuator configured to operate the component associated with the motor such as a heater, an A/C component, a vent, a fan, heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) components, etc. and/or any other element implemented with an associated with such a motor. 
     In general, any motor or motor coupled element  1440  may be implemented and provided a drive signal from the DSC  28 . In this diagram, the DSC  28  operates to provide the drive signal to the motor or motor coupled element  1440  and also simultaneously to detect any effect on the drive signal. In this diagram, input electric power is provided to the DSC  28  and the DSC  28  is implemented to perform in-line processing of the input electric power signal to generate the drive signal that is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . Note that the power supply reference input  1405  may also be provided to the DSC  1420  in certain examples. In such examples, the DSC  28  is configured to process the input electric power signal based on power supply reference input  1405 . Note also that the power supply reference input  1405  may be provided from the one or more processing modules  42  in some examples. This diagram shows a general configuration by which a DSC  28  is implemented to receive an input electric power signal and to generate a drive signal to be provided to a motor or motor coupled element  1440 . The DSC  28  of this diagram may be viewed as being configured to perform in-line processing of the input electric drive signal to generate the drive signal that is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . 
       FIG.  14 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1402  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 14 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 14  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 14 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, DSC  28 - 14  includes a power source circuit  1410  that is configured to receive an input electric power signal and a drive signal change detection circuit  1412 . The drive signal change detection circuit  1412  includes a power source reference circuit  1412   a  and a comparator  1412   b . With respect to this diagram as well as others, note than any comparator may alternatively implemented as an operational amplifier as desired in certain examples. For example, while come examples are implemented such that a comparator operates to output a binary signal (e.g., either a 1 or a 0), an operational amplifier may alternatively be implemented to output any signal within a range of signals as may be desired in certain applications. In some examples, the power source circuit  1412  may be an independent current source, a dependent current source, a current mirror circuit, etc., or alternatively, an independent voltage source, a dependent voltage source, etc. 
     In addition, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interact with and communicate with the DSC  28 - 14 . In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control signals to one or more of the components within the DSC  28 - 14 . In addition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from DSC  28 - 14 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to process information that is received and to direct operation of one or more of the components within the DSC  28 - 14 . 
     In an example of operation based on a current related implementation of the DSC  28 - 14 , the power source reference circuit  1412   a  provides a current reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components to the power source circuit  1410 . The current source generates a current as the drive signal based on the current reference. An electrical characteristic of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  has an effect on the current drive signal. For example, if the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  decreases and the current drive signal remains substantially unchanged, the voltage across the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is decreased. 
     The comparator  1412   b  compares the current reference with the affected drive signal to produce a signal that is representative of the change to the drive signal. For example, the current reference signal corresponds to a given current (I) times a given impedance (Z). The current reference generates the drive signal to produce the given current (I). If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  substantially matches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is reflective of the impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much greater the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is than that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much less the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is than that of the given impedance (Z). 
     In an example of operation based on a voltage related implementation of the DSC  28 - 14 , the power source reference circuit  1412   a  provides a voltage reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components to the power source circuit  1410 . The power source circuit  1410  generates a voltage as the drive signal based on the voltage reference. An electrical characteristic of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  has an effect on the voltage drive signal. For example, if the impedance of the sensor decreases and the voltage drive signal remains substantially unchanged, the current through the sensor is increased. 
     The comparator  1412   b  compares the voltage reference with the affected drive signal to produce the signal that is representative of the change to the drive signal. For example, the voltage reference signal corresponds to a given voltage (V) divided by a given impedance (Z). The voltage reference generates the drive signal to produce the given voltage (V). If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  substantially matches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is reflective of the impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much greater the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is than that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much less the impedance of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  is than that of the given impedance (Z). 
     Generally speaking, this diagram shows yet another example by which a DSC may be implemented to perform in-line processing of the input electric drive signal to generate the drive signal that is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . However, note that any of a variety of different implementations of the DSC may be made to generate a drive signal to be provided to a motor or motor coupled element  1440  while simultaneously monitoring and sensing that drive signal. In addition, with respect to this diagram and also with respect to others corresponding to various implementations of DSCs, note that such an implementation of a DSC may be adapted to different applications. This diagram shows of a DSC in application for a motor or motor coupled element  1440 , but such an implementation of a DSC may alternative be adapted for other applications as well such that the drive signal may be provided to another component, element, device, circuitry, etc. Similarly, other implementations of DSCs as described herein may also be adapted for and applied to different applications beyond the specific application in which they are shown in a particular diagram. 
       FIG.  15 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  1501  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the DSC  28  is configured to provide a drive signal to a current buffer  1550  and simultaneously to sense the ground signal that is provided to the current buffer  1550 . The current buffer  1550  is configured to generate a motor drive signal that is provided to a motor  1540 . This diagram shows an intervening element between the DSC  28  and the motor  1540 . Specifically, the current buffer  1550 , which may be implemented as a high current buffer in some examples, is configured to process the drive signal provided from the DSC  28  and to generate a motor drive signal having sufficient current as to drive the motor  1540 . For example, some implementations of the motors  1540  may require very large currents (e.g., several amps, 10s of amps, or even higher amperage signals for operation), and the current buffer  1550  is configured to ensure an adequate amount of current is provided for proper operation of the motor. 
     In some examples, note that the current buffer  1550  is configured to provide a motor drive signal to a stator winding associated with the motor  1540 . For example, the buffer  1550  is configured to provide a motor drive signal so as to energize and excite the stator winding associated with motor  1540  to induce rotation of the rotor of the motor  1540 . Note that multiple instantiations of the configuration of a DSC  28  coupled to a current buffer  1550  that is configured to provide a motor drive signal to the motor  1540  may be made when the motor  1540  is a multiple phase motor. Considering an example in which the motor  1540  is a 3-phase motor, multiple instantiations of the configuration of this diagram may be implemented with respect to each of the different respective phases of the motor  1540  (e.g., 3 instantiations for each phase of a 3-phase motor). Note that as few as a single processing module may be implemented to provide control to and communicate with each of the different instantiations of the DSCs in various configuration of this diagram that service the different respective phases of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  15 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1502  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that a sensor implemented DSC  28  is configured to monitor the motor drive signal that is provided from the current buffer  1550  the motor  1540  and to provide feedback information to the one or more processing modules  42 . For example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the DSC  28  that provides the drive signal to the current buffer  1550  based on the sensor implemented DSC  28  that is monitoring the motor drive signal. For example, based on the motor drive signal provided from the current buffer  1550  comparing unfavorably with one or more considerations (e.g., overcurrent, undercurrent, improper phase or delay, etc.), the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the DSC  28  that provides the drive signal to the current buffer  1550  so as to generate a motor drive signal that compares favorably with the one or more considerations. This diagram provides an example by which a motor drive signal that is provided to with motor  1540  from a current buffer  1550  that is serviced by a DSC  28  may be monitored and information generated therefrom may be used to adapt operation of the DSC  28  that provides the drive signal to the current buffer  1550  to ensure operation of the motor  1540  in a desired manner. 
     In addition, in one particular example in which the current buffer  1550  is failing, such as possibly providing an extremely high overcurrent that is beyond the operational range and capability of the motor  1540 , the feedback provided by the sensor implemented DSC  28  may be processed by the processing modules  42  to initiate a shutdown of the system so as to prevent damage to the motor  1540 . In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to generate an error signal, provide notification to one or more other devices within the system of the error condition, etc. Note that multiple perspective DSCs  28  may be implemented within a given configuration that includes a motor such that the different perspective DSCs  28  are performing different operations and serving different needs within the system. 
       FIG.  16 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1601  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal via a coupler in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. In this diagram, the DSC  28  is configured to provide a drive signal to a current buffer  1550  and simultaneously to sense the ground signal that is provided to the current buffer  1550 . The current buffer  1550  is configured to generate a motor drive signal that is provided to a motor  1540 . This diagram shows an intervening element between the DSC  28  and the motor  1540 . Specifically, the current buffer  1550 , which may be implemented as a high current buffer in some examples, is configured to process the drive signal provided from the DSC  28  and to generate a motor drive signal having sufficient current as to drive the motor  1540 . This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that this diagram includes an intervening element between the motor drive signal and the sensor implemented DSC  28 , namely, a coupler  1660 . The coupler  1660  is configured to perform scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the motor drive signal from the sensor implemented DSC  28  to generate a signal that is representative of the motor drive signal to be provided to the sensor implemented DSC  28 . In some examples, the motor drive signal is of a voltage or current that is higher than the sensor implemented DSC  28  is capable of processing. 
     In other examples, the motor drive signal is implemented to be electrically isolated from the sensor implemented DSC  28  as the coupler  1660  provides a different signal that is representative of the motor drive signal to the sensor implemented DSC  28 . Generally speaking, note that coupler  1660  may be of any of a variety of types that is configured to generate a signal that is based on an representative of the motor drive signal to be provided to the sensor implemented DSC  28  including an AC coupler, a contactless current sensor such as a ferromagnetic current sensor (e.g., having a ferromagnetic element that encircles a line, connection, etc. between the current buffer  1550  in the motor  1540  and produces a signal corresponding to the current passing through the line, connection, etc. from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540 ), a fiber-optic current sensor such as may be implemented as operating based on the Faraday effect (e.g., angular rotation of the plane of polarization of an optical wave in an optical element, such as optical fiber, based on its interaction with a magnetic field generated by the line, connection, etc. between the current buffer  1550  in the motor  1540 ), a voltage divider (e.g., including two or more impedances), a Hall effect current sensor, etc. Generally speaking, any element that is implemented to generate a signal that is representative of the motor drive signal and to provide that signal to the sense implemented DSC  28  may be implemented as the coupler  1660 . 
       FIG.  16 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1602  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a current buffer servicing a motor including based on monitoring and sensing of a motor drive signal via a coupler and one or more additional motor related sensors in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. In this diagram, the DSC  28  is configured to provide a drive signal to a current buffer  1550  and simultaneously to sense the ground signal that is provided to the current buffer  1550 . The current buffer  1550  is configured to generate a motor drive signal that is provided to a motor  1540 . This diagram shows an intervening element between the DSC  28  and the motor  1540 . Specifically, the current buffer  1550 , which may be implemented as a high current buffer in some examples, is configured to process the drive signal provided from the DSC  28  and to generate a motor drive signal having sufficient current as to drive the motor  1540 . This diagram also includes an intervening element between the motor drive signal and the sensor implemented DSC  28 , namely, a coupler  1660 . The coupler  1660  is configured to perform scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the motor drive signal from the sensor implemented DSC  28  to generate a signal that is representative of the motor drive signal to be provided to the sensor implemented DSC  28 . 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that this diagram includes one or more sensors  1680 - 1681  that are respectively serviced using DSCs  1628 . For example, for each respective sensor  1680 - 1681 , respected DSC  1628  is configured to provide a signal to the respective sensor and simultaneously sense that signal that is provided to the respective sensor to determine a change of an electrical characteristic associated with the respective sensor to determine information being sent. Note that any of a variety of sensors may be implemented to provide information associated with motor operation. Some examples of such sensors include Hall effect sensors that may be implemented in a variety of ways including to detect magnetic field, current, voltage, etc., temperature sensors, vibration sensors such as may be implemented using accelerometers, airflow sensors, rotational speed sensors such as may be implemented using optical means or Hall effect-based sensing, etc. Generally speaking, any of a number of types of sensors may be implemented to provide information regarding status of the motor  1540 . In this diagram, the one or more processing module  1632  is configured not only to receive information from the sensor implemented DSC  28  that provides information corresponding to the motor drive signal provided from the current buffer  1550  the motor  1540 , but also from the one or more sensors  1680 - 1681  via the one or more corresponding DSCs  1628 . The one or more processing modules  1632  is configured to process and use this additional information provided from the one or more sensors  1680 - 1681  in conjunction with the sensing of the motor drive signal to adapt and direct operation of the DSC  28  that provides the drive signal to the current buffer  1550 . 
       FIG.  17 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1701  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 17   a . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 17   a  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 17   a . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more processing module  42  is configured to provide a drive signal, which may be viewed as a reference signal, to one of the inputs of a comparator  1715 . Note that the comparator  1715  may alternatively be implemented as an operational amplifier in certain embodiments. The other input of the comparator  1715  is coupled to provide a motor drive signal directly from the DSC  28 - 17   a  to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . The DSC  28 - 17   a  is configured to provide the drive signal to the motor or motor coupled element  1440  and also simultaneously to sense the drive signal and to detect any effect on the drive signal. 
     The output of the comparator  1715  is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC)  1760  that is configured to generate a digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal that is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . In addition, the digital signal is output from the ADC  1760  is fed back via a digital to analog converter (DAC)  1762  to generate the drive signal is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . In addition, the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control to and be in communication with the DSC  28 - 17   a  including to adapt the drive signal is provided to the comparator  1715  therein as desired to direct and control operation of the motor or motor coupled element  1440  via the drive signal. 
       FIG.  17 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  1702  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a motor or a motor coupled element in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 17   b . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 17   b  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 17   b . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that this diagram excludes the DAC  1762  of the prior diagram. In this diagram, the analog output signal from the comparator  1715  is fed back directly to the input of the comparator  1715  that is also coupled to the motor or motor coupled element  1440  thereby providing the drive signal (and simultaneously sensing) that is provided to the motor or motor coupled element  1440 . 
       FIG.  18    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  1800  of induction machine operation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows various examples of rotating equipment that operate based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. For example, at the top left-hand side of the diagram, a rotating equipment  1820  is shown as receiving as input electric power. Note that the input electric power may be single phase, 3-phase, 3-phase including a neutral, etc. in various examples. Generally speaking, such rotating equipment operates in accordance with electromagnetic induction such that electromagnetic fields (e.g., having a North Pole and South Pole) are induced within the rotating equipment to induce movement of the rotor in a motoring application or to generate output electric power from the stator and a generating application. 
     The rotating equipment  1820  may be viewed as an induction machine operating as a motor when provided input electric power. As the power is provided to one or more stator windings of the rotating equipment  1820 , shown as stator  1822 , based on electromagnetic induction to one or more components within a rotor  1824 , the rotor will rotate. One or more components may be coupled to the rotor as it rotates thereby harnessing the rotational energy provided by the motor. 
     In an alternative configuration, at the top right-hand side of the diagram, a rotating equipment  1830  is shown as including a rotor  1834  that is driven by a mechanical energy source  1810 . Note that such a mechanical energy source  1810  may alternatively be referred to as a prime mover. As the rotor  1834  turns within the rotating equipment  1830 , output electric power is generated via one or more stator windings  1832  of the rotating equipment  1830 . Note that the output electric power electric power may be single phase, 3-phase, 3-phase including a neutral, etc. in various examples. Generally speaking, the operation of an induction machine has a motor or generator are complement three to one another. The rotation of the rotor within the rotating equipment  1810  may be induced by providing appropriately providing input electric power to the one or more stator windings of the rotating equipment. Alternatively, rotating the rotor within the rotating equipment (e.g., using some mechanical energy source) may be performed to provide output electric power from the one or more stator windings of the rotating equipment. In general, the induction machine operates based on electromagnetic induction between a magnetic field of this one or more stator windings to the one or more rotor windings, or alternatively between the one or more rotor windings to the one or more stator windings. 
     Note also that such an induction machine may operate both in accordance with motoring and in accordance with generating at different times. For example, with respect to an induction motor, slip, s, is defined as a function of the rotational speed of the magnetic field within the rotor, ns, the stator electrical speed, and the rotational speed of the rotor itself, nr, the rotor mechanical speed. A typical definition of slip, s, within an induction motor (or generally an induction machine) is s=(ns−nr)/ns. The bottom of the diagram shows torque of an induction machine as a function of speed or slip. As can be seen, when this slip is varying between 0 and −1, induction machine operates in accordance with generating electric power. Alternatively, when the slip is varying between 0 and 1, induction machine operates in accordance with motoring. 
     The principles of operation of an induction motor are analogous to the principles of operation of a generator, yet in reverse. Considering the operation of an induction motor, AC power is provided to one or more of the stator windings of the rotating equipment thereby creating a magnetic field that rotates synchronously with the frequency of the AC power that is provided to the stator windings. That is to say, the frequency of the AC signals provided to the stator windings will induce a magnetic field that rotates at the same frequency. Considering an example in which the AC signals are of 60 Hz, then oscillation of the magnetic field within the rotating equipment will also be of 60 Hz. Within an induction machine implemented to operate as a motor, the induction motor&#39;s rotor  1824  rotates at a slightly different frequency than the magnetic field rotates within the stator  1822 . 
     Within the induction motor, the magnetic field associated with the one or more stator windings changes and rotates relative to the one or more rotor windings. Similar to how electric current is induced within the transformer via electromagnetic coupling between the primary and secondary windings of the transformer, the rotating magnetic field within the one or more stator windings of the rotating equipment will induce current within the one or more rotor windings of the rotating equipment. The interaction between the induced current within the one or more rotor windings of the rotating equipment also generates a magnetic field within the rotor that interacts with the magnetic field being generated within the stator. Generally speaking, the direction of the magnetic field created by the current flowing in the one or more stator windings will oppose any change in current through the one or more rotor windings (e.g., in accordance with Lenz&#39;s Law). These opposite an opposing magnetic fields between the one or more stator windings in the one or more rotor windings will induce rotation of the rotor. Generally speaking, considering a motoring application, the rotor will accelerate to an operational speed at which the torque being generated in accordance with the rotational energy of the rotor matches the mechanical load being placed on the rotor. 
     With respect to this slip that provides an indication between the difference of the stator electrical speed and the rotor mechanical speed, slip can vary such as being more than 5% for small motors to less than 1% for larger motors. Generally speaking, a nonzero slip value indicates that the induction machine is not operating synchronously such that the rotor is rotating synchronously with the magnetic field within the one or more stator windings. Generally speaking, higher values of slip are associated with more induced voltage, more current, and stronger magnetic fields in accordance with the electromagnetic coupling within the induction machine. When operating as a motor, the rotating speed of the rotor of the induction machine will be less spending electrical rotating speed of the magnetic field within the one or more stator windings (e.g., which is often referred to as the synchronous speed of the induction motor). Alternatively, for the induction machine to operate as a generator, its rotational operating speed is above the rated synchronous speed of the induction machine thereby inducing current in the stator windings of the induction machine based on mechanically induced rotation of the rotor of induction machine. 
     One or more processing modules implemented to perform monitoring and controlling the operation of an induction machine will operate more effectively having more highly accurate information regarding the position of the rotor within the induction machine, the rate of rotation of the rotor within the induction machine, the frequency of the rotation of the magnetic field within the one or more stator windings of the induction machine, etc. 
     One or more appropriately implemented DSCs, including one or more in-line DSCs in certain examples, may be implemented to provide and/or monitor the input electrical signals provided to the one or more stator windings of an induction machine in a motoring application or to monitor the output electrical signals provided from the one or more stator windings of an induction machine in a generating application. Information provided by one or more such appropriately implemented DSCs can be used to provide specific location of the rotor within the induction machine. For example, as the highly accurate and highly sensitive detection capabilities of a DSC can detect when a rotor winding passes by a stator winding when the rotor is rotating within the induction machine. A number of different implementations may be made by which a DSC can detect the interaction between the rotor winding and the stator winding as they pass by one another in accordance with operation of the induction machine. 
     Generally speaking, the frequency and location of the electrical rotating magnetic field with any one or more stator windings is known, in that, it corresponds to the signals being provided to the one or more stator windings. In accordance with an application in which one or more DSCs are implemented either to drive and sense the one or more electrical signals being provided to the one or more stator windings or to sense the one or more electrical signals being provided to the one or more stator windings, the characteristics of the electrical signals being provided to the one or more stator windings is known. To determine the slip of the induction machine, one or more DSCs are implemented to detect the interaction of the one or more rotor windings with the one or more stator windings to determine when a rotor winding is located next to or is passing a stator winding. Based on the particular configuration of the induction machine, whether a single phase induction machine, 3-phase induction machine, or other type, the one or more DSCs are implemented to detect when the one or more rotor windings are interacting with the one or more stator windings and thereby providing information that may be used to determine the slip of the induction machine. Knowing particularly when the one or more rotor windings are interacting with and passing the one or more stator windings provides indication of the mechanical speed at which the rotor of the induction machine is rotating. This information coupled with the known information of the electrical rotating magnetic field with any one or more stator windings is used to determine the slip of the induction machine. 
     In some examples, within a motoring application, an in-line DSC is implemented to provide and sense an input electric signal to a stator winding of the induction machine. In doing so, the in-line DSC is implemented to detect when a rotor winding of the induction machine passes by the stator winding based on the electromagnetic interaction between the rotor winding in the stator winding of the induction machine during rotation of the rotor within the induction machine. Analogously, within a generating application, and in-line DSC is implemented to receive and sense an output electric signal from a stator winding of the induction machine. In doing so, such an in-line DSC is implemented to detect when a rotor of the induction machine passes by the stator winding based on the electromagnetic interaction between the rotor winding in the stator winding of the induction machine during rotation of the rotor within the induction machine, only this time in accordance with a generating application. 
     An even other examples, whether in a motoring application or a generating application, one or more appropriately implemented DSCs (e.g., including applications that may include one or more non-in-line DSCs) operate to sense the electrical signals going into and/or out of the stator windings of the induction machine to provide information related to the location of the rotor within the induction machine based on detecting the interaction of the stator and rotor windings as they pass one another during rotation of the rotor of the induction machine. 
     While certain sensors may be implemented to detect the location of the rotor within the induction machine during operation, one or more appropriately implemented DSCs (e.g., including possibly one or more in-line DSCs and one or more non-in-line DSCs) can obviate the need of such sensors. However, in examples in which such sensors may be used (e.g., such as Hall effect sensors implemented to determine the location of the rotor within the induction machine), one or more appropriately implemented DSCs operating in cooperation with sensors will also improve the performance of those sensors. The use and implementation of such DSCs within such induction motor applications may be performed to improve significantly the accuracy of the information regarding the operation of the induction motor thereby providing the ability for much better operational management and control of the induction machine. 
       FIG.  19    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  1900  of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, the 3-phase induction machine has three sets of windings, with each phase connected to a different set of windings. Consider three different electric power signals being out of phase with one another by 120°. On the right-hand side of the diagram shows the 3-phase AC power supply such that phase A may be viewed as having a phase of 0°, phase B may be viewed as having a phase of 120°, and phase C may be viewed as having a phase of 240°. The rotor of the induction machine is implemented as having a North Pole and South Pole. By appropriately providing electric power input signals to the stator windings of the induction machine, specifically shown as phase A in, phase B in, and in phase A in, a rotating magnetic field will be induced within the stator windings of the induction machine. In this example, which includes a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine, each respective phase includes two corresponding sets of windings, as can be seen as an example from the A1 and A2 stator windings associated with phase A, the B1 and B2 stator windings associated with phase B, and the C1 and C2 stator windings associated with phase C. 
     When appropriate input electric power signals are applied to the respective stator windings of the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine, the current flowing through the stator windings of the induction machine will create a North Pole and South Pole via electromagnetic induction. In this diagram, the induction machine includes one North Pole and one South Pole being a 2-pole induction machine. The rotating magnetic field of the stator windings of the induction machine will induce current to flow within the windings of the rotor. In some examples, the windings of the rotor are implemented in what is called a squirrel cage configuration, such that the rotating magnetic field of the stator crosses the windings of the rotor within the squirrel cage configuration and the current flowing within the rotor windings produce its own magnetic field. Rotation of the rotor is induced such that the magnetic field that is generated by the current flowing in the windings of the rotor attempts to follow the magnetic field rotating within the windings of the stator. As such, the mechanical directional rotation of the rotor is same as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field within the stator. Note that within such a 3-phase induction machine application, reversing the connectivity of any two phases of the 3-phase AC power supply being provided to the induction machine, within a motoring application, will reverse the directional rotation of the rotor within the induction machine. 
     With respect to such an induction machine, as mentioned above, whether operating in a motoring application oriented generating application, know that one or more appropriately implemented DSCs (e.g., including one or more in-line DSCs and/or non-in-line DSCs), may be implemented to provide and/or monitor the input electrical signals provided to the one or more stator windings of an induction machine in a motoring application or to monitor the output electrical signals provided from the one or more stator windings of an induction machine in a generating application. This diagram shows one particular example by which an induction machine may be configured specifically showing the location of the stator windings of the three respective phases of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine and their connectivity including the relationship between needle different respective electrical signals of the 3-phase AC power supply being provided to those stator windings of the three respective phases of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine. Note that sensing of the electrical signals being provided to or provided from the one or more stator windings of such a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine can provide for highly accurate information regarding the location of the stator within the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine based on the interaction of the windings of the rotor and the stator as the rotor rotates within the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine. In some examples, the use and requirement of Hall effect sensors implemented to help determine the location of the stator within the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine are obviated entirely because of the ability to drive current signals to the stator windings in a motoring application and simultaneously sense to them and/or to detect the current signals provided from the stator windings in a generating application. In certain other examples, the operation of such Hall effect sensors implemented within such a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine is significantly improved by appropriately implemented one or more DSCs operating in conjunction with one or more Hall effect sensors. 
       FIG.  20    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  2000  of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more input electric power signals and to process those one or more input electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  operates based on 3-phase power, there are three respective DSCs  28  implemented to receive the three respective input electric power signals. In certain examples that include 3-phase power including a neutral, a fourth DSC  28  may also and optionally be implemented in-line of the neutral as well as may be desired in certain implementations. In an example in which rotating equipment  2010  operates based on single phase power, there is one DSC  28  implemented to receive the single phase input electric power signal. Note that the number of input electric power signals that are received corresponds to the number of DSCs  28  that received those respective input electric power signals. 
     Note that the rotating equipment  2010  of this diagram or other rotating equipment referenced in other diagrams may be any of a variety of types of machinery including a motor, factory assembly machinery, a drill, a pump, a compressor, a turbine, a fan, etc. The rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment to the load  2090 . Note that the load may be any of a variety of components that is driven or is operated on based on the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Considering an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a drill, the load  2090  may be an article of manufacture or some component that is being drilled by a drill bit that that is being driven by the rotating equipment  2010 . Considering an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a pump, the load may be the fluid being pumped the a pathway or from one location to another. Considering an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a compressor, the load may be the reservoir or container that is being compressed. Generally speaking, any of a variety of types of rotating equipment  2010  and load  2090  may be implemented various examples. Generally speaking, other references to rotating equipment and loads, etc. within other diagrams, examples, embodiment, etc. herein may also be interpreted broadly as including any such types of components and their equivalents. 
     In this diagram, the one or more DSCs  28  are implemented in an in-line configuration with the one or more power supply signals to provide conditioned power signals to the rotating equipment  2010 . In addition, they are configured to adapt control of the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive the input electric power signals, perform processing on them, to provide drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010  and simultaneously to sense those drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to provide a variety of types of information to be used by the one or more processing modules  42 . For example, the one or more DSCs  28  operating by sensing of the one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010  may provide information to determine the rotational speed of the rotor, the torque, the electromotive force (EMF), counter- or back-EMF, the rotor position, slip, etc. Based on any such information that is determined based on the sensing of the one or more motor drive signals provided to the rotating equipment  2010 , the one or more processing modules  42  may adapt operation of the one or more DSCs  28 . 
     In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to perform conditioning, adjusting, filtering, etc. of the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In other examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to provide more current (e.g., based on detection of a high or higher back-EMF, an increased load, the rotor rotating at a slower speed than desired, etc.) or less current (e.g., based on detection of a low or lower back-EMF, a decreased load, the rotor rotating at a higher speed than desired, etc.) via the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . Similarly, the voltage of the one or more motor drive signals being provided from the one or more DSCs  28  to the rotating equipment  2010  may be adapted or modified accordingly based on such considerations. 
     Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to perform adaptation of the one or more motor drive signals provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In some examples, this involves modifying the amplitude or magnitude of the current and/or voltage of the one or more motor drive signals. In other examples, this involves modifying the phase (e.g., forward/advancing or backward/delaying) of the current and/or voltage of the one or more motor drive signals. In even other examples, this involves filtering of the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination of such filtering) to generate the one or more motor drive signals. Note that such processing and filtering is performed in certain examples to compensate for and/or remove one or more conditions affecting the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In yet other examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to increase the voltage or reduce the voltage of the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In certain examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  by modifying the one or more respective reference signals being provided to the one or more DSCs  28 . For example, based on the one or more processing modules  42  adapting or modifying a reference signal that is being provided to a DSC  28  will adapt operation of that DSC  28  and thereby modify the drive signal being provided from that DSC  28  to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Also, in certain examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to detect and monitor the voltage and current of the one or more input electric power signals received and/or provided, such as after processing, electric power conditioning, etc., to the rotating equipment  2010  (e.g., via one or more in-line DSCs  28  implemented as shown in this diagram, or based on one or more sensing implemented DSCs  28  as described in the following diagram and others). Based on information provided to the one or more processing modules  42  via one or more DSCs  28 , regardless of their particular implementation, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to detect and monitor the voltage and current of the signals. As such, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to determine the power factor of any one or more of these electric power signals. Generally speaking, the power factor of an electric power signal corresponds to the ratio of the real power absorbed by the load to the apparent power flowing the circuit. Real power, P, sometimes referred to as active power, is expressed in watts. Reactive power, Q, is typically expressed in reactive volt-amperes (vars). A complex power measure, S, is complex combined expression of P and Q and is typically expressed in volt-amperes (VAs). Generally speaking, the relationship between these is as follows: 
     S=P+j Q, such that S is the complex/vector combination of P and Q, with P having a phase of 0° and Q having a phase of 90°, such that S is the complex/vector combination of P and Q, and the magnitude of S, S, being expressed as follows: 
       | S |=sqrt( P{circumflex over ( )}+Q{circumflex over ( )} 2) 
     Consider an angle theta, θ, as being in reference to the angle between S being the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed such that S is the complex/vector combination of P (e.g., horizontal line of the right triangle) and Q (vertical line of the right triangle) such as based on S=P+j Q), then 
       cos θ,power factor= P/|S| 
 
     As can be seen, as this angle θ Decreases, approaching 0°, the cos θ, power factor approaches 1, its maximum possible value, and Q reduces to zero such that the load is primarily resistive and less reactive (e.g., having little or no inductive and/or capacitive characteristics). That is to say, in a purely resistive system, the voltage and current waveforms are in phase with one another, and all the electric power being delivered to the load is consumed. However, when the load is reactive to at least some degree (e.g., exhibiting inductive and/or capacitive characteristics), then energy will be stored in the loads and thereby creating difference between the current and voltage of the electric power signals. This energy that is stored within the load temporarily may be viewed as being stored in electric and/or magnetic fields during the operation of the system. 
     Generally speaking, a lagging power factor is based on a positive angle θ (e.g., such that the value of Q it is a positive number, a positive reactive power), and a leading power factor is based on a negative angle θ (e.g., such that the value of Q it is a negative number, a negative reactive power). These terms refer to whether the phase of the current is leading or lagging the phase of the voltage. When there is a lagging power factor, the load being driven by the electric power signal is typically inductive, and the load consumes reactive power Q. Alternatively, when there is a leading power factor, the load being driven by the electric power signal is typically capacitive, and the load supplies reactive power Q. 
     Within the operation of electric motors, generators, etc., where there is a significant amount of electromagnetic induction between various components including between the stator windings and rotor windings, the load (e.g., a motor, stator windings of a motor, induction motors, etc.) may exhibit inductive characteristics. However, well-constructed components within such loads load (e.g., a motor, stator windings of a motor, induction motors, etc.) can exhibit linear characteristics with relatively low power factors. 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  to adjust and adapt one or both of the voltage and/or current of these electric power signals. In doing so, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to effectuate power factor adjustment. Generally speaking, a load (e.g., a motor, stator windings of a motor, induction motors, etc.) with a lower power factor draws more current than a load with a higher power factor for the same amount of power transfer. 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  to adjust the power factor of the one or more electric power signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010  by modifying the voltage and/or current of these electric power signals. For example, consider a situation in which relatively less power is being required by the rotating equipment  2010  (e.g., a load that is decreasing, such as having decreased torque, etc.), then the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  to adjust the relationship between the voltage and current of an electric power signal to effectuate a power factor corresponding to the delivery of less power (e.g., less real power and more reactive power) to the rotating equipment  2010  thereby improving the efficiency and operation of the rotating equipment  2010 . Alternatively, consider a situation in which relatively more power is being required by the rotating equipment  2010  (e.g., a load that is increasing, such as having increased torque, etc.), then the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  to adjust the relationship between the voltage and current of an electric power signal to effectuate a power factor corresponding to the delivery of more power (e.g., more real power and less reactive power) to the rotating equipment  2010  thereby improving the efficiency and operation of the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Generally speaking, any of the variety of information that may be determined based on analysis of the sensing of the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010  may be used to adapt operation of the one or more DSCs  28  by the one or more processing modules  42  to control and/or adapt the operation of the rotating equipment  2010 . 
       FIG.  21    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  2100  of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more input electric power signals and to process those one or more input electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment  2010  to the load  2090 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the drive signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  that receive the one or more input electric power signals. In this diagram, these one or more additional DSCs  28  are shown as sensing and monitoring the one or more conditioned input electric power signals from the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or more conditioned input electric power signals to the rotating equipment  2010 . In other embodiments, note that these one or more additional DSCs  28  may alternatively be implemented to sense and monitor the one or more input electric power signals that are provided from the to the one or more in-line DSCs  28  (e.g., monitoring and sensing the one or more inputs to the one or more in-line DSCs  28  alternatively to or in addition to the monitoring and sensing of the one or more outputs from the one or more in-line DSCs  28 ). 
     These one or more additional DSCs  28  are also in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . In certain examples, these sensor implemented DSCs  28  are connected to the drive signal lines output from the in-line DSCs  28  via one or more couplers  1660 . As described elsewhere herein, the couplers  1660  may be of any of a variety of types that provide one or more other signals to the sensor implemented DSCs  28  that are representative of the one or more motor drive signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  and provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     This diagram shows an alternative implementation in which a first one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform adaptation and control of the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  and a second one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . Note that different DSCs  28  in this diagram may be implemented to perform different operations. For example, the one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform both the providing of the one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010  and also simultaneously to perform sensing of those one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010  as the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured also to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals. In another example, the one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform only the providing of the one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010  as the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals. In even other examples, the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to operate to perform adaptation of the one or more motor drive signals output from the in-line DSCs  28  such that for any given drive signal that is provided to the rotating equipment  2010 , a corresponding in-line DSC  28  and also another DSC  28  operate cooperatively to perform any modification or adaptation of that respective drive signal is provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
       FIG.  22    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  2200  of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram of  FIG.  20   . For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more input electric power signals and to process those one or more input electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment  2010  to the load  2090 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented to interface to one or more sensors that provide additional information regarding the rotating equipment  2010  and the load  2090 . For example, one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  are implemented and serviced via one or more DSCs  28  to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010 , and/or one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are implemented and serviced via one or more DSCs  28  to provide information regarding the load  2090 . Note that the number and type of sensors implemented to provide information on rotating equipment  2010  may be of a variety of different types. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the rotating equipment  2010  may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090 . In addition, based on the particular type of load  2090 , appropriately tailored sensors may be implemented (e.g., rate of flow sensors for a pump application, pressure sensors for a compressor application, etc.). 
     This diagram shows an example in which additional information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  be used to direct and control operation of the various DSCs  28  and possibly including the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
       FIG.  23    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  2300  of in-line DSCs implemented in accordance with providing electric power signals to rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more input electric power signals and to process those one or more input electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment  2010  to the load  2090 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the drive signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  that receive the one or more input electric power signals. Note that these one or more additional DSCs  28  may be coupled to the one or more drive signal lines output from the in-line DSCs  28  via one or more couplers  1660 . 
     This diagram shows an example in which additional information regarding the one or more motor drive signals output from one or more in-line DSCs  28  as well as information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  be used to direct and control operation of the various DSCs  28  and possibly including the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or more motor drive signals to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     In an example of operation and implementation, a rotating equipment system with in-line drive-sense circuit (DSC) electric power signal processing includes rotating equipment  2010 , in-line drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 , and one or more processing modules  42 . The rotating equipment  2010  is operably coupled to receive a plurality of motor drive signals. When enabled, the rotating equipment  2010  is configured to operate based on power delivered via the plurality of motor drive signals. 
     Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     A plurality of in-line drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28  is operably coupled to receive a plurality of input electrical power signals and to generate the plurality of motor drive signals. When enabled, an in-line DSC  28  of the plurality of in-line DSCs  28  is operably coupled and configured to receive an input electrical power signal of a plurality of input electrical power signals, process the input electrical power signal to generate a motor drive signal, and to output the motor drive signal to the rotating equipment  2010  via a single line and simultaneously to sense the motor drive signal via the single line. Also, the in-line DSC  28  is operably coupled and configured to detect an effect on the motor drive signal that is based on an electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  based on the sensing of the motor drive signal via the single line. The in-line DSC  28  is operably coupled and configured to generate a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is operably coupled to the plurality of in-line DSCs  28 . When enabled, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive the digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  from the in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs and process the digital signal to determine information regarding one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment  2010 . Based on the information regarding the one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment  2010 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured determine whether to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal. Also, based on a determination to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to identify one or more adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and direct the in-line DSC to perform the one or more adaptation operations on the motor drive signal. 
     In some examples, the system includes another plurality of DSCs operably coupled as sensors to monitor the plurality of motor drive signals that are output from the plurality of in-line DSCs. When enabled, a DSC of the another plurality of DSCs operably coupled and configured to sense the motor drive signal via another single line, detect the effect on the motor drive signal that is based on at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  or the one or more adaptation operations that is performed on the motor drive signal by the in-line DSC, and generate another digital signal representative of the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  or the one or more adaptation operations. 
     The one or more processing modules  42 , when enabled, are further configured to receive the another digital signal representative of the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  or the one or more adaptation operations, process the another digital signal to determine other information regarding the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  or the one or more adaptation operations. Based on the other information regarding the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  or the one or more adaptation operations, the one or more processing modules  42  are configured to determine whether to perform additional adaptation of the motor drive signal. Also, based on another determination to perform the additional adaptation of the motor drive signal, the one or more processing modules  42  are configured to identify one or more additional adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and direct the in-line DSC to perform the one or more additional adaptation operations on the motor drive signal. 
     In some other examples, the system includes a plurality of sensors (e.g.,  2280  to  2280 - 1  and/or  2290  to  2290 - 1 ) operably coupled to the one or more processing modules  42  via another plurality of DSCs and implemented to monitor a plurality of analog features associated with at least one of the rotating equipment  2010  or a load that is serviced by the rotating equipment  2010 . When enabled, a DSC of the another plurality of DSCs is configured to drive and sense a sensor of the plurality of sensor via another single line, generate another digital signal representative of a sensed analog feature to which the sensor of the plurality of sensors is exposed, and transmit the another digital signal to the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     The one or more processing modules  42 , when enabled, are further configured to receive the another digital signal representative of the sensed analog feature, process the another digital signal to determine other information regarding the at least one of the rotating equipment  2010  or the load that is serviced by the rotating equipment  2010 . Based on the other information regarding the at least one of the rotating equipment  2010  or the load that is serviced by the rotating equipment  2010 , the one or more processing modules  42  are configured to determine whether to perform additional adaptation of the motor drive signal. Based on another determination to perform the additional adaptation of the motor drive signal, the one or more processing modules  42  are configured to identify one or more additional adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and direct the in-line DSC to perform the one or more additional adaptation operations on the motor drive signal. 
     In some examples, the in-line DSC further includes a power source circuit operably coupled to the single line. When enabled, the power source circuit is configured to provide the motor drive signal via the single line coupling to the rotating equipment  2010 , and wherein the motor drive signal includes at least one of a DC (direct current) component and an oscillating component. The in-line DSC further includes a power source change detection circuit operably coupled to the power source circuit. When enabled, the power source change detection circuit is configured to detect the effect on the motor drive signal that is based on the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010  and generate the digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Also, in some examples, the power source circuit includes a power source to source at least one of a voltage or a current to the rotating equipment  2010  via the single line and the power source change detection circuit that includes a power source reference circuit configured to provide at least one of a voltage reference or a current reference, and a comparator configured to compare the at least one of the voltage and the current provided to the rotating equipment  2010  to the at least one of the voltage reference and the current reference to produce the motor drive signal. 
     In certain examples, note that the one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment  2010  includes one or more of rotational speed of a rotor of the rotating equipment  2010 , torque on the rotor of the rotating equipment  2010 , electromotive force (EMF) of the rotating equipment  2010  including counter-EMF or back-EMF, a position of the rotor of the rotating equipment  2010 , slip of the rotating equipment  2010  that is based on the rotational speed of a magnetic field within the rotor of the rotating equipment  2010 , a stator electrical speed of the rotating equipment  2010 , and the rotational speed of the rotor of the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Also, in some examples, the one or more adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal includes any one or more of modification of amplitude or magnitude of at least one of a current or a voltage of the motor drive signal, modification of phase of the at least one of the current or the voltage of the motor drive signal, filtering of motor drive signal based on one or more of low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, and high pass filtering, and/or removal of one or more of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, and glitches. 
       FIG.  24    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method  2400  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  2400  may also be viewed as a method for execution by a rotating equipment system with in-line drive-sense circuit (DSC) electric power signal processing. The method  2400  operates in step  2410  by operating a rotating equipment based on power delivered via a plurality of motor drive signals. 
     The method  2400  also operates in step  2420  by operating a plurality of in-line drive-sense circuits (DSCs) to receive a plurality of input electrical power signals and to generate the plurality of motor drive signals. This involves operating an in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs for various operations including receiving an input electrical power signal of the plurality of input electrical power signals in step  2422 , processing the input electrical power signal to generate a motor drive signal in step  2424 , outputting the motor drive signal to the rotating equipment via a single line and simultaneously sensing the motor drive signal via the single line in step  2426 , detecting an effect on the motor drive signal that is based on an electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment based on the sensing of the motor drive signal via the single line in step  2428 , and generating a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment in step  2429 . 
     The method  2400  also operates in step  2420  (e.g., by one or more processing modules) by receiving the digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment from the in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs in step  2440 , processing the digital signal to determine information regarding one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment in step  2450 . Based on the information regarding the one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment, the method  2400  also operates in step  2460  by determining whether to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal. Based on a determination to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal, the method  2400  also operates in step  2470  by identifying one or more adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and directing the in-line DSC to perform the one or more adaptation operations on the motor drive signal in step  2480 . 
     Alternatively, based on a determination not to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal in step  2470 , the method  2400  ends or alternatively returns to step  2410  and continues to perform the method  2400 . 
     Variants of the method  2400  may also include operating another plurality of DSCs operably coupled as sensors to monitor the plurality of motor drive signals that are output from the plurality of in-line DSCs for various operations. Examples of such operations include sensing the motor drive signal via another single line, detecting the effect on the motor drive signal that is based on at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment or the one or more adaptation operations that is performed on the motor drive signal by the in-line DSC and generating another digital signal representative of the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment or the one or more adaptation operations. Such variants of the method  2400  may also include (e.g., by one or more processing modules) receiving the another digital signal representative of the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment or the one or more adaptation operations. This may also involve processing the another digital signal to determine other information regarding the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment or the one or more adaptation operations. Based on the other information regarding the at least one of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment or the one or more adaptation operations, variants of the method  2400  may also include determining whether to perform additional adaptation of the motor drive signal. Also, based on another determination to perform the additional adaptation of the motor drive signal, variants of the method  2400  may also include identifying one or more additional adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and directing the in-line DSC to perform the one or more additional adaptation operations on the motor drive signal. 
     Other variants of the method  2400  may also include operating a plurality of sensors operably coupled to another plurality of DSCs to monitor a plurality of analog features associated with at least one of the rotating equipment or a load that is serviced by the rotating equipment including operating a DSC of the another plurality of DSCs for various operations. Examples of such operations may include driving and sensing a sensor of the plurality of sensor via another single line generating another digital signal representative of a sensed analog feature to which the sensor of the plurality of sensors is exposed. This may also involve processing the another digital signal to determine other information regarding the at least one of the rotating equipment or the load that is serviced by the rotating equipment. Based on the other information regarding the at least one of the rotating equipment or the load that is serviced by the rotating equipment, such variants of the method  2400  may also involve determining whether to perform additional adaptation of the motor drive signal. Based on another determination to perform the additional adaptation of the motor drive signal, variants of the method  2400  may also include identifying one or more additional adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal and directing the in-line DSC to perform the one or more additional adaptation operations on the motor drive signal. 
     With respect to an in-line DSC implemented to facilitate operation of such a method, the in-line DSC may be implemented to include a power source circuit operably coupled to the single line. When enabled, the power source circuit is configured to provide the motor drive signal via the single line coupling to the rotating equipment, and the motor drive signal includes at least one of a DC (direct current) component and an oscillating component. Also, the in-line DSC includes a power source change detection circuit operably coupled to the power source circuit. When enabled, the power source change detection circuit is configured to detect the effect on the motor drive signal that is based on the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment and to generate the digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the rotating equipment. 
     In some specific implementations of such an in-line DSC, the power source circuit including a power source to source at least one of a voltage or a current to the rotating equipment via the single line. Also, the power source change detection circuit includes a power source reference circuit configured to provide at least one of a voltage reference or a current reference, and a comparator configured to compare the at least one of the voltage and the current provided to the rotating equipment to the at least one of the voltage reference and the current reference to produce the motor drive signal. Note that the rotating equipment may be of any of a variety of types including a motor, a factory assembly machinery, a drill, a pump, a compressor, a turbine, or a fan. 
     Also, note that the one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment may corresponds to and include one or more of rotational speed of a rotor of the rotating equipment, torque on the rotor of the rotating equipment, electromotive force (EMF) of the rotating equipment including counter-EMF or back-EMF, a position of the rotor of the rotating equipment, slip of the rotating equipment that is based on the rotational speed of a magnetic field within the rotor of the rotating equipment, a stator electrical speed of the rotating equipment, and/or the rotational speed of the rotor of the rotating equipment. 
     Also, note that the one or more adaptation operations to be performed on the motor drive signal may include one or more of modification of amplitude or magnitude of at least one of a current or a voltage of the motor drive signal, modification of phase of the at least one of the current or the voltage of the motor drive signal, filtering of motor drive signal based on one or more of low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, and high pass filtering, and removal of one or more of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, and/or glitches. 
       FIG.  25    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  2500  of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. In addition, the rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment to the load  2090 . 
     Also, in this diagram, an electric power conditioning module  2540 , which is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 , is configured to process the one or more input electric power signals that are to be provided to rotating equipment  2010  that is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment  2010  to the load  2090 . The one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the drive signals that are output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  that receives the one or more input electric power signals. Note that these one or more DSCs  28  may be coupled to the one or more conditioned input electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
     In certain of the previous diagrams, one or more in-line DSCs are implemented to perform input electric power signal processing to generate the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In this diagram, the electric power conditioning module  2540  is implemented to perform input electric power signal processing to generate the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to rotating equipment. The electric power conditioning module  2540  is configured to perform processing of the one or more input electric power signals based on the control and direction provided from the one or more processing modules  42  based on information provided from the one or more DSCs  28  regarding the drive signals being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     Generally speaking, such an implementation using an electric power conditioning module  2540  is operative using means that are alternative to in-line DSCs to perform such processing of the input electric power signals for additional means in conjunction with in-line DSCs to perform such processing of the input electric power signals to generate one or more conditioned input electric power signals to be provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . The electric power conditioning module  2540  may be implemented to perform any of a number of operations on the one or more input electric power signals to generate the one or more drives signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . Examples of such modification of the one or more input electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In some examples, the electric power conditioning module  2540  is implemented to include a number of discrete elements that may be selected based on one or more control signals provided from the one or more processing modules  42 . In an example, the electric power conditioning module  2540  includes filter banks having different properties, and one or more of those filters is selected by the one or more processing modules  42  to perform desired filtering on the one or more input electric power signals. In a specific example, when the one or more input electric power signals is adversely affected by one or more of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc., the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select one or more filters from the filter banks element within the electric power conditioning module  2540  to reduce or remove the adverse effects from the one or more input electric power signals. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more input electric power signals is adversely affected by an overvoltage condition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate scaling factor and element within the electric power conditioning module  2540  (e.g., a voltage divider from among a number of available voltage dividers, to adjust a variable voltage divider to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more motor drive signals are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the rotating equipment  2010  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more input electric power signals is adversely affected by an undervoltage condition such as a voltage sag, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate scaling factor and element within the electric power conditioning module  2540  (e.g., an amplifier from among a number of available amplifiers, to adjust a programmable gain amplifier to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more motor drive signals are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the rotating equipment  2010  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more input electric power signals is adversely affected by an out of phase condition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate phase adjustment value and element within the electric power conditioning module  2540  (e.g., a phase delay element implemented to delay a signal by an appropriate value, a phase advancement element implemented to advance a signal by an appropriate value, a programmable phase adjustment element that is adjusted to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more motor drive signals are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the rotating equipment  2010  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     Generally speaking, this diagram shows an implementation by which one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals that are being provided to the rotating equipment  2010  from the electric power conditioning module  2540  and are implemented to provide information to one or more processing modules  42  that is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  2540  to ensure that the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010  have desired properties for the application. This diagram shows the feedback implementation in which the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  are sensed by the one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on that sensing is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  2540 . 
       FIG.  26    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  2600  of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more input electric power signals before they are received by the electric power conditioning module  2540 . This diagram shows a feedforward implementation in which the one or more input electric power signals are sensed by the one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on that sensing is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  2540 . As in other diagrams, note that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more input electric power signals may be implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
       FIG.  27    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  2700  of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to certain of the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that a first one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more input electric power signals before they are received by the electric power conditioning module  2540  and a second one or more DSCs  28  are implemented perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals that are output from the electric power conditioning module  2540 . 
     This diagram shows a combination feedback and feedforward implementation in which the one or more input electric power signals are sensed by the first one or more DSCs  28  and the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  are sensed by the second one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on the sensing as performed by the first one or more DSCs  28  and the second one or more DSCs  28  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  2540 . As in other diagrams, note that the first second one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more input electric power signals and/or the second one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  may be implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
       FIG.  28    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  2800  of DSC sensing in accordance with providing electric power signal conditioning for rotating equipment in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090  to the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In some examples, note that the respective one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  and/or the respective one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are serviced using respective DSCs  28 . In certain particular examples, the sensor  2280  is in communication with a DSC  28  that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Similarly, in certain other examples, the sensor  2290  is in communication with the DSC that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Generally speaking, one or more DSCs may be implemented to perform interaction with the one or more sensors and to provide information from the one or more sensors to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used thereby in accordance with adaptation of the operation of electric power conditioning module  2540 . This diagram shows an example by which not only sensing of the one or more input electric power signals into the electric power conditioning module  2540  and/or sensing of the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  is made, and that information provided from one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  and/or the one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used as desired in accordance with adapting operation of the electric power conditioning module  2540 . 
       FIG.  29    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  2900  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  2900  operates by operating one or more DSCs for performing monitoring and sensing of one or more electric power signals that are provided to a rotating equipment in step  2910 . 
     The method  2900  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs, corresponding to one or more electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment in step  2920 . For example, in a 3-phase electric power signal implementation, three respective DSCs are implemented to provide information corresponding to the three respective electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment. 
     Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load that is being serviced by the rotating equipment. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the rotating equipment may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load. In addition, based on the particular type of load, appropriately tailored sensors may be implemented (e.g., rate of flow sensors for a pump application, pressure sensors for a compressor application, etc.). In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load, the method  2900  also operates in step  2922  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load. 
     The method  2900  continues in step  2930  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the one or more electric power signals is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  2940 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing an electric power conditioning module to perform one or more electric power signal conditioning operations to the one or more electric power signals in step  2950 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the one or more electric power signals being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the rotating equipment (e.g., in a motoring application) being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the one or more input electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the one or more electric power signals to generate one or more other signals representative of the one or more electric power signals and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. Note also that the information that is received by the one or more processing modules may be received from sensing of the one or more electric power signals before and/or after the electric power conditioning module. Examples of such one or more electric power signal conditioning operations may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  2940 , the method  2900  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  2910  and continuing to perform the method  2900 . 
       FIG.  30    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  3000  of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. In addition, the rotating equipment  2010  is connected to a load  2090  directly or via one or more components coupling the rotating equipment to the load  2090 . 
     Also, in this diagram, a first one or more regulator modules  3050  is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  and is configured to adapt and direct operation of the rotating equipment  2010 . Similarly, a second one or more regulator modules  3051  is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  and is configured to adapt and direct operation of the load  2090 . 
     Generally speaking the one or more regulator modules  3050  is configured to control operation of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or one or more associated components, and the one or more regulator modules  3051  is configured to control operation of the load  2090  and/or one or more associated components. Considering the rotating equipment  2010 , the rotational speed of the rotor of the rotating equipment  2010  may be adapted or adjusted by the one or more processing modules  42  via the one or more regulator modules  3050 . In an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a motor, a drill, etc., the one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , is configured to adjust the speed of the motor. An example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a compressor, the one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , is configured to adjust the pressure by which the compressor operates on a particular element (e.g., air, liquid, a container or vessel holding some element, etc.). In an example in which the rotating equipment  2010  is a pump, the one or more processing modules  42 , be the one or more regulator modules  3050 , is configured to adjust the rate by which the pump is operating, the pressure by which it is operating, etc. 
     In addition, one or more components may be associated with the rotating equipment  2010 . For example, the rotating equipment  1810  may include or have associated one or more vents, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with an enclosed cover within which the rotating equipment  2010  is located. The one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  3050  is configured to direct operation of any such associated components. For example, based on information provided via the sensing performed by the one or more DSCs  28 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to control or adjust, via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , the operation of any such components associated with the rotating equipment  2010 . In one example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , provide more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans. In another example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , adjust the temperature within an enclosure in which the rotating equipment  2010  is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosure as is appropriate. 
     Similarly, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the other one or more regulator modules  3051 , to control operation of the load  2090  and/or one or more associated components. Considering an example in which the load  2090  is a variable or selectable load, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the via the other one or more regulator modules  3051 , to adapt the amount of the load  2090  that is being serviced by the rotating equipment  2010 . This may involve switching in additional load to increase the load  2090  or switching out load to reduce the load  2090 . 
     In an example in which the load is an element (e.g., a drivetrain, a conveyor belt, etc.) and the rotating equipment  2010  is a motor, the one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , is configured to adjust the amount of load that is being serviced by the motor. 
     In an example in which load  2090  is an element (e.g., article of manufacture, material, etc.) that is being operated on by rotating equipment  2010  that is a drill, the one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , is configured to adjust any one or more operational parameters such as speed of the drill, the torque of the drill, the proximity of the end of a drill bit of the drill to the element on which it is operating (e.g., thereby controlling the force, the pressure, the back-pressure, etc. by which the drill bit interacts with the element it is drilling), etc. 
     In addition, with respect to power factor considerations including those described above, the one or more the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  3050 , to control operation of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or one or more components associated therewith as well as, via the one or more regulator modules  3051  including to effectuate power factor correction and adjustment such as by switching in or out components having capacitive and/or inductive characteristics that operate to compensate for and/or cancel the capacitive and/or inductive characteristics of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090 . For example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to effectuate power factor modification and/or correction (e.g., such as by bringing the power factor closer to 1). For example, one or more elements having capacitive characteristics may be switched in to compensate for inductive effects of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090 . In some instances, the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090  includes such capability internally, such as one or more elements included therein (e.g., within the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the load  2090 ) having such characteristics that can be switched in or out via the one or more regulator modules  3050  and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051 . Alternatively, such one or more elements may be implemented in an external component and appropriately switched in or out (e.g., via the one or more regulator modules  3150  and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051 ) to effectuate power factor correction. 
     Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  3051 , to control operation of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or one or more components associated therewith as well as, via the one or more regulator modules  3051 , to control operation of the load  2090  and/or one or more components associated therewith. In this diagram, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to effectuate such control based on information received via the one or more DSCs  28  that are configured to sense the one or more input electric power signals that are being provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In addition, in some examples, note that the one or more regulator modules  3050  and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051  are configured to effectuate control of one or more components of the rotating equipment  2010  and the load  2090  directly, via one or more DSCs that are configured to facilitate the operation of those one or more components, etc. That is to say, communication with control of, and interaction with any one of the components and/or associated components of the rotating equipment  2010  and/or load  2090  may be facilitated via an appropriately implemented DSC that interacts with the component. In such instances and in certain examples, note that the one or more regulator modules  3050  and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051  may be configured not only to direct control of the one or more components, but also to sense information via the respective one or more control signal lines provided to the one or more components. The drive-sense functionality of a DSC  28  as described herein is configured not only to drive a signal via a signal line to facilitate operation of a component but also to sense information regarding operation of the component via the signal line. 
       FIG.  31    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3100  of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090  to the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In some examples, note that the respective one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  and/or the respective one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are serviced using respective DSCs  28 . In certain particular examples, the sensor  2280  is in communication with a DSC  28  that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Similarly, in certain other examples, the sensor  2290  is in communication with the DSC that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In such an implementation, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured also to consider information provided via the one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010  and/or the respective one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090 . 
       FIG.  32    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3200  of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to certain of the previous diagrams (e.g., including electric power conditioning module  2540 , one or more DSCs  28  implemented to perform sensing of signals being provided to or output from the electric power conditioning module  2540 , etc.) including that an electric power conditioning module  2540  is implemented to process the one or more input electric power signals to generate one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . In addition, as desired in certain examples, the first one or more DSCs  28  (optionally connected via one or more couplers  1660 ) is configured to monitor and sense the one or more input electric power signals that are provided to the electric power conditioning module  2540  and/or a second one or more DSCs  28  (optionally connected via one or more couplers  1660 ) is configured to monitor and sense the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  and provided to the rotating equipment  2010 . 
     This diagram shows an example by which sensing of the one or more input electric power signals into the electric power conditioning module  2540  and/or sensing of the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540  may be made to generate information of the signals being provided to and from the electric power conditioning module  2540 , and that information is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used as desired in accordance with adapting operation of any one or more of the electric power conditioning module  2540 , the one or more regulator modules  3050 , and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051  to effectuate control of any one or more of the components within the system. 
       FIG.  33    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3300  of DSC sensing in accordance with rotating equipment regulation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  are also implemented to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090  to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the first one or more DSCs  28  that are configured to sense and monitor the one or more input electric power signals being provided to the electric power conditioning module  2540 , the one or more motor drive signals output from the electric power conditioning module  2540 , information provided via the one or more sensors  2280  to  2280 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the rotating equipment  2010 , and/or information provided via the one or more sensors  2290  to  2290 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the load  2090  to effectuate control of any one or more of the components within the system. 
       FIG.  34    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  3400  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  3400  operates by operating one or more DSCs for performing monitoring and sensing of one or more electric power signals that are provided to a rotating equipment in step  3410 . 
     The method  3400  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs, corresponding to one or more electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment in step  3420 . For example, in a 3-phase electric power signal implementation, three respective DSCs are implemented to provide information corresponding to the three respective electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment. 
     Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load that is being serviced by the rotating equipment. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the rotating equipment may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load. In addition, based on the particular type of load, appropriately tailored sensors may be implemented (e.g., rate of flow sensors for a pump application, pressure sensors for a compressor application, etc.). In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load, the method  3400  also operates in step  3422  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load. 
     The method  3400  continues in step  3430  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the operation of the rotating equipment and/or load is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3440 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing, via one or more regulator modules, adaptation of the rotating equipment and/or load in step  3450 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the one or more electric power signals being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the one or more input electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the rotating equipment (e.g., in a motoring application) being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Some examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the rotating equipment such as when the rotating equipment is a motor, a drill, etc., adjust the pressure by which the rotating equipment in a compressor example operates on a particular element (e.g., air, liquid, a container or vessel holding some element, etc.), adjusting the rate by which the rotating equipment in a pump example the pump is operating, etc. Some other examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of adjusting venting, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with one or more enclosed covers within which the rotating equipment and/or load is/are located, controlling or adjusting the operation of any such components associated with the rotating equipment and/or load, providing more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans associated with the rotating equipment and/or load, adjusting the temperature within one or more enclosures in which the rotating equipment and/or load is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosures as is appropriate. 
     In some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the one or more electric power signals to generate one or more other signals representative of the one or more electric power signals and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. Note also that the information that is received by the one or more processing modules may be received from sensing of the one or more electric power signals before and/or after the electric power conditioning module. Examples of such one or more electric power signal conditioning operations may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3440 , the method  3400  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  3410  and continuing to perform the method  3400 . 
       FIG.  35    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  3500  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  3500  operates by operating one or more DSCs for performing monitoring and sensing of one or more electric power signals that are provided to a rotating equipment in step  3510 . 
     The method  3500  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs, corresponding to one or more electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment in step  3520 . For example, in a 3-phase electric power signal implementation, three respective DSCs are implemented to provide information corresponding to the three respective electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment. 
     Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load that is being serviced by the rotating equipment. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the rotating equipment may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load. In addition, based on the particular type of load, appropriately tailored sensors may be implemented (e.g., rate of flow sensors for a pump application, pressure sensors for a compressor application, etc.). In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the rotating equipment itself and/or a load, the method  3500  also operates in step  3522  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load. 
     The method  3500  continues in step  3530  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the operation of the rotating equipment and/or load is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3540 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing, via one or more regulator modules, adaptation of the rotating equipment and/or load in step  3550 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the one or more electric power signals being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the rotating equipment (e.g., in a motoring application) being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Some examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the rotating equipment such as when the rotating equipment is a motor, a drill, etc., adjust the pressure by which the rotating equipment in a compressor example operates on a particular element (e.g., air, liquid, a container or vessel holding some element, etc.), adjusting the rate by which the rotating equipment in a pump example the pump is operating, etc. Some other examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the rotating equipment and/or load may include any one or more of adjusting venting, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with one or more enclosed covers within which the rotating equipment and/or load is/are located, controlling or adjusting the operation of any such components associated with the rotating equipment and/or load, providing more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans associated with the rotating equipment and/or load, adjusting the temperature within one or more enclosures in which the rotating equipment and/or load is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosures as is appropriate. 
     In some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the one or more electric power signals to generate one or more other signals representative of the one or more electric power signals and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. Note also that the information that is received by the one or more processing modules may be received from sensing of the one or more electric power signals before and/or after the electric power conditioning module. Examples of such one or more electric power signal conditioning operations may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3540 , the method  3500  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  3510  and continuing to perform the method  3500 . 
     After performing step  3530 , the method  3500  continues in step  3560  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the one or more electric power signals is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3570 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing an electric power conditioning module to perform one or more electric power signal conditioning operations to the one or more electric power signals in step  3580 . 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the rotating equipment and/or the load) to one or more operational criteria in step  3540 , the method  3500  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  3510  and continuing to perform the method  3500 . 
       FIG.  36 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  3601  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is in communication with a motor controller  3650  that is configured to provide a motor drive signal to a motor  1540 . The motor controller  3650  is configured to receive a drive signal, such as the digital drive signal from the one or more processing modules  42 , and to convert the drive signal to a high current motor drive signal (or to generate a motor drive signal based on the drive signal provided from the one or more processing modules  42 ) to direct and control operation of the motor  1540 . In some instances, the motor drive signal is a high current motor drive signal. In some examples, the motor controller  3650  may be implemented as a high current motor controller. 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs), shown in the diagram as DSC  28 . The one or more DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the motor drive signal provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     The motor controller  3650  may be viewed as one or more control electronics and/or regulated power supplies. Note also that the motor controller  3650  may be implemented to include the motor driver in some embodiments. Generally speaking, a motor driver is implemented to output and provide the sometimes high currents required within the one or more motor drive signals to the selected operation of the motor  1540  and also to deliver the adequate power to drive the motor  1540 . Often times a motor driver operates using larger circuitry (e.g., a larger integrated circuit and typically within a low-power or low current application motor controller) that is capable of operating at higher currents and voltages than is often used within integrated circuitry (e.g., such as voltages that are higher than 5 V DC, 3.3 V DC power supplies as may be implemented within integrated circuitry). 
     In some examples, multiple different circuitries and functionality are included within the motor controller  3650 . In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide one or more digital drive signals to the motor controller  3650 , and the motor controller  3650  converts those one or more digital drive signals to one or more motor drive signals to be provided to facilitate operation of the motor  1540 . In some instances, the motor controller  3650  is configured to generate the one or more motor drive signals based on the one or more digital drive signals provided from the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     Generally speaking, a motor controller  3650  is the device that provides the interfacing between the one or more processing modules  42  (e.g., sometimes implemented as a microcontroller, microprocessor, etc.) and the motor  1540  and/or one or more actuators associated with the motor. In certain applications, the one or more processing modules  42  is implemented to provide relatively low power and low current signals (e.g., such as signals less than 1 amp, in the range of 100s of milli-amps, etc.) whereas various types of motors  1540  may require very large currents (e.g., several amps, 10s of amps, or even higher amperage signals for operation). In some instances, the motor controller  3650  includes one or more mechanisms to facilitate the starting of the motor  1540 , the stopping of the motor  1540 , selection and operation of the direction of rotation of the rotor of the motor  1540 , selection and operation of the rotating mechanical speed of the rotor of the motor  1540 , selection and operation of the torque being delivered by the motor  1540 , etc. 
     In certain implementations, the communication from the one or more processing modules  42  to the motor controller  3650  is effectuated via digital communication. In other implementations, communication and interactivity between the one or more processing modules and the motor controller  3650  is effectuated using analog signaling or alternatively a combination of analog and digital signaling. Regardless of the particular implementation by which communication is implemented between the one or more processing modules  42  and the motor controller  3650 , one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to perform sensing and monitoring of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to process information provided via the one or more DSCs  28  implemented to perform sensing and monitoring of the one or more motor drive signals to adapt and control operation of the motor controller  3650 . 
     For example, the one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to sense the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 . The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to provide information to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used to determine the rotational speed of the rotor, the torque, the electromotive force (EMF), counter- or back-EMF, the rotor position, slip, etc. Based on any such information that is determined based on the sensing of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  the motor  1540 , the one or more processing modules  42  may adapt operation of the motor controller  3650 . 
     In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to adapt operation of the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to sense the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  (e.g., such as by adjustment of any parameter of a reference signal provided to one of the one or more DSCs  28  such as signal frequency, signal type, amplitude, magnitude, phase, DC offset, etc.). In addition, in certain examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to modify the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  via the one or more DSCs  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the motor  1540  via the motor controller  3650 . Considering an instance in which the motor controller  3650  is not providing the appropriate or adequate one or more motor drive signals to facilitate operation of the motor  1540  in accordance with the manner directed from the one or more processing modules  42 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to modify the one or more motor drive signals being provided to the motor  1540 , the one or more DSCs  28 , to ensure proper operation of the motor  1540 . For example, there may be instances in which the motor controller  3650  is failing or failing to operate within its prescribed parameters. In such cases, the one or more DSCs  28  is configured to assist the operation of the motor controller  3650 , by the direction and control of the one or processing modules  42 , to facilitate proper operation of the motor  1540  by appropriate modification of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 . In certain applications, the one or more DSCs  28  is configured not only to provide monitoring and sensing information related to the one or more motor drive signals provided for the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 , but also to serve as a means by which the one or more motor drive signals may be modified to facilitate proper operation of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  36 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3602  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs that are in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  based on connection to the one or more signal lines that connect to the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  via which the one or more motor drive signals are provided. 
       FIG.  37 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3701  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram the has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. In this diagram, one or more sensors  3780  is implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  and/or one or more other components associated there with. In addition, another one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to service the one or more sensors  3780 . In certain examples, the number of DSCs  28  that service the number of sensors  3780  is on a one-to-one basis such that a respective DSC is implemented to service each respective sensor  3780 . In other examples, more than one of the sensors  3780  is serviced by a singular DSC  28 . In yet other examples, more than one DSC  28  is implemented to service a singular sensor  3780 . Note that the different respective sensors  3780  may be of any variety in types as described herein providing information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  (e.g., operational speed, temperature such as motor temperature and/or environmental temperature, vibration, etc. and other information pertaining to status and operation of the motor  1540 ). 
     This other one or more DSCs  28  also provides information to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is then configured to use both the information from the one or more DSCs  28  that provide information regarding the one or more motor drive signals that are provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  and also information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540 . This diagram provides another example by which additional information may be used by the one or more processing modules  42  to adapt operation of one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the motor controller  3650  to facilitate proper operation of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  37 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3702  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. In this diagram, at least one the one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  via a connection provided from a coupler  1660  that receives a motor drive signal from the motor controller  3650  that is provided to the motor  1540  and provides a signal representative of that motor drive signal. As in other diagrams, note that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more one or more motor drive signals are implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). In this particular diagram, the one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs  28  that is representative of the one or more motor drive signals that is provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  38 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3801  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that a motor controller  3850  shown in this diagram includes one or more integrated processing modules. The motor controller  3850  receives and/or generates the one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the motor  1540  to facilitate operation thereof. The motor controller  3850 , which includes one or more integrated processing modules, is in communication with one or more DSCs that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the motor controller  3852  the motor  1540 . 
     In this diagram, note that the motor controller  3850 , which includes the one or more integrated processing modules, is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that motor controller  3850  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules of the motor controller  3850 . In addition, note that the motor controller  3850  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In some examples, the motor controller  3850  receives one or more motor drive signals, which may be digital drive signals, and generates the one or more motor drive signals based thereon. In other examples, the motor controller  3850  itself generates the one or more motor drive signals and generates the one or more motor drive signals based thereon. In even other examples, the motor controller  3850  generates the one or more motor drive signals directly without first generating or receiving one or more (digital) drive signals. 
       FIG.  38 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3802  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals are implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). In this particular diagram, the one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs  28  that is representative of the one or more motor drive signals that is provided from the motor controller  3850  to the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  39 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3901  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. In this diagram, one or more sensors  3780  is implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  and/or one or more other components associated there with. In addition, another one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to service the one or more sensors  3780 . In certain examples, the number of DSCs  28  that service the number of sensors  3780  is on a one-to-one basis such that a respective DSC is implemented to service each respective sensor  3780 . In other examples, more than one of the sensors  3780  is serviced by a singular DSC  28 . In yet other examples, more than one DSC  28  is implemented to service a singular sensor  3780 . Note that the different respective sensors  3780  may be of any variety in types as described herein providing information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  (e.g., operational speed, temperature such as motor temperature and/or environmental temperature, vibration, etc. and other information pertaining to status and operation of the motor  1540 ). 
     This other one or more DSCs  28  also provides information to the motor controller  3850 . The motor controller  3850  is then configured to use both the information from the one or more DSCs  28  that provide information regarding the one or more motor drive signals that are provided from the motor controller  3650  to the motor  1540  and also information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540 . This diagram provides another example by which additional information may be used by the motor controller  3850  to adapt operation of one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the motor controller  3650  to facilitate proper operation of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  39 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  3902  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals are implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). In this particular diagram, the one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs  28  that is representative of the one or more motor drive signals that is provided from the motor controller  3850  to the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  40 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4001  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is in communication with a current buffer  1550  that is configured to provide a motor drive signal to a motor  1540 . The current buffer  1550  is configured to receive a drive signal, such as the digital drive signal from the one or more processing modules  42 , and to convert the drive signal to a high current motor drive signal (or to generate a motor drive signal based on the drive signal provided from the one or more processing modules  42 ) to direct and control operation of the motor  1540 . In some instances, the motor drive signal is a high current motor drive signal. In some examples, the current buffer  1550  may be implemented as a high current motor controller. 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs), shown in the diagram as DSC  28 . The one or more DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the motor drive signal provided from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     Based on direction, control, and communication from the one or more processing modules  42 , the current buffer  1550  is configured to generate a motor drive signal that is provided to a motor  1540 . This diagram shows an intervening element between the DSC  28  and the motor  1540 . Specifically, the current buffer  1550 , which may be implemented as a high current buffer in some examples, is configured to process the drive signal provided from the DSC  28  and to generate a motor drive signal having sufficient current as to drive the motor  1540 . 
     In some examples, note that the current buffer  1550  is configured to provide a motor drive signal to a stator winding associated with the motor  1540 . For example, the buffer  1550  is configured to provide a motor drive signal so as to energize and excite the stator winding associated with motor  1540  to induce rotation of the rotor of the motor  1540 . Note that multiple instantiations of the configuration of a DSC  28  coupled to a current buffer  1550  that is configured to provide a motor drive signal to the motor  1540  may be made when the motor  1540  is a multiple phase motor. Considering an example in which the motor  1540  is a 3-phase motor, multiple instantiations of the configuration of this diagram may be implemented with respect to each of the different respective phases of the motor  1540 . For example, in certain implementations, more than one current buffer  1550  is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 , and each of the respective current buffers  1550  is configured to provide a respective motor drive signal to a respective phase of the motor  1540 . Note that as few as a single processing module may be implemented to provide control to and communicate with each of the different instantiations of current buffers  1550  configuration of this diagram that service the different respective phases of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  40 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4002  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals are implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). In this particular diagram, the one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs  28  that is representative of the one or more motor drive signals that is provided from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  41 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4101  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. In this diagram, one or more sensors  3780  is implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  and/or one or more other components associated there with. In addition, another one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to service the one or more sensors  3780 . In certain examples, the number of DSCs  28  that service the number of sensors  3780  is on a one-to-one basis such that a respective DSC is implemented to service each respective sensor  3780 . In other examples, more than one of the sensors  3780  is serviced by a singular DSC  28 . In yet other examples, more than one DSC  28  is implemented to service a singular sensor  3780 . Note that the different respective sensors  3780  may be of any variety in types as described herein providing information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540  (e.g., operational speed, temperature such as motor temperature and/or environmental temperature, vibration, etc. and other information pertaining to status and operation of the motor  1540 ). 
     This other one or more DSCs  28  also provides information to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is then configured to use both the information from the one or more DSCs  28  that provide information regarding the one or more motor drive signals that are provided from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540  and also information regarding the status and operation of the motor  1540 . This diagram provides another example by which additional information may be used by the one or more processing modules  42  to adapt operation of one or more motor drive signals that are provided to the motor controller  3650  to facilitate proper operation of the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  41 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4102  of DSC sensing in accordance with motor control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. In this diagram, at least one the one or more DSCs  28  is implemented to perform sensing of the one or more motor drive signals provided from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540  via a connection provided from a coupler  1660  that receives a motor drive signal from the current buffer  1550  that is provided to the motor  1540  and provides a signal representative of that motor drive signal. As in other diagrams, note that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more one or more motor drive signals are implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). In this particular diagram, the one or more couplers  1660  is implemented to provide one or more signals to the one or more DSCs  28  that is representative of the one or more motor drive signals that is provided from the current buffer  1550  to the motor  1540 . 
       FIG.  42    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  4200  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  4200  operates in step  4210  by operating one or more processing modules for providing a drive signal to a motor controller that is implemented to provide a motor drive signal to a motor. In some examples, the one or more processing modules and motor controller integrated into a single device such as a motor controller that includes one or more processing modules. 
     The method  4200  operates in step  4220  by generating a motor drive signal. In some examples, this generation of a motor drive signal is performed within the motor controller. The method also operates in step  4230  by operating the one or more processing modules for communicating with and interacting with one or more DSCs that are configured to perform sensing of the motor drive signal provided to the motor. In some examples, this monitoring by the one or more of DSCs is performed based on the connection or coupling from the motor controller to the motor such that the motor drive signal is monitored and sensed. 
     The method  4200  continues in step  4240  by receiving, by the one or more processing modules, information from the one or more DSCs regarding the motor drive signal. Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the motor itself. Moreover, in some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the motor drive signal to generate one or more other signals representative of the motor drive signal and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the motor, the method  4200  also operates in step  4242  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the motor. 
     The method  4200  continues in step  4250  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation of the drive signal provided (e.g., from the one or more processing modules) to the motor controller is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the motor drive signal (and/or the status and operation of the motor) to one or more operational criteria in step  4260 , the one or more processing modules operates by adapting the drive signal provided to the motor controller in step  4270  to facilitate proper operation of the motor. Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the motor drive signal to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the motor drive signal being different than what is expected from the motor controller taste on the drive signal provided from the one or more processing modules to the motor controller, the motor drive signal being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the motor may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the motor being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the motor being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the motor operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the motor operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the motoring being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the motor drive signal (and/or the status and operation of the motor) to one or more operational criteria in step  4260 , the method  4200  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  3410  and continuing to perform the method  4200 . 
     In some alternative examples, note that the drive signal provided from the one or more processing modules is provided to a current buffer that is implemented to generate the motor drive signal that is provided to the motor. 
     Certain of the following diagrams, examples, embodiments, etc. are directed towards electric power generation related applications. Generators that generate electric power may be implemented in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, an induction machine is described elsewhere herein in which the rotor is driven by some mechanical energy source may be implemented to operate as a generator. There are a wide variety of means by which such a mechanical energy source may be implemented. A motor (e.g., a motor based on a gas, natural gas, diesel, etc. as a fuel) may be implemented as the mechanical energy source. A turbine (e.g., such as may be driven by steam, gas, natural gas, wind, water/hydro sometimes referred to as hydraulic, etc.) may also be implemented as a mechanical energy source. Generally speaking, any mechanism implemented to facilitate rotation of the rotor is in an induction machine may serve as the mechanical energy source to generate electric power from the stator of the induction machine. Generators may be implemented in a variety of ways including single phase, 3-phase, etc. Some 3-phase generators also may be implemented to provide output neutral line or connection. 
     Implementation of one or more DSCs as described herein and their equivalents provide for the improvement of the operation of such generator systems. One or more DSCs may be implemented to perform processing of the electrical power signals that are generated by such generators, to sense the electric power signals that are generated by such generators, to drive and service various sensors, actuators, components, etc. associated with such generator systems, etc. certain of the following diagrams, examples, embodiments, etc. provide various implementations by which one or more DSCs may be implemented to improve the quality of the electric power signals that are generated within such systems and to improve the overall operation of such systems. Note that some implementations include one or more DSCs that are implemented perform both drive and sense operations and/or one or more DSCs that are implemented performed sense only operations. 
       FIG.  43 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  4301  of input electric power adaptation based on in-line DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, input electric power signal is provided to a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . In some examples, the input electric power signal is provided from a generator. Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with the DSC  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     The DSC is configured to provide a drive signal to a load, shown as reference numeral  4390 . Note that such the load  4390  may generally be viewed as any type of load as described herein and/or their equivalents. In some examples, the load  4390  is a transmission line such as output from an electric power generation station. In other examples, the load  4390  is a substation within one or more electric power grid, transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks, such that the substation is implemented to perform the voltage up conversion from the generation level voltage to one or more higher transmission voltage levels (e.g., 69 kV, 115 kV, 230 kV, 500 kV, 765 kV, etc.) that is appropriate for transmission so the electric power can travel over longer distances more efficiently. In even other examples, the load  4390  is a motor such as described herein or their equivalents (e.g., such as a DC motor, and AC/induction motor, a DC brushless motor (DCBM), etc.). In other examples, the load  4390  is some form of machinery such as a drill, a pump, a compressor, etc. Generally speaking, any element implemented to receive and consume electric power may be viewed as the load  4390 . 
     In general, any load  4390  may be implemented and provided a drive signal from the DSC  28 . In this diagram, the DSC  28  operates to provide the drive signal to the load  4390  and also simultaneously to detect any effect on the drive signal. In this diagram, input electric power is provided to the DSC  28  and the DSC  28  is implemented to perform in-line processing of the input electric power signal to generate the drive signal that is provided to the load  4390 . Note that the power supply reference input  1405  may also be provided to the DSC  1420  in certain examples. In such examples, the DSC  28  is configured to process the input electric power signal based on power supply reference input  1405 . Note also that the power supply reference input  1405  may be provided from the one or more processing modules  42  in some examples. This diagram shows a general configuration by which a DSC  28  is implemented to receive an input electric power signal from a generator and to generate a drive signal to be provided to the load  4390 . 
       FIG.  43 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4302  of input electric power adaptation based on in-line DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 43  that is configured to receive an input electric power signal (e.g., from a generator). The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 43  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 43 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, DSC  28 - 43  includes a power source circuit  1410  that is configured to receive an input electric power signal (e.g., from a generator) and a drive signal change detection circuit  1412 . The drive signal change detection circuit  1412  includes a power source reference circuit  1412   a  and a comparator  1412   b . With respect to this diagram as well as others, note than any comparator may alternatively implemented as an operational amplifier as desired in certain examples. For example, while come examples are implemented such that a comparator operates to output a binary signal (e.g., either a 1 or a 0), an operational amplifier may alternatively be implemented to output any signal within a range of signals as may be desired in certain applications. In some examples, the power source circuit  1412  may be an independent current source, a dependent current source, a current mirror circuit, etc., or alternatively, an independent voltage source, a dependent voltage source, etc. 
     In addition, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interact with and communicate with the DSC  28 - 43 . In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control signals to one or more of the components within the DSC  28 - 43 . In addition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from DSC  28 - 43 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to process information that is received and to direct operation of one or more of the components within the DSC  28 - 43 . 
     In an example of operation based on a current related implementation of the DSC  28 - 43 , the power source reference circuit  1412   a  provides a current reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components to the power source circuit  1410 . The current source generates a current as the drive signal based on the current reference. An electrical characteristic of the load  4390  has an effect on the current drive signal. For example, if the impedance of the load  4390  decreases and the current drive signal remains substantially unchanged, the voltage across the load  4390  is decreased. 
     The comparator  1412   b  compares the current reference with the affected drive signal to produce a signal that is representative of the change to the drive signal. For example, the current reference signal corresponds to a given current (I) times a given impedance (Z). The current reference generates the drive signal to produce the given current (I). If the impedance of the load  4390  substantially matches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is reflective of the impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the load  4390  is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much greater the impedance of the load  4390  is than that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the load  4390  is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much less the impedance of the load  4390  is than that of the given impedance (Z). 
     In an example of operation based on a voltage related implementation of the DSC  28 - 43 , the power source reference circuit  1412   a  provides a voltage reference with at least one of DC and oscillating components to the power source circuit  1410 . The power source circuit  1410  generates a voltage as the drive signal based on the voltage reference. An electrical characteristic of the load  4390  has an effect on the voltage drive signal. For example, if the impedance of the sensor decreases and the voltage drive signal remains substantially unchanged, the current through the sensor is increased. 
     The comparator  1412   b  compares the voltage reference with the affected drive signal to produce the signal that is representative of the change to the drive signal. For example, the voltage reference signal corresponds to a given voltage (V) divided by a given impedance (Z). The voltage reference generates the drive signal to produce the given voltage (V). If the impedance of the load  4390  substantially matches the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is reflective of the impedances substantially matching. If the impedance of the load  4390  is greater than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much greater the impedance of the load  4390  is than that of the given impedance (Z). If the impedance of the load  4390  is less than the given impedance (Z), then the comparator&#39;s output is indicative of how much less the impedance of the load  4390  is than that of the given impedance (Z). 
     Generally speaking, this diagram shows yet another example by which a DSC may be implemented to perform in-line processing of the input electric drive signal to generate the drive signal that is provided to the load  4390 . However, note that any of a variety of different implementations of the DSC may be made to generate a drive signal to be provided to a load  4390  while simultaneously monitoring and sensing that drive signal. 
       FIG.  44 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  4401  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 44   a . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 44   a  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 44   a . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more processing module  42  is configured to provide a drive signal, which may be viewed as a reference signal, to one of the inputs of a comparator  1715 . Note that the comparator  1715  may alternatively be implemented as an operational amplifier in certain embodiments. The other input of the comparator  1715  is coupled to provide a drive signal directly from the DSC  28 - 44   a  to the load  4390 . The DSC  28 - 44   a  is configured to provide the drive signal to the load  4390  and also simultaneously to sense the drive signal and to detect any effect on the drive signal. 
     The output of the comparator  1715  is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC)  1760  that is configured to generate a digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal that is provided to the load  4390 . In addition, the digital signal is output from the ADC  1760  is fed back via a digital to analog converter (DAC)  1762  to generate the drive signal is provided to the load  4390 . In addition, the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control to and be in communication with the DSC  28 - 44   a  including to adapt the drive signal is provided to the comparator  1715  therein as desired to direct and control operation of the load  4390  via the drive signal. 
       FIG.  44 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  4402  of a DSC configured simultaneously to drive and sense a drive signal to a load in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 - 44   b . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  28 - 44   b  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  28 - 44   b . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that this diagram excludes the DAC  1762  of the prior diagram. In this diagram, the analog output signal from the comparator  1715  is fed back directly to the input of the comparator  1715  that is also coupled to the load  4390  thereby providing the drive signal (and simultaneously sensing) that is provided to the load  4390 . 
       FIG.  45    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  4500  of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more output electric power signals from a generator  4520  and to process those one or more output electric power signals that are provided to load  4590  (e.g., which may be implemented as one or more loads  4590 ). The generator  4520  is connected to a mechanical energy source  1810 . The mechanical energy source  1810  may be any of a variety of different types including a motor (e.g., such as operated based on gas, natural gas, diesel, etc. or some other fuel), a turbine (e.g., such as operated based on steam, gas, natural gas, wind, water/hydro, etc.), etc. and/or any other type of mechanical energy source. 
     In an example in which the generator  4520  is implemented to output power signals that are based on 3-phase power, there are three respective DSCs  28  implemented to receive the three respective output electric power signals. In certain examples that include 3-phase power including a neutral, a fourth DSC  28  may also and optionally be implemented in-line of the neutral as well as may be desired in certain implementations. In an example in which generator  4520  operates based on single phase power, there is one DSC  28  implemented to receive the single phase output electric power signal. Note that the number of output electric power signals that are received corresponds to the number of DSCs  28  that received those respective output electric power signals. 
     The generator  4520  is connected to the load  4590  via the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the load  4590  may be any of a variety of components that is driven or is operated on based on the one or more output electric power signals that are provided from the generator  4520  via the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the load  4590  of this diagram or any other load referenced in other diagrams may be any of a variety of types of machinery including a motor, factory assembly machinery, a drill, a pump, a compressor, a turbine, a fan, etc. In this diagram as well as others herein, generally speaking, any element implemented to receive and consume electric power may be viewed as the load  4390 . 
     In this diagram, the one or more DSCs  28  are implemented in an in-line configuration with the one or more output electric power signals to perform conditioning, as desired and/or needed, to the one or more electric power signals that are provided to and received by the load  4590 . In addition, they are configured to adapt control of the one or output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590  from the generator  4520 . The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive the output electric power signals, perform processing on them, to provide one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590  and simultaneously to sense those one or more conditioned output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590 . The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to provide a variety of types of information to be used by the one or more processing modules  42 . For example, the one or more DSCs  28  operating by sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590  may provide information to determine the amount of electric current being consumed by the load, the voltage of the load, the impedance of the load, and/or any change of electric current, voltage, impedance associated with the load. In addition, any characteristic associated with any of the current, voltage, impedance associate with the load may also be determined based on information that is provided from the one or more DSCs  28  implemented to perform in-line sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to load  4590 . 
     For example, considering an implementation in which the load  4590  is an electric power grid, one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks, etc., based on the reactants of the transmission lines of such a system, appropriate sensing by the one or more DSCs  28  of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are being provided to the load  4590  may provide information to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used to adapt operation of the one or more DSCs  28  to perform appropriate processing and conditioning of the one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4522  facilitate more efficient transmission of electric power via the electric power grid, one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks, etc. In addition, as also described with respect to other diagrams, examples, embodiments, etc. herein, such sensing by the one or more DSCs  28  of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are being provided to the load  4590  may provide information to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used to adapt operation of the operation of the generator  4520 , the mechanical energy source  1810 , and/or one or more other components within the system. 
     In some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to perform conditioning, adjusting, filtering, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590 . In other examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to provide more current (e.g., based on detection of a high or higher back-EMF, an increased load, the rotor rotating at a slower speed than desired, etc.) or less current (e.g., based on detection of a low or lower back-EMF, a decreased load, the rotor rotating at a higher speed than desired, etc.) via the one or more output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590 . Similarly, the voltage of the one or more output electric power signals being provided from the one or more DSCs  28  to the load  4590  may be adapted or modified accordingly based on such considerations. 
     Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to perform adaptation of the one or more output electric power signals provided to the load  4590 . In some examples, this involves modifying the amplitude or magnitude of the current and/or voltage of the one or more output electric power signals. In other examples, this involves modifying the phase (e.g., forward/advancing or backward/delaying) of the current and/or voltage of the one or more output electric power signals. In even other examples, this involves filtering of the one or more output electric power signals (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination of such filtering) to generate the one or more output electric power signals. Note that such processing and filtering is performed in certain examples to compensate for and/or remove one or more conditions affecting the one or more output electric power signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In yet other examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct the one or more DSCs  28  to increase the voltage or reduce the voltage of the one or more output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590 . In certain examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to direct operation of the one or more DSCs  28  by modifying the one or more respective reference signals being provided to the one or more DSCs  28 . For example, based on the one or more processing modules  42  adapting or modifying a reference signal that is being provided to a DSC  28  will adapt operation of that DSC  28  and thereby modify the output electric power signal being provided from that DSC  28  to the load  4590 . 
     Generally speaking, any of the variety of information that may be determined based on analysis of the sensing of the one or more output electric power signals being provided to the load  4590  may be used to adapt operation of the one or more DSCs  28  by the one or more processing modules  42  to control and/or adapt the operation of the load  4590 . 
       FIG.  46    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4600  of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more output electric power signals and to process those one or more output electric power signals to generate one or more conditioned output electric power signals to be provided to the load  4590 . The mechanical energy source  1810  is connected to the generator  4520  directly or via one or more components coupling the mechanical energy source  1810  to the generator  4520 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the drive signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  that receive the one or more output electric power signals. In this diagram, these one or more additional DSCs  28  are shown as sensing and monitoring the one or more conditioned output electric power signals from the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590 . In other embodiments, note that these one or more additional DSCs  28  may alternatively be implemented to sense and monitor the one or more output electric power signals that are provided from the generator  4520  (e.g., monitoring and sensing the one or more inputs to the one or more in-line DSCs  28  alternatively to or in addition to the monitoring and sensing of the one or more outputs from the one or more in-line DSCs  28 ). 
     These one or more additional DSCs  28  are also in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . In certain examples, these sensor implemented DSCs  28  are connected to the drive signal lines output from the in-line DSCs  28  via one or more couplers  1660 . As described elsewhere herein, the couplers  1660  may be of any of a variety of types that provide one or more other signals to the sensor implemented DSCs  28  that are representative of the one or conditioned output electric power signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  and provided to the load  4590 . 
     This diagram shows an alternative implementation in which a first one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform adaptation and control of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590  and a second one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the one or one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590 . Note that different DSCs  28  in this diagram may be implemented to perform different operations. For example, the one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform both the providing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590  and also simultaneously to perform sensing of those one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590  as the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured also to perform sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals. In another example, the one or more in-line DSCs  28  is configured to perform only the providing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals to the load  4590  as the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to perform sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals. In even other examples, the one or more sensor implemented DSCs  28  is configured to operate to perform adaptation of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the in-line DSCs  28  such that for any given drive signal that is provided to the load  4590 , a corresponding in-line DSC  28  and also another DSC  28  operate cooperatively to perform any modification or adaptation of that respective drive signal is provided to the load  4590 . 
       FIG.  47    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4700  of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram of  FIG.  46   . For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4520  and to process those one or more output electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to load  4590 . The mechanical energy source  1810  is connected to a generator  4520  directly or via one or more components coupling the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented to interface to one or more sensors that provide additional information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520 . For example, one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  are implemented and serviced via one or more DSCs  28  to provide information regarding the generator  4520 , and/or one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are implemented and serviced via one or more DSCs  28  to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810 . Note that the number and type of sensors implemented to provide information on the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520  may be of a variety of different types. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or the generator  4520  may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load  4590 . In addition, based on the particular type of load  4590 , appropriately tailored sensors may be implemented (e.g., rate of flow sensors for a pump application, pressure sensors for a compressor application, etc.). 
     This diagram shows an example in which additional information regarding the status and operation of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or the generator  4520  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  be used to direct and control operation of the various DSCs  28  and possibly including the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or motor conditioned electric power output signals to the load  4590 . 
       FIG.  48    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  4800  of generator output adaptation with in-line DSC in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. The one or more DSCs  28  are configured to receive one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4520  and to process those one or more output electric power signals to generate drive signals to be provided to load  4590 . The mechanical energy source  1810  is connected to a generator  4520  directly or via one or more components coupling the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520 . 
     This diagram also includes one or more additional DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the one or more conditioned electric power signals that are output from the in-line DSCs  28  that receive the one or more output electric power signals that are output from the generator  4520 . Note that these one or more additional DSCs  28  may be coupled to the one or more drive signal lines output from the in-line DSCs  28  via one or more couplers  1660 . 
     This diagram shows an example in which additional information regarding the one or more conditioned electric power signals output from one or more in-line DSCs  28  as well as information regarding the status and operation of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or the generator  4520  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  be used to direct and control operation of the various DSCs  28  and possibly including the one or more in-line DSCs  28  that provide the one or more conditioned electric power signals to the load  4590 . 
       FIG.  49    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  4900  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  4900  may also be viewed as a method for execution by one or more devices to perform generator output adaptation with in-line drive-sense circuit (DSC). 
     The method  4900  operates in step  4910  by operating a generator to provide a plurality of output electric power signals. The method  4900  also operates in step  4920  by operating a plurality of in-line drive-sense circuits (DSCs) to receive the plurality of electric power signals to generate a plurality of plurality of conditioned electric power signals. 
     The method  4900  also operates in step  4920  by operating a plurality of in-line drive-sense circuits (DSCs) to receive a plurality of input electrical power signals and to generate the plurality of motor drive signals. This involves operating an in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs for various operations including 
     This involves operating an in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs for various operations including receiving an output electric power signal of the plurality of output electric power signals in step  4922 , processing the output electric power signal to generate a conditioned output electric power signal in step  4924 , outputting the conditioned output electric power signal to a load via a single line and simultaneously sensing the conditioned output electric power signal via the single line in step  4926 , detecting an effect on the conditioned output electric power signal that is based on an electrical characteristic of the load (and/or generator, and/or mech. energy source) based on the sensing of the conditioned output electric power signal via the single line in step  4928 , and generating a digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the load in step  4929 . 
     The method  4900  also operates in step  4920  (e.g., by one or more processing modules) by receiving the digital signal representative of the electrical characteristic of the load (and/or generator, and/or mech. energy source) from the in-line DSC of the plurality of in-line DSCs in step  4940 , processing the digital signal to determine information regarding one or more operational conditions of the load (and/or generator, and/or mech. energy source) in step  4950 . Based on the information regarding the one or more operational conditions of the rotating equipment, the method  4900  also operates in step  4960  by determining whether to perform adaptation of the conditioned output electric power signal. Based on a determination to perform adaptation of the conditioned output electric power signal, the method  4900  also operates in step  4970  by identifying one or more adaptation operations to be performed on the conditioned output electric power signal and directing the in-line DSC to perform the one or more adaptation operations on the conditioned output electric power signal (e.g., by processing the output electric power signal to generate the conditioned output electric power signal) in step  4980 . 
     Alternatively, based on a determination not to perform adaptation of the motor drive signal in step  4970 , the method  4900  ends or alternatively returns to step  4910  and continues to perform the method  4900 . 
       FIG.  50    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  5000  of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. In addition, the one or more DSCs  28  are configured to sense and monitor one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4520  and to process those one or more output electric power signals to generate information that is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . Also, the mechanical energy source  1810  is connected to a generator  4520  directly or via one or more components coupling the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520 . 
     Also, in this diagram, an electric power conditioning module  5040 , which is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 , is configured to process the one or more output electric power signals that are output from the generator  4522  generate one or more conditioned output electric power signals to be provided to the load  4590  (e.g., which may include more than one load insert examples). The one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented as sensors to monitor the drive signals that are input to the electric power conditioning module  5040  that receives the one or more output electric power signals that are provided from the generator  4520 . Note that these one or more DSCs  28  may be coupled to the one or more output electric power signals output from the generator  4520  and provided to the electric power conditioning module  5040  via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
     In certain of the previous diagrams, one or more in-line DSCs are implemented to perform output electric power signal processing to generate the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590 . In this diagram, the electric power conditioning module  5040  is implemented to perform output electric power signal processing of the one or more output electric power signals generated by the generator  4520  to generate the one or more conditioned output electric power signals to be provided to the load  4590 . The electric power conditioning module  5040  is configured to perform processing of the one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4520  based on the control and direction provided from the one or more processing modules  42  based on information provided from the one or more DSCs  28  regarding the one or more output electric power signals being provided from the generator  4520 . 
     Generally speaking, such an implementation using an electric power conditioning module  5040  is operative using means that are alternative to in-line DSCs to perform such processing of the output electric power signals for additional means in conjunction with in-line DSCs to perform such processing of the output electric power signals to generate one or more conditioned output electric power signals to be provided to the load  4590 . The electric power conditioning module  5040  may be implemented to perform any of a number of operations on the one or more output electric power signals to generate the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590 . Examples of such modification of the one or more output electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more output electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more output electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In some examples, the electric power conditioning module  5040  is implemented to include a number of discrete elements that may be selected based on one or more control signals provided from the one or more processing modules  42 . In an example, the electric power conditioning module  5040  includes filter banks having different properties, and one or more of those filters is selected by the one or more processing modules  42  to perform desired filtering on the one or more output electric power signals. In a specific example, when the one or more output electric power signals is adversely affected by one or more of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc., the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select one or more filters from the filter banks element within the electric power conditioning module  5040  to reduce or remove the adverse effects from the one or more output electric power signals. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more output electric power signals is adversely affected by an overvoltage condition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate scaling factor and element within the electric power conditioning module  5040  (e.g., a voltage divider from among a number of available voltage dividers, to adjust a variable voltage divider to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590  are done so in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the load  4590  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more output electric power signals is adversely affected by an undervoltage condition such as a voltage sag, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate scaling factor and element within the electric power conditioning module  5040  (e.g., an amplifier from among a number of available amplifiers, to adjust a programmable gain amplifier to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590  are done so in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the load  4590  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     In another specific example, when the one or more output electric power signals is adversely affected by an out of phase condition, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to select an appropriate phase adjustment value and element within the electric power conditioning module  5040  (e.g., a phase delay element implemented to delay a signal by an appropriate value, a phase advancement element implemented to advance a signal by an appropriate value, a programmable phase adjustment element that is adjusted to an appropriate value, etc.) so that the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the load  4590  are done so in a manner that is in accordance with the requirements, constraints, ranges etc. by which the load  4590  operates, requires, and/or is best suited for. 
     Generally speaking, this diagram shows an implementation by which one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more output electric power signals that are being provided from the generator  4520  in electric power conditioning module  5040  and are implemented to provide information to one or more processing modules  42  that is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  5040  to ensure that the one or more output electric power signals that are being provided from the generator  4520  have desired properties for the application. This diagram shows the feedforward implementation in which one or more output electric power signals output from the generator  4520  are sensed by the one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on that sensing is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  5040  to process those output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  as needed, desired, etc. 
       FIG.  51    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5100  of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more output electric power signals after they are received and processed by the electric power conditioning module  5040 . This diagram shows a feedback implementation in which the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  are sensed by the one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on that sensing is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  5040 . As in other diagrams, note that the one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more output electric power signals may be implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
       FIG.  52    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5200  of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to certain of the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that a first one or more DSCs  28  are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more output electric power signals before they are received by the electric power conditioning module  5040  and a second one or more DSCs  28  are implemented perform sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  and provided to the load  4590 . 
     This diagram shows a combination feedback and feedforward implementation in which the one or more output electric power signals output from the generator  4520  are sensed by the first one or more DSCs  28  and the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  are sensed by the second one or more DSCs  28 , information generated based on the sensing as performed by the first one or more DSCs  28  and the second one or more DSCs  28  is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 , and the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of the electric power conditioning module  5040 . As in other diagrams, note that the first second one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more output electric power signals and/or the second one or more DSCs  28  that are implemented to perform sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  may be implemented to receive one or more signals via one or more couplers  1660  (e.g., by operating in accordance with any of the one or more characteristics of a coupler as described herein, their equivalents, etc. and as may be desired in various examples). 
       FIG.  53    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5300  of generator output signal monitoring and conditioning in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the generator  4520  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810  to the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In some examples, note that the respective one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  and/or the respective one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are serviced using respective DSCs  28 . In certain particular examples, the sensor  4780  is in communication with a DSC  28  that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Similarly, in certain other examples, the sensor  4790  is in communication with the DSC that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Generally speaking, one or more DSCs may be implemented to perform interaction with the one or more sensors and to provide information from the one or more sensors to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used thereby in accordance with adaptation of the operation of electric power conditioning module  5040 . This diagram shows an example by which not only sensing of the one or more output electric power signals output from the generator  4520  that are provided to the electric power conditioning module  5040  and/or sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  is made, and that information provided from one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  and/or the one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used as desired in accordance with adapting operation of the electric power conditioning module  5040 . 
       FIG.  54    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5400  of a method for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  5400  operates by operating one or more DSCs for performing monitoring and sensing of one or more electric power signals that are provided from a generator in step  5410 . 
     The method  5400  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs, corresponding to one or more electric power signals that are provided from the generator in step  5420 . For example, in a 3-phase electric power signal implementation by which the generator is implemented to output 3-phase electric power, three respective DSCs are implemented to provide information corresponding to the three respective electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment. 
     Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the generator itself and/or a mechanical energy source that is implemented to serve as the prime mover for the generator. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the generator and/or mechanical energy source may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the load. In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source, the method  5400  also operates in step  5422  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source. 
     The method  5400  continues in step  5430  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the one or more electric power signals is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source) to one or more operational criteria in step  5440 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing an electric power conditioning module to perform one or more electric power signal conditioning operations to the one or more electric power signals in step  5450 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the one or more electric power signals being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the rotating equipment and/or load being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the rotating equipment and/or load operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the rotating equipment (e.g., in a motoring application) being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the one or more input electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     In some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the one or more electric power signals to generate one or more other signals representative of the one or more electric power signals and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. Note also that the information that is received by the one or more processing modules may be received from sensing of the one or more electric power signals before and/or after the electric power conditioning module. Examples of such one or more electric power signal conditioning operations may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source) to one or more operational criteria in step  5440 , the method  5400  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  5410  and continuing to perform the method  5400 . 
       FIG.  55    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  5500  of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. For example, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. In addition, the one or more DSCs  28  are configured to sense and monitor one or more output electric power signals from the generator  4520  and to process those one or more output electric power signals to generate information that is provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . Also, the mechanical energy source  1810  is connected to a generator  4520  directly or via one or more components coupling the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520 . 
     Also, in this diagram, a first one or more regulator modules  3050  is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  and is configured to adapt and direct operation of the mechanical energy source  1810 . Similarly, a second one or more regulator modules  3051  is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  and is configured to adapt and direct operation of the load  2090 . 
     Generally speaking the one or more regulator modules  5551  is configured to control operation of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or one or more associated components, and the one or more regulator modules  5550  is configured to control operation of the generator  4520  and/or one or more associated components. Considering the mechanical energy source  1810 , the rotational speed of the rotor of the mechanical energy source  1810  may be adapted or adjusted by the one or more processing modules  42  via the one or more regulator modules  5551 . In an example in which the mechanical energy source  1810  is a motor, a turbine, etc., the one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , is configured to adjust the speed thereof (e.g., such as increasing speed, slowing speed such as braking, adjusting one or more operational parameters associated with one or more components of the motor, turbine, etc.). 
     In addition, one or more components may be associated with the mechanical energy source  1810 . For example, the rotating equipment  1810  may include or have associated one or more vents, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with an enclosed cover within which the mechanical energy source  1810  is located. The one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  5551  is configured to direct operation of any such associated components. For example, based on information provided via the sensing performed by the one or more DSCs  28 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to control or adjust, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , the operation of any such components associated with the mechanical energy source  1810 . In one example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , provide more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans. In another example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , adjust the temperature within an enclosure in which the mechanical energy source  1810  is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosure as is appropriate. 
     In another example, considering the mechanical energy source  1810  to be a wind turbine, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , to adjust one or more operational parameters of the wind turbine such as the rate at which the rotor of the turbine rotates such as via a braking mechanism, the angular position of the blades of the wind turbine, the yaw and/or pitch of the wind turbine, and/or any other operational parameter associated with the wind turbine. 
     In another example, considering the mechanical energy source to be a hydro turbine the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , to adjust one or more operational parameters of the hydro turbine such as the waterflow going into and through the hydro turbine, the speed at which the hydro turbine rotates such as via a braking mechanism for increased waterflow, and/or any other operational parameter associated with the hydro turbine 
     Similarly, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the other one or more regulator modules  5550 , to control operation of the generator  4520  and/or one or more associated components. Similarly, as described above with respect to the mechanical energy source  1810 , the generator  4520  may include or have associated one or more vents, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with an enclosed cover within which the generator  4520  is located. The one or more processing modules  42 , via the one or more regulator modules  5550  is configured to direct operation of any such associated components. For example, based on information provided via the sensing performed by the one or more DSCs  28 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to control or adjust, via the one or more regulator modules  5550 , the operation of any such components associated with the generator  4520 . In one example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5550 , provide more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans. In another example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5550 , adjust the temperature within an enclosure in which the generator  4520  is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosure as is appropriate. 
     Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured, via the one or more regulator modules  5551 , to control operation of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or one or more components associated therewith as well as, via the one or more regulator modules  5550 , to control operation of the generator  4520  and/or one or more components associated therewith. In this diagram, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to effectuate such control based on information received via the one or more DSCs  28  that are configured to sense the one or more input electric power signals that are being provided to the mechanical energy source  1810 . In addition, in some examples, note that the one or more regulator modules  5551  and/or the one or more regulator modules  5550  are configured to effectuate control of one or more components of the mechanical energy source  1810  and the generator  4520  directly, via one or more DSCs that are configured to facilitate the operation of those one or more components, etc. That is to say, communication with control of, and interaction with any one of the components and/or associated components of the mechanical energy source  1810  and/or generator  4520  may be facilitated via an appropriately implemented DSC that interacts with the component. In such instances and in certain examples, note that the one or more regulator modules  5551  and/or the one or more regulator modules  5550  may be configured not only to direct control of the one or more components, but also to sense information via the respective one or more control signal lines provided to the one or more components. The drive-sense functionality of a DSC  28  as described herein is configured not only to drive a signal via a signal line to facilitate operation of a component but also to sense information regarding operation of the component via the signal line. 
       FIG.  56    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5600  of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the generator  4520  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810  to the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In some examples, note that the respective one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  and/or the respective one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are serviced using respective DSCs  28 . In certain particular examples, the sensor  4780  is in communication with a DSC  28  that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Similarly, in certain other examples, the sensor  4790  is in communication with the DSC that is in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . 
     In such an implementation, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured also to consider information provided via the one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the generator  4520  and/or the respective one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810 . 
       FIG.  57    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5700  of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to certain of the previous diagrams (e.g., including electric power conditioning module  5040 , one or more DSCs  28  implemented to perform sensing of signals being provided to or output from the electric power conditioning module  5040 , etc.) including that an electric power conditioning module  5040  is implemented to process the one or more output electric power signals to generate one or more conditioned output electric power signals that are provided to the generator  4520 . In addition, as desired in certain examples, the first one or more DSCs  28  (optionally connected via one or more couplers  1660 ) is configured to monitor and sense the one or more output electric power signals that are provided from the generator  4520  to the electric power conditioning module  5040  and/or a second one or more DSCs  28  (optionally connected via one or more couplers  1660 ) is configured to monitor and sense the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  and provided to the load  4590 . 
     This diagram shows an example by which sensing of the one or more input electric power signals into the electric power conditioning module  5040  and/or sensing of the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the electric power conditioning module  5040  may be made to generate information of the signals being provided to and from the electric power conditioning module  5040 , and that information is provided to the one or more processing modules  42  to be used as desired in accordance with adapting operation of any one or more of the electric power conditioning module  5040 , the one or more regulator modules  3050 , and/or the one or more regulator modules  3051  to effectuate control of any one or more of the components within the system. 
       FIG.  58    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  5800  of prime mover and generator regulation based on output signal sensing in accordance with the present invention. This diagram as many similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  are also implemented to provide information regarding the generator  4520  to the one or more processing modules  42  and/or one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  are implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810  to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the first one or more DSCs  28  that are configured to sense and monitor the one or more input electric power signals being provided to the electric power conditioning module  5040 , the one or more conditioned output electric power signals output from the electric power conditioning module  5040 , information provided via the one or more sensors  4780  to  4780 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the generator  4520 , and/or information provided via the one or more sensors  4790  to  4790 - 1  that are implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source  1810  to effectuate control of any one or more of the components within the system. 
       FIG.  59    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  5900  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  5900  operates by operating one or more DSCs for performing monitoring and sensing of one or more electric power signals that are provided from a generator in step  5910 . The method  5900  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs, corresponding to one or more electric power signals that are provided from the generator in step S 920 . For example, in a 3-phase electric power signal implementation by which the generator is implemented to output 3-phase electric power, three respective DSCs are implemented to provide information corresponding to the three respective electric power signals that are provided to the rotating equipment. 
     Also, in some examples, one or more sensors, which may be serviced by one or more DSCs, are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the generator itself and/or a mechanical energy source that is being serviced by the generator. Examples of such sensors implemented to provide information of the generator may include one or more of Hall effect sensors, optical speed sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers such as may be implemented to monitor and detect for vibrations, etc. Similarly, such types of sensors may also be implemented to provide information regarding the mechanical energy source. In such examples in which one or more sensors are implemented to provide information regarding the status and operation of the generator itself and/or a mechanical energy source, the method  5900  also operates in step  5922  by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information (e.g., via DSCs in some examples, directly from the sensors and other examples, etc.) corresponding to the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source. 
     The method  5900  continues in step  5930  by operating one or more processing modules to process the information for determining whether any adaptation to the operation of the generator and/or mechanical energy source is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source) to one or more operational criteria in step  5940 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing, via one or more regulator modules, adaptation of the generator and/or mechanical energy source in step  5950 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the one or more electric power signals being of improper magnitude, improper phase, including an unacceptable amount of noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the one or more input electric power signals may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the status and operation of the generator and/or mechanical energy source may include any one or more of overtemperature (e.g., temperature of the generator and/or mechanical energy source being above a prescribed or recommended upper temperature), under temperature (e.g., temperature of the generator and/or mechanical energy source being below a prescribed or recommended lower temperature), overspeed (e.g., the generator and/or mechanical energy source operating at faster than a prescribed or recommended speed), under speed (e.g., the generator and/or mechanical energy source operating at slower than a prescribed or recommended speed), slip of the generator being outside of a prescribed or recommended range, etc. 
     Some examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the generator and/or mechanical energy source may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator. Some other examples of directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the generator and/or mechanical energy source may include any one or more of adjusting venting, air flow mechanisms such as one or more cooling fans, environmental heating and/or cooling such as associated with one or more enclosed covers within which the generator and/or mechanical energy source is/are located, controlling or adjusting the operation of any such components associated with the generator and/or mechanical energy source, providing more or less airflow such as by opening or closing one or more vents and/or adjusting operation of one or more cooling fans associated with the generator and/or mechanical energy source, adjusting the temperature within one or more enclosures in which the generator and/or mechanical energy source is located such as by controlling the heating venting air conditioning (HVAC) of the inside of the enclosures as is appropriate. 
     In some examples, the information regarding the electric power signals is received by the one or more processing modules via one or more couplers that perform one or more of scaling, division, electrical isolation, etc. and/or some other processing of the one or more electric power signals to generate one or more other signals representative of the one or more electric power signals and these one or more other signals are provided and sensed by the one or more DSCs. Note also that the information that is received by the one or more processing modules may be received from sensing of the one or more electric power signals before and/or after the electric power conditioning module. Examples of such one or more electric power signal conditioning operations may include any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the one or more input electric power signals, modification of the phase of the one or more input electric power signals (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the one or more motor drive signals (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the one or more electric power signals (and/or the status and operation of the generator and/or the mechanical energy source) to one or more operational criteria in step  5940 , the method  5900  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  5910  and continuing to perform the method  5900 . 
     In addition, in certain examples, note that both operation related to directing adaptation (e.g., from the one or more processing modules via the one or more regulator modules) of the generator and/or mechanical energy as well as directing adaptation of the one or more electric power signals may both be performed within an alternative method that not only performs regulation of the operation of the generator and/or mechanical energy but also electric power conditioning of the one or more electric power signals output from the generator. 
       FIG.  60 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6001  of a wind turbine operative in accordance with the present invention. Generally speaking, a wind turbine is an electric power generating system in which the mechanical energy source is based on rotating blades attached to the rotor that is used to drive a generator either via a direct connection between the rotor of the wind turbine or via one or more coupling means, such as the gearbox. From certain perspectives, a wind turbine operates in the opposite manner as a fan, in that, as the wind facilitates rotation of the rotor of the wind turbine, that rotating mechanical energy is harnessed to drive the rotor of a generator. As the wind turns the blades of the wind turbine, and as that rotating mechanical energy drives the rotor of the generator, the generator outputs electric power. 
     Wind turbines may be implemented in a number of different ways and in a number of different locations and installations. For example, some wind turbines are installed on the ground, while others are installed offshore open (e.g., such as installed and mounted on the floor of an ocean, lake, etc.). Generally speaking, wind turbines are installed in locations prone to have a regular amount of wind. In this diagram, and wind turbine is shown as including an number of blades connected to a rotor that is mounted to a nacelle/chassis at the top of the tower/pedestal. Again, note that such a wind turbine maybe mounted at ground level (e.g., in a non-water installation) for mounted to a sea or lake bottom such as in a water installation. 
     In some examples, the nacelle/chassis located at the top of the tower/pedestal includes a number of components of the wind turbine and generator system. In addition, certain components are also implemented within the tower/pedestal to facilitate operation of the wind turbine. For example, the nacelle/chassis may be implemented to include the generator itself, various other components including directional control of the wind turbine so as to facilitate directing it into the direction from which the wind is coming, adjustment of various parameters such as pitch and yaw of the nacelle/chassis, various environmental sensing components such as wind direction sensors, wind speed sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc., one or more gearboxes that facilitate coupling between the rotor of the wind turbine and the rotor of the generator, one or more processing modules to facilitate control of the various components of the wind turbine, etc. 
       FIG.  60 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6002  of one or more wind turbines operative in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows one or more wind turbines implemented in a system in which they provide electric power signals to a substation  6020  (e.g., such as including one or more transformers implemented to up convert the output electric power signals from the one or more wind turbines to an appropriate voltage for delivery, transmission, and consumption within an electric power grid that includes one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks  6099 ). Note that any one individual wind turbine may be implemented to output electric power of a particular type such as single phase, 3-phase, single or 3-phase including a neutral, etc. In some examples, three different respective wind turbines are implemented each individually to output single phase electric power, and in combination, those three different respective wind turbines provide 3-phase electric power. In other examples, each individual wind turbine is implemented to output 3-phase electric power. 
     The tower/pedestal includes appropriate cabling to deliver the one or more output electric power signals from the generator of the wind turbine to the substation  6020 . In addition, in some instances, one or more communication lines are included within the tower/pedestal to facilitate communication and control of one or more components of the wind turbine from a remote location. In some instances, a control house that is remotely located from the one or more wind turbines is in communication with the one or more wind turbines and facilitates their control and operation. 
       FIG.  61    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6100  of wind turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows further details of some of the various components that may be implemented within a wind turbine. A nacelle/chassis  6101  is located at the top of the tower/pedestal  6150 . The nacelle/chassis  6101  is also coupled to a rotor  6114  having a desired number of blades  6112  attached thereto. In some examples, a wind turbine includes three blades  6112  attached to the rotor  6114 . The nacelle/chassis  6101  also includes an anemometer  6162  configured to provide information regarding wind speed and a wind vane  6164  configured to provide information regarding wind direction. The number of additional environmental sensors may also be implemented within or on the nacelle/chassis  6101 . 
     In this diagram, the rotor  6114  is coupled to a rotor pitch controller  6114  and a low-speed shaft that connects to a gearbox  6142 . The gearbox  6142  is configured to provide coupling to a high-speed shaft that couples to a rotor of a generator  4520 . In some examples, the gearbox  6142  is configurable to effectuate the coupling between the low-speed shaft in a high-speed shaft in any one of a number of desired ratios, shown as ratio  1  through ratio n. Note that some wind turbines operate synchronously such that the rate of rotation of the rotor of the wind turbine is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor of the generator associated therewith. In such instances, the ratio of the gearbox  6142  is 1. In some alternative implementations, the wind turbine does not include a gearbox  6142  and the rotor of the wind turbine is coupled to the rotor of the generator and they operate synchronously with one another such that the rate of rotation of the rotor  6114  is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor of the generator  4520 . 
     Depending on the rate of rotation of the rotor  6114  and the low-speed shaft, the gearbox  6142  maybe control to operate based on a given ratio to ensure appropriate rotational speed of the high-speed shaft that couples to the rotor of the generator  4520 . A braking mechanism  6122  is configured to perform braking operations on the low-speed shaft. In some examples, a braking mechanism  6123  is also implemented to perform braking operations on the high-speed shaft. A blade angle controller  6118  is implemented to control the angular position of the blades  6112  as they are attached to the rotor  6114 . In addition, within the tower/pedestal  6150 , a yaw motor drive and motor  6152  is implemented to control the direction in which the rotor  6114  of the wind turbine is directed (e.g., such as to facilitate directing the rotor  6114  directly into the direction from which the wind is coming). 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with the various components of the wind turbine. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the wind turbine directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). That is to say, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the wind turbine via one or more DSCs  28  and also be in communication with another one or more of the various components of the wind turbine directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). In addition, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication via one or more DSCs with one or more sensors implemented within the wind turbine to provide information regarding environmental conditions, status of operation of one or more components of the wind turbine, status regarding various electrical and/or electric power signals of the wind turbine including the output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 , etc. Generally speaking, the communication and inter-connectivity between the one or more processing modules  42  and the one or more of the various components of the wind turbine is shown in in the diagram via the one or more connections depicted by “A”. Again, in some examples, note that this communication and inter-connectivity may be implemented using one or more DSCs. 
     For example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with, interact with, receive information from, and/or provide control signaling to the one or more components of the wind turbine. For example, based on information regarding wind speed and/or wind directionality as provided from the anemometer  6162  and/or the wind vane  6164 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to change the direction of the wind turbine by providing appropriate control signaling to the yaw motor drive and motor  6152  and/or the pitch of the wind turbine by providing appropriate control signaling to the rotor pitch controller  6114 . Based on information regarding rotation of the low-speed shaft being greater than a desired rotational rate, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to facilitate slowing of the low-speed shaft by providing appropriate control signaling the braking mechanism  6122 . In general, the communication interfacing between the one or more processing modules  42  in the various components of the wind turbine may be facilitated via one or more DSCs. 
     In addition, one or more DSCs may be implemented to perform processing, conditioning, sensing, etc. of any of the various electrical signals within the wind turbine including the output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 . Also, in some examples, one or more sensors are implemented on and/or associated one or more components of the wind turbine. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the various sensors and use that information in the control and operation of the wind turbine. 
     Moreover, with respect to the generator  4520 , any of the one or more various examples, embodiments, etc. as described herein directed towards processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator (e.g., such as with respect to one or more in-line DSCs, one or more sensor implemented DSCs, operation in accordance with an electric power conditioning module, etc.) and/or sensors implemented on and/or associated with the generator  4520  and/or the mechanical energy source  1810 , which in this case is the wind turbine, may also be implemented with respect to the wind turbine. The use of one or more appropriately implemented DSCs facilitate the one or more processing modules  42  to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine including appropriately adapting operation of the one or more components thereof (e.g., controlling and adapting as needed the appropriate gear ratio of the gearbox  6142 , the directionality of the wind turbine using the yaw motor drive and motor  6152  and/or the rotor pitch controller  6116 , controlling the rotational speed of the low-speed shaft and/or the high-speed shaft, etc.). 
       FIG.  62    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  6200  of wind turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows one or more processing modules  42  in communication with various elements of the wind turbine including the rotor pitch controller  6116 , braking mechanism  6122  (and/or braking mechanism  6123 ), gearbox  6142 , blade angle controller  6118 , generator controller and one or more sensors  6121 , yaw motor drive and motor  6152 , wind vane  6164 , anemometer  6162  to provide information regarding wind speed, and/or any other components or elements  6199  of the wind turbine  6199 . 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the wind turbine. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In an example of operation and implementation, sensor information, sensor related information, information from the one or more DSCs, etc. is received by the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to perform processing, at adaptation determination, etc. as may be required or desired for any of the one or more components of the wind turbine. Based on the determination to perform adaptation of one or more of the components, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with those one or more components of the wind turbine to adapt the operation thereof. In addition, in some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to direct one or more components to processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 . 
       FIG.  63    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  6300  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  6300  operates in step  6310  by operating one or more processing modules for directing and controlling operation of one or more components of a wind turbine. In addition, the method  6300  continues in step  6320  by operating the one or more processing modules for communicating with and interacting with one or more DSCs that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the wind turbine. In various examples, the one or more DSCs are implemented to service the control signals being provided to the one or more components of the wind turbine, are implemented to service one or more sensors or transducers that are implemented to provide information regarding the operation and status of one or more components of the wind turbine, etc. In addition, in other examples, note that the one or more processing modules are directly in communication with certain of the components of the wind turbine without being in communication with such components via DSCs. 
     The method  6300  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs and/or directly from the one or more sensors or one or more components of the wind turbine, corresponding to the operation and status of one or more components of the wind turbine, etc. in step  6330 . In some examples, know that the one or more processing modules is configured to determine information based information that is related to a change of an electrical characteristic of a control signal that is provided via a DSC to a particular component of the wind turbine. For example, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate the delivery of a control signal from the one or more processing modules to a particular component of the wind turbine, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the operation status of that particular component. In addition, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate delivery of information regarding the status or operation of sensor, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the value of the particular parameter that is being senses by that sensor. 
     The method  6300  continues in step  6340  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the information provided via the one or more DSCs, provided directly from the one or more sensors, provided directly from the one or more components of the wind turbine, etc. for determining whether any adaptation to the operation any one or more of the components of the wind turbine is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the information received to one or more operational criteria in step  6350 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing adaptation of the operation of one or more of the components of the wind turbine in step  6360 . 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the wind turbine not being appropriately directed into the direction of the incoming wind, an overspeed or under speed indication of any one or more of a rotor of the wind turbine, a low-speed shaft, a high-speed shaft, the rotor of the generator, etc., an under temperature or over temperature of one of the components of the wind turbine, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the operation of the one or more components of the wind turbine may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator or the rotational speed of the rotor of the wind turbine, the ratio operative within a gearbox of the wind turbine, adapting the direction, yaw, pitch, and/or yaw of the wind turbine, engaging one or more braking mechanisms to facilitate slowing of one of the rotational components of the wind turbine, adjusting the blade angle of the blades of the wind turbine, etc., facilitating venting, heating, cooling, HVAC, etc. to correct an under temperature or over temperature condition associated with one or more of the components of the wind turbine to bring them within specified or recommended operational range, etc. 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria in step  6350 , the method  6300  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  6310  and continuing to perform the method  6300 . 
     Hydro turbines and steam turbines are other types of mechanical energy sources that may be used to drive the rotor of a generator. With respect to such hydro turbines and steam turbines, two mechanisms by which they operate include impulse and reaction. 
       FIG.  64 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6401  of blades of an impulse hydro turbine or steam turbine in accordance with the present invention. Within an impulse turbine, a waterjet in the case of an impulse hydro turbine (or a steam jet in the case of a steam turbine), such as from a high-power or high pressure nozzle, is directed towards the buckets/blades of the impulse turbine. This fast-moving fluid, such as water or steam, is directed at the turbine blades and facilitates rotation of the turbine. With respect to an impulse turbine, the blades are often described as bucket-shaped such that they are implemented to harness the energy of the fluid jet to facilitate rotation of the impulse turbine and to deflect the fluid. In some instances, the fluid is deflected away from the impulse turbine. In other instances, the fluid is deflected back in the direction of the nozzle from which it came. 
     In some examples, an appropriately implemented one or more DSCs that is configured to control the nozzle that operates within such an impulse turbine (e.g., controlling the speed, pressure, etc. of the waterjet that is emitted from a nozzle) and/or that is configured to sense the operation of the nozzle (e.g., since the speed, pressure, etc. of the waterjet that is emitted from the nozzle), such as in an implementation in which the water is deflected back in the direction of the nozzle, the one or more DSCs can generate information regarding the energy transfer from the waterjet to the buckets/blades of the impulse turbine. 
       FIG.  64 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6402  of blades of a reaction hydro turbine or steam turbine in accordance with the present invention. In a reaction hydro turbine or steam turbine, the water in the case of a reaction hydro turbine (or steam in the case of a steam turbine) passes over or through the blades of the turbine. This water or steam passing over through the blades of the turbine facilitates rotation of the turbine. Note that a reaction hydro turbine or steam turbine does not change the direction of the flow the water or steam. The turbine is rotated as the water or steam passes through it blades. 
       FIG.  65    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6500  of a hydro turbine generation system operative in accordance with the present invention. Generally speaking, a hydro turbine  6524  may be viewed as a mechanical energy source or prime mover that is configured to harness the kinetic energy of moving water and to transform that kinetic energy into mechanical energy to be used to facilitate rotation of the rotor of a generator  4520 . For example, with respect to the amount of mechanical energy provided from descending water, a cubic meter of water descending 1 m can provide approximately 9800 J of mechanical energy. Similarly, a flow of a cubic meter of water per second descending 1 m corresponds to 9800 W of power. The hydro turbine  6524  harnesses the kinetic energy of the moving water and translates that into mechanical energy thereby serving as a mechanical energy source for the generator  4520 . 
     This diagram shows a hydro turbine generation system in which a source of water  6590  provides water that travels through an inlet tunnel  6582  down a penstock  6588  and into the Hydro turbine  6524  and then out via an outlet tunnel  6589  to a collector of water  6591 . Generally speaking, the respective source and collector of water  6590  and  6591  may be viewed as an upper pool and a lower pool, and they may be reservoirs, lakes, rivers, holding tanks, etc. 
     In general, such a hydro turbine generation system may be viewed as having to components that operate in co-option with one another, the hydro system and the electric power generation system. The hydraulic system includes the hydro turbine  6524 , the source and collector of water  6590  and  6591 , the respective inlet tunnel  6582 , the penstock  6588 , the outlet,  6589 , the surge tank  6584 , and the air inlet/air release valves  6586 . The electric power generation system components include the generator  4520  that is driven by the hydro turbine  6524 . 
     Effective operation of the hydro turbine generation system is very significantly affected by control of the flow of water from the source of water  6590  to the collector of water  6591 . A surge tank  6584  is often used in implementations in which the distance between the source of water  6590  to the collector of water  6591  is quite large. The surge tank  6584  operates to isolate the hydro turbine  6524  from adverse effects of the traveling water such as water hammer, which may be viewed as a high pressure rise in the water by stopping the flow of the water quickly. The surge tank  6584  provides a means by which any undesirable hydraulic oscillations, or traveling waves of pressure in the water, maybe reduced or dampened so as to facilitate effective control of the hydro turbine  6524   
     In some examples, the hydro turbine  6524  and the generator  4520  are implemented within a powerhouse  6522 . The generator  4520  is configured to generate one or more output electric power signals that are provided to an appropriate voltage for delivery, transmission, and consumption within an electric power grid that includes one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks  6099 . As described elsewhere herein with respect to other examples, embodiments, diagrams, the one or more output electric power signals may be provided to a substation configured to up convert the output electric power signals from the hydro turbine generation system to an appropriate voltage for delivery, transmission, and consumption within an electric power grid that includes one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks  6099 . 
       FIG.  66    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6600  of hydro turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows additional details regarding a hydro turbine generation system including one or more processing modules  42  that is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In a reaction turbine implementation, one or more valves or wicket gates  6585  is configured to control water flow associated with the hydro turbine  6524 . For example, the valves or wicket gates  6585  is configured to control the flow into the hydro turbine  6524  to control the flow of water over her through the blades of the hydro turbine  6524 . In an impulse turbine implementation, a waterjet controller  6586  is configured to control the waterjet that is provided to the buckets/blades of the impulse turbine. 
     The hydro turbine  6524  includes a turbine stator  6584  and a turbine rotor  6582 . Generally speaking, the turbine stator  6584  may be viewed as the component or housing in which the turbine rotor  6582  is contained. The turbine rotor  6582  is coupled to a rotor  6512  of the generator  4520 . In certain examples, this coupling is the a gearbox  6542  that is configured to provide appropriate mechanical interfacing between the turbine rotor  6582  and the rotor  6512  of the generator  4520 . In some examples, the gearbox  6542  is configurable to effectuate the coupling between the turbine rotor  6582  and the rotor  6512  of the generator  4520  in any one of a number of desired ratios, shown as ratio  1  through ratio n. Note that some hydro turbine generation systems operate synchronously such that the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6582  is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor  6512  of the generator  4520 . In such instances, the ratio of the gearbox  6142  is 1. In some alternative implementations, the hydro turbine generation system does not include a gearbox  6542  and the rotor of the turbine rotor  6582  is coupled to the rotor  6512  of the generator  4520 , and they operate synchronously with one another such that the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6542  of the hydro turbine  6524  is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor  6512  of the generator  4520 . As the turbine rotor  6582  is rotated based on flow of water, the rotor  6512  the generator is  4520  will rotate thereby generating output electric power via the stator  6514  of the generator  4520 . 
     In addition, in some examples, the hydro turbine  6524  includes one or more of a braking mechanism  6588 , a turbine blade controller  6589 , and one or more water flow sensors  6587 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and control operation of the braking mechanism  6588 , the turbine blade controller  6589 , and the one or more water flow sensors  6587 . For example, in accordance with controlling the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6582 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the one or more water flow sensors  6587  that are implemented to monitor for water flow in and/or out of the hydro turbine  6524 . As may be needed to slow the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6582 , the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to utilize the braking mechanism  6588 . In addition, in examples in which the angle of the turbine blades is configurable and adjustable, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to control their angle to facilitate rotational rate control of the turbine rotor  6582  via the turbine played controller  6589 . Generally speaking, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from any one or more components of the hydro turbine generation system, to process that information, and to determine any control and adaptation that may need to be performed with respect to the various components to facilitate proper operation of the hydro turbine generation system. 
     In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). That is to say, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system via one or more DSCs  28  and also be in communication with another one or more of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). In addition, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication via one or more DSCs with one or more sensors implemented within the hydro turbine generation system to provide information regarding environmental conditions, status of operation of one or more components of the hydro turbine generation system, status regarding various electrical and/or electric power signals of the hydro turbine generation system including the output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 , etc. Generally speaking, the communication and inter-connectivity between the one or more processing modules  42  and the one or more of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system is shown in in the diagram via the one or more connections depicted by “B”. Again, in some examples, note that this communication and inter-connectivity may be implemented using one or more DSCs. Also, in some examples, one or more sensors are implemented on and/or associated one or more components of the hydro turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the various sensors and use that information in the control and operation of the hydro turbine generation system. 
     Moreover, with respect to the generator  4520 , any of the one or more various examples, embodiments, etc. as described herein directed towards processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator (e.g., such as with respect to one or more in-line DSCs, one or more sensor implemented DSCs, operation in accordance with an electric power conditioning module, etc.) and/or sensors implemented on and/or associated with the generator  4520  and/or the mechanical energy source  1810 , which in this case is the hydro turbine  6524 , may also be implemented with respect to the hydro turbine generation system. The use of one or more appropriately implemented DSCs facilitate the one or more processing modules  42  to improve the efficiency of the hydro turbine generation system including appropriately adapting operation of the one or more components thereof (e.g., controlling and adapting as needed the appropriate gear ratio of the gearbox  6542 , the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6582  such as by controlling water flow through the hydro turbine  6524 , the angle of the turbine blades via the turbine blade controller  6589 , slowing the rate of rotation of the turbine rotor  6582  the of the braking mechanism  6588 , etc.). 
       FIG.  67    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  6700  of hydro turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows one or more processing modules  42  in communication with various elements of the hydro turbine generation system including one or more of one or more surge tank sensors  6784 , one or more air release valve sensors and/or controllers  6076 , one or more in/out water flow sensors  6587 , braking mechanism  6588 , gearbox  6542 , turbine blade controller  6589 , generator controller and one or more associated generator sensors  6720 , a valve/wicket gate controller  6785  such as for a reaction turbine, waterjet controller  6786  such as for an impulse turbine, and/or any other components or elements  6799  of the hydro turbine generation system. 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the hydro turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In an example of operation and implementation, sensor information, sensor related information, information from the one or more DSCs, etc. is received by the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to perform processing, at adaptation determination, etc. as may be required or desired for any of the one or more components of the hydro turbine generation system. Based on the determination to perform adaptation of one or more of the components, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with those one or more components of the hydro turbine generation system to adapt the operation thereof. In addition, in some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to direct one or more components to processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 . 
       FIG.  68    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  6800  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  6800  operates in step  6810  by operating one or more processing modules for directing and controlling operation of one or more components of a hydro turbine. In addition, the method  6800  continues in step  6820  by operating the one or more processing modules for communicating with and interacting with one or more DSCs that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the hydro turbine. In various examples, the one or more DSCs are implemented to service the control signals being provided to the one or more components of the hydro turbine, are implemented to service one or more sensors or transducers that are implemented to provide information regarding the operation and status of one or more components of the hydro turbine, etc. In addition, in other examples, note that the one or more processing modules are directly in communication with certain of the components of the hydro turbine without being in communication with such components via DSCs. 
     The method  6800  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs and/or directly from the one or more sensors or one or more components of the hydro turbine, corresponding to the operation and status of one or more components of the hydro turbine, etc. in step  6830 . In some examples, know that the one or more processing modules is configured to determine information based information that is related to a change of an electrical characteristic of a control signal that is provided via a DSC to a particular component of the hydro turbine. For example, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate the delivery of a control signal from the one or more processing modules to a particular component of the hydro turbine, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the operation status of that particular component. In addition, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate delivery of information regarding the status or operation of sensor, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the value of the particular parameter that is being senses by that sensor. 
     The method  6800  continues in step  6840  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the information provided via the one or more DSCs, provided directly from the one or more sensors, provided directly from the one or more components of the hydro turbine, etc. for determining whether any adaptation to the operation any one or more of the components of the hydro turbine is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the information received to one or more operational criteria in step  6850 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing adaptation of the operation of one or more of the components of the hydro turbine in step  6860 . 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the hydro turbine not having adequate flow of water to facilitate the proper operation of the hydro turbine, an overspeed or under speed indication of any one or more of a rotor of the hydro turbine, the rotor of the generator, etc., an under temperature or over temperature of one of the components of the hydro turbine, etc., water jet pressure being too high or too low in the instance of an impulse hydro turbine, 
     Some examples of modification of the operation of the one or more components of the hydro turbine may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator or the rotational speed of the rotor of the hydro turbine, the ratio operative within a gearbox of the hydro turbine, increasing or decreasing the water flow or water jet pressure of the hydro turbine, engaging one or more braking mechanisms to facilitate slowing of one of the rotational components of the hydro turbine, adjusting the blade angle of the blades of the hydro turbine, etc., facilitating venting, heating, cooling, HVAC, etc. to correct an under temperature or over temperature condition associated with one or more of the components of the hydro turbine to bring them within specified or recommended operational range, etc. 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria in step  6850 , the method  6800  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  6810  and continuing to perform the method  6800 . 
       FIG.  69    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  6900  of steam turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, the steam turbine generation system includes a mechanical energy source (e.g., prime mover) that is a steam turbine  6936 . This steam turbine  6936  is coupled to a generator  4520  via directly or via one or more components, such as one or more couplings, gearbox, etc. In some instances, the steam turbine  6936  operates synchronously with the generator  4520 . For example, some steam turbine generation systems operate synchronously such that the rate of rotation of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936  is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor of the generator  4520 . In such instances, the ratio of a gearbox, when implemented, is 1. In some alternative implementations, the steam turbine generation system does not include a gearbox and the rotor of the steam turbine  6936  is coupled to the rotor of the generator  4520 , and they operate synchronously with one another such that the rate of rotation of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936  is same as the rate of rotation of the rotor of the generator  4520 . As the rotor of the steam turbine  6936  is rotated based on flow of water, the rotor the generator is  4520  will rotate thereby generating output electric power via the stator of the generator  4520 . 
     The generator  4520  is configured to generate one or more output electric power signals that are provided to an appropriate voltage for delivery, transmission, and consumption within an electric power grid that includes one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks  6099 . As described elsewhere herein with respect to other examples, embodiments, diagrams, the one or more output electric power signals may be provided to a substation configured to up convert the output electric power signals from the hydro turbine generation system to an appropriate voltage for delivery, transmission, and consumption within an electric power grid that includes one or more transmission and distribution (T&amp;D) networks  6099 . 
     A number of additional components may be implemented within a steam turbine generation system. For example, water  6991  (e.g., such as may be stored in a pool, reservoir, tank, retrieved from a lake or river, etc.) operates to provide cooling water to a steam condenser  6938 . The water/steam loop of the steam turbine generation system travels from a steam condenser  6938  to one or more pump component  6940  to a steam boiler  6932  that is heated using a heat source  6930  to generate steam that is provided in a controlled manner to the steam turbine  6936  via a steam controller  6934 . After being provided to the steam turbine  6936  to facilitate rotation of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936 , the steam returns to the steam condenser  6938 . 
     The heat source  6930  is implemented to heat the water using some desired means. Examples of different types of heat source  6930  may include a nuclear reactor implemented the heat the water to generate steam, a fossil fuel plants (e.g., such as a coal-fired plant, and oil burning plant, a gas burning plant, a natural gas burning plant, etc.). In some alternative examples, a heat source  6930  operates by burning wood and/or biomass fuels such as may be generated from wood, crops, garbage, renewable biofuels, agricultural waste, etc. In even other alternative examples, geothermal energy may be harnessed from the warm water and/or steam emissions naturally occurring and solar thermal energy may be used to generate steam. Generally speaking, any desired type of heat source  6930  that is operative to heat the water to generate steam within the steam boiler  6932  may be used within such a steam turbine generation system. 
     A steam controller  6934  is implemented to control the amount of steam that is provided to the steam turbine  6936 . For example, the steam controller  6934  may be implemented as one or more of a valve, gate, a throttle, etc. to control the amount of steam that is provided in a controlled manner to the steam turbine  6936 . Note that the stream turbine  6936  may be any one of a variety of types of steam turbines. For example, the steam turbine  6936  made include an impulse turbine configuration or a reaction turbine configuration with respect to the implementation of the actual steam turbine  6936  itself and the blades thereof. In addition, the steam turbine  6936  may be a multistage steam turbine such as having more than one stage (e.g., a high, medium, and low pressure steam turbine stages). In addition, one or more additional mechanisms such as a braking mechanism  6988  may be implemented to assist in the control of the rate of rotation of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936 . 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the steam turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the steam turbine generation system directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). That is to say, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication with one or more of the various components of the steam turbine generation system via one or more DSCs  28  and also be in communication with another one or more of the various components of the steam turbine generation system directly (e.g., not via a DSC  28 ). In addition, the one or more processing modules  42  may be in communication via one or more DSCs with one or more sensors implemented within the steam turbine generation system to provide information regarding environmental conditions, status of operation of one or more components of the steam turbine generation system, status regarding various electrical and/or electric power signals of the steam turbine generation system including the output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 , etc. Generally speaking, the communication and inter-connectivity between the one or more processing modules  42  and the one or more of the various components of the steam turbine generation system is shown in in the diagram via the one or more connections depicted by “C”. Again, in some examples, note that this communication and inter-connectivity may be implemented using one or more DSCs. 
     For example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with, interact with, receive information from, and/or provide control signaling to the one or more components of the steam turbine generation system. For example, based on information regarding the temperature, pressure, density, etc. of the steam and/or water involved in the steam/water loop, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to adapt operation of one or more of the pump components  6940 , the steam boiler  6932  the heat source  6930 , and/or the steam controller  6934  to facilitate modification of steam and/or water involved in the steam/water loop to operate the steam turbine generation system in a desirable manner. 
     In another example, based on information regarding rotation of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936  being greater than a desired rotational rate, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to facilitate slowing of the low-speed shaft by providing appropriate control signaling the braking mechanism  6988  In general, the communication interfacing between the one or more processing modules  42  in the various components of the steam turbine generation system may be facilitated via one or more DSCs. 
     In addition, one or more DSCs may be implemented to perform processing, conditioning, sensing, etc. of any of the various electrical signals within the steam turbine generation system including the output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 . Also, in some examples, one or more sensors are implemented on and/or associated one or more components of the steam turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to receive information from the various sensors and use that information in the control and operation of the steam turbine generation system. 
     Moreover, with respect to the generator  4520 , any of the one or more various examples, embodiments, etc. as described herein directed towards processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator (e.g., such as with respect to one or more in-line DSCs, one or more sensor implemented DSCs, operation in accordance with an electric power conditioning module, etc.) and/or sensors implemented on and/or associated with the generator  4520  and/or the mechanical energy source  1810 , which in this case is the steam turbine  6936 , may also be implemented with respect to the steam turbine generation system. The use of one or more appropriately implemented DSCs facilitate the one or more processing modules  42  to improve the efficiency of the steam turbine generation system including appropriately adapting operation of the one or more components thereof (e.g., controlling and adapting as needed the appropriate gear ratio of a gearbox, when implemented, controlling the rotational speed of the rotor of the steam turbine  6936 , etc.). 
       FIG.  70    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7000  of steam turbine generation system control feedback and adaptation in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows one or more processing modules  42  in communication with various elements of the steam turbine generation system including one or more of one or more water level sensor(s)  7091 , steam condenser controller and/or sensor(s)  7038 , pump component controller and/or sensor(s)  7040 , steam boiler controller and/or sensor(s)  7032 , steam control controller and/or sensor(s)  7034 , heat source controller and/or sensor(s)  7030 , in and/or out water/steam flow sensor(s)  7036 , braking mechanism  6988 , gearbox  7042  (when implemented), a turbine blade controller  7098  such as may be implemented to control the angle of the blades of the steam turbine  6936 , generator controller and/or sensor(s)  7020 , and/or any other components or elements  7099  of the steam turbine generation system. 
     Also, in this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs) that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the steam turbine generation system. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In an example of operation and implementation, sensor information, sensor related information, information from the one or more DSCs, etc. is received by the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to perform processing, at adaptation determination, etc. as may be required or desired for any of the one or more components of the steam turbine generation system. Based on the determination to perform adaptation of one or more of the components, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with those one or more components of the steam turbine generation system to adapt the operation thereof. In addition, in some examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to direct one or more components to processing, conditioning, etc. of the one or more output electric power signals provided from the generator  4520 . 
       FIG.  71    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  7100  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  7100  operates in step  7110  by operating one or more processing modules for directing and controlling operation of one or more components of a steam turbine. In addition, the method  7100  continues in step  7120  by operating the one or more processing modules for communicating with and interacting with one or more DSCs that are in communication with at least some of the various components of the steam turbine. In various examples, the one or more DSCs are implemented to service the control signals being provided to the one or more components of the steam turbine, are implemented to service one or more sensors or transducers that are implemented to provide information regarding the operation and status of one or more components of the steam turbine, etc. In addition, in other examples, note that the one or more processing modules are directly in communication with certain of the components of the steam turbine without being in communication with such components via DSCs. 
     The method  7100  continues by operating one or more processing modules for receiving information, via one or more DSCs and/or directly from the one or more sensors or one or more components of the steam turbine, corresponding to the operation and status of one or more components of the steam turbine, etc. in step  7130 . In some examples, know that the one or more processing modules is configured to determine information based information that is related to a change of an electrical characteristic of a control signal that is provided via a DSC to a particular component of the steam turbine. For example, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate the delivery of a control signal from the one or more processing modules to a particular component of the steam turbine, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the operation status of that particular component. In addition, when a DSC is implemented to facilitate delivery of information regarding the status or operation of sensor, that particular DSC is configured to provide feedback and information to the one or more processing modules to be used by the one or more processing modules to determine the value of the particular parameter that is being senses by that sensor. 
     The method  7100  continues in step  7140  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the information provided via the one or more DSCs, provided directly from the one or more sensors, provided directly from the one or more components of the steam turbine, etc. for determining whether any adaptation to the operation any one or more of the components of the steam turbine is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the information received to one or more operational criteria in step  7150 , the one or more processing modules operates by directing adaptation of the operation of one or more of the components of the steam turbine in step  7160 . 
     Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of the steam turbine not being provided steam the appropriate characteristics (e.g., temperature, pressure, water content, etc.) to facilitate upper operation of the steam turbine, an overspeed or under speed indication of any one or more of a rotor of the steam turbine, the rotor of the generator, etc., an under temperature or over temperature of one of the components of the steam turbine, etc. 
     Some examples of modification of the operation of the one or more components of the steam turbine may include any one or more of adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator or the rotational speed of the rotor of the steam turbine, the ratio operative within a gearbox of the steam turbine, adapting operation of one or more of the components implemented to provide steam having the appropriate characteristics (e.g., temperature, pressure, water content, etc.) to facilitate upper operation of the steam turbine that may include adjusting operation of any one or more of a heat source, a steam boiler, steam controller, a steam condenser, one or more pump components, cooling water flow into or out of a steam condenser, etc., engaging one or more braking mechanisms to facilitate slowing of one of the rotational components of the steam turbine, adjusting the blade angle of the blades of the steam turbine, etc., facilitating venting, heating, cooling, HVAC, etc. to correct an under temperature or over temperature condition associated with one or more of the components of the steam turbine to bring them within specified or recommended operational range, etc. 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the information received to the one or more operational criteria in step  7150 , the method  7100  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  7110  and continuing to perform the method  7100 . 
       FIG.  72 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  7201  of a Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect corresponds to a voltage potential that develops across the current-carrying conductive plate based on its exposure to a magnetic field. For example, when a magnetic field is aligned such that the directional magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the plane of a Hall effect sensor  7229 , a Hall voltage is produced in the current-carrying conductive plate (note that the current-carrying conductive plate may alternatively be referred to as the Hall effect sensor  7229 ). The physical principle on which the Hall effect is based is the Lorentz force. Generally, the Lorentz force may be expressed as a directional force vector F that is a function of the current passing through the current-carrying conductive plate in a particular direction (q being the electric charge and v being the directional vector of the movement of the electric charge), the magnetic field vector B. 
     
       
      
       F=qv×B  
      
     
     Generally speaking, the three vectors, F, v, and B, are orthogonal to one another. For example, the directional force vector F, sometimes referred to as the Lorentz force, is normal to both the magnetic field vector B and the directional vector v associated with the current flow. 
     In many operations, a DC current (e.g., shown as DC i) in the diagram is applied to the current-carrying conductive plate, which may be viewed as a Hall effect sensor  7229 . As the current travels through the Hall effect sensor  7229 , a Hall voltage (V) is generated across the Hall effect sensor  7229  perpendicularly to the direction via which the current flows when the Hall effect sensor  7229  is exposed to a magnetic field. This is based on the Lorentz force that displaces the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229  in a curved path along the direction via which the current flows. Because of this displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229 , a voltage develops across the current carrying conductive plate perpendicularly to the direction via which the current flows. 
     The Hall voltage V in volts may be expressed as a function of the Hall effect coefficient Rh of the material Hall effect sensor  7229 , the current i flowing through the Hall effect sensor  7229  in amps, the thickness t of the Hall effect sensor  7229  in mm, and the magnetic flux density B in Teslas as follows: 
         V=Rh ×( i/t )× B  
 
     Alternatively, the Hall voltage V in volts may be expressed as a function of the current i flowing through the Hall effect sensor  7229  in amps, the magnitude of the charge of the charge carriers q, the number of charge carriers per unit volume pn of the Hall effect sensor  7229 , the thickness t of the Hall effect sensor  7229 , and the magnetic flux density B in Teslas as follows: 
         V =( i×B )/( pn×q×t ) 
     As can be seen, Hall voltage V is proportional to the magnetic field strength that is applied to the Hall effect sensor  7229 . The polarity of the Hall voltage V is also determined based on the direction of the magnetic field (e.g., whether North or South). As such, and appropriately implemented Hall effect sensor  7229  may be implemented to operate as a magnetic field sensor based on the electromagnetic coupling between the directional magnetic field lines of the magnetic field and the Hall effect sensor  7229 . In certain Hall effect sensors  7229 , there is a linear operating region where the output voltage, the Hall voltage V, varies linearly with the magnetic flux density B. In many Hall effect sensors  7229 , there is an upper operating limit such that when the magnetic flux density B extends beyond that the output voltage, the Hall voltage V, will saturate (i.e., remain at a particular level even as the magnetic flux density B increases). 
     Note that Hall effect sensors may be implemented in a number of different implementations for a variety of different applications. In some examples, the Hall effect sensor  7229  includes a single permanent magnet attached to a moving shaft or device in accordance with a head-on detection implementation. In this implementation, the sensing is performed on the magnetic field perpendicular to the Hall effect sensor  7229 . Within such a head-on approach, the Hall voltage V corresponds to the strength of the magnetic flux density B as a function of distance away from the Hall effect sensor  7229 . For example, the nearer and stronger being the magnetic flux density, then a greater Hall voltage V is produced. Similarly, the further away and weaker being the magnetic flux density, then a smaller Hall voltage V is produced. 
     In other examples, sideways detection is performed such that a magnet across the face of the Hall effect sensor  7229  is configured to move in a sideways motion such that the presence of a magnetic field across the face of the Hall effect sensor  7229  generates a Hall voltage V in the Hall effect sensor  7229 . 
     Generally speaking, a Hall effect sensor  7229  may be implemented within any application in which detection of the magnetic field is desired. Some examples of applications for Hall effect sensors  7229  may include proximity sensors, environmental detection sensors for conditions such as vibrations, acoustic waves, etc. Given their applicability to detecting magnetic fields, they may be implemented as current sensors detecting the generated magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. For example, with respect to current sensor applications, and appropriately designed and implemented Hall effect sensor  7229  may be implemented to detect currents as few as milliamps and/or up to 1000s of amps. In addition, a Hall effect sensor  7229  may be adapted such as by using a known permanent magnet placed appropriately near or behind the active area of the Hall effect sensor  7229  such that, changes of magnetic field are detected based on and around the biased magnetic field generated by the known permanent magnets. In some examples, very low sensitivity such as in the mV/G range may be detected. 
     In the context of motor and/or generator related applications, Hall effect sensors  7229  may be implemented for any of a variety of applications including detection of magnetic field, detection of rotation of the rotor within a motor and/or generator, position of the rotor relative to the stator, rotational rate of the rotor (e.g., such as by counting the number of passes of Hall effect sensor magnets attached to a shaft or rotor of a motor and/or generator over a particular period of time), etc. Given the very large amount of electromagnetic coupling and magnetic fields that are generated within motor and/or generator applications, Hall effect sensors  7229  may be used for a variety of applications. 
       FIG.  72 B  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  7202  of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC  28  is configured to provide the current that is transmitted into the Hall effect sensor  7229 . In this particular diagram, a DC reference signal is provided to the DSC  28  and an output DC current, DC i, is driven into the Hall effect sensor  7229 . The output of the Hall effect sensor  7229  that might be used to return the current is grounded in this example. The DSC  28  is configured to generate an error signal such as a digital representation of a change in an electrical characteristic of the Hall effect sensor  7229  such as may be generated by the Hall effect sensor  7229  being within sufficient proximity of a magnetic field such that electromagnetic coupling is provided thereto thereby changing the electrical characteristics of the Hall effect sensor  7229 . 
     In this diagram, the DSC  28  is configured to perform driving of the current signal into the Hall effect sensor  7229  and simultaneously to detect that current signal including any changes thereof. The high sensitivity of a DSC  28  allows for detection of a change in the electrical characteristic of the Hall effect sensor  7229 . In one example, this change of an electrical characteristic of the Hall effect sensor  7229  is the displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229  due to exposure to a magnetic field. This diagram shows an example by which the Hall V induced by the Hall effect sensor  7229  being exposed to a magnetic field may be detected and realized by a DSC via the sensing of the drive current signal that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7229 . 
       FIG.  73    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7300  of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention. The top of this diagram shows a similar configuration as described in the previous diagram (e.g., a DSC  28  that is in communication with a Hall effect sensor  7329 ), and the bottom of this diagram shows another implementation by which a Hall effect sensor may be implemented in conjunction with a DSC. 
     In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  7328 - 1 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  7328 - 1  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  7328 - 1 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more processing module  42  is configured to provide a drive signal, which may be viewed as a reference signal, to one of the inputs of a comparator  7315 . Note that the comparator  7315  may alternatively be implemented as an operational amplifier in certain embodiments. The other input of the comparator  7315  is coupled to provide a drive signal (e.g., a DC current signal, shown as DC i) directly from the DSC  7328 - 1  to the Hall effect sensor  7329 . The DSC  7328 - 1  is configured to provide the drive signal to the Hall effect sensor  7329  and also simultaneously to sense the drive signal and to detect any effect on the drive signal. For example, when the Hall effect sensor  7329  is exposed to a magnetic field and electromagnetic coupling is made from that magnetic field to the Hall effect sensor  7329 , there will be displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229  due to exposure to the magnetic field. The DSC  7328 - 1  is configured to detect the change of at least one electrical characteristic of the drive signal this provided to the Hall effect sensor  7329 . 
     The output of the comparator  7315  is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC)  7360  that is configured to generate a digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7329 . In some examples the digital signal is output from the ADC  7360  and is fed back via a digital to analog converter (DAC)  7362  to generate the drive signal is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7329 . In other examples that do not include DAC  7362 , the input to the ADC  7360  is fed back directly to generate the drive signal is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7329 . In addition, the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control to and be in communication with the DSC  7328 - 1  including to adapt the drive signal is provided to the comparator  7315  therein as desired to direct and control operation of the Hall effect sensor  7329  via the drive signal. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interpret the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal to determine a Hall voltage induced within the Hall effect sensor  7329  based on its exposure to the magnetic field. 
       FIG.  74    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7400  of single line Hall effect sensor drive and sense in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC  28  is in communication with a Hall effect sensor  7429 . The DSC  28  is configured to generate a drive signal to be provided to the Hall effect sensor  7429  based on a reference signal and to generate an error signal such as a digital representation of any change of electrical characteristic of the drive signal that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7429 . In this implementation, the return path from the Hall effect sensor is connected to a common mode voltage, such as a ground, or some other common mode voltage such as Vss, Vdd, 0 V, etc. that is also a voltage reference for the DSC  28 . Both the DSC  28  and the Hall effect sensor  7429  have a same voltage reference connection (e.g., such as ground, Vss, Vdd, 0 V, etc.). 
     The bottom of this diagram shows some of the many possible applications in which a Hall effect sensor  7429  may be implemented and operated in conjunction with the DSC  28 . As mentioned above, generally speaking, in the context of motor and/or generator applications, a number of different magnetic fields are generated and may be sensed by an appropriately implemented Hall effect sensor  7429  and DSC  28 . For example, the one or more magnetic fields generated by a transformer  7412  that operates via electromagnetic coupling from a first set of coils or windings to a second set of coils or windings may be detected and sensed. Also, the magnetic field generated by an inductor or a set of coils or windings  7414  may be detected and sensed. Generally speaking, the magnetic field generated via any electromagnetic/inductive element/coupler  7415  may be detected and sensed by such a configuration. Generally speaking, the electromagnetic/inductive element/coupler  7415  may be any element capable of providing electromagnetic coupling to the Hall effect sensor  7429  such that the Hall effect sensor  7429  can detect magnetic field generated thereby. In addition, other configurations and implementations by which one or more DSCs  28  may be implemented to facilitate operation of a Hall effect sensor are also of described herein. 
     In an example of operation and implementation, such a Hall effect sensor system includes a Hall effect sensor and a drive-sense circuit (DSC). The Hall effect sensor includes an input port to receive a DC (direct current) current signal. When enabled, the Hall effect sensor is configured to generate a Hall voltage based on exposure to a magnetic field. The DSC is operably coupled to the Hall effect sensor via a single line. When enabled, the DSC operably coupled and configured to generate the DC current signal based on a reference signal and to drive the DC current signal via the single line that operably couples the DSC to the Hall effect sensor and simultaneously to sense the DC current signal via the single line. The DSC is configured to detect an effect on the DC current signal corresponding to the Hall voltage that is generated across the Hall effect sensor based on exposure of the Hall effect sensor to the magnetic field and to generate a digital signal representative of the Hall voltage. 
     In certain examples, the Hall effect sensor system also includes memory that stores operational instructions, and one or more processing modules operably coupled to the DSC. When enabled, the one or more processing modules is configured to execute the operational instructions to receive the digital signal representative of the Hall voltage and process the digital signal to determine the Hall voltage. 
     In other examples, the DSC further includes a comparator configured to receive a reference signal from the one or more processing modules at a first comparator input and to drive the DC current signal from a comparator output that is coupled to a second comparator input. The DSC also includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) operably coupled to the comparator output, wherein, when enabled, the ADC operably coupled and configured to process the DC current signal to generate the digital signal representative of the Hall voltage. 
     Moreover, in some examples, an output port of the Hall effect sensor coupled to a common mode voltage reference of the DSC. Note that a magnetic field that is sensed by the Hall effect sensor system may be generated by any of a variety of sources including a magnet, a transformer, an inductor, a set of coils or windings, and/or stator windings of a motor or generator. 
     Also, in certain examples, the Hall effect sensor system includes a plurality of Hall effect sensors including the Hall effect sensor that are implemented within a stator around a rotor of a rotating equipment or a shaft coupled to the rotor of the rotating equipment and configured to detect rotation of the rotor based on magnetic fields generated by Hall effect sensor magnets, wherein each Hall effect sensor of the plurality of Hall effect sensors including a respective input port to receive a respective DC current signal. Also, the Hall effect sensor system includes a plurality of DSC including the DSC. When enabled, the plurality of DSCs operably coupled and configured to service the plurality of Hall effect sensors via a plurality of single lines such that each DSC of the plurality of DSC is operably coupled to a respective one Hall effect sensor of the plurality of Hall effect sensors to generate a plurality of digital signals representative of a plurality of Hall voltages based on exposure of the plurality of Hall effect sensors to magnetic fields. The Hall effect sensor system also includes one or more processing modules operably coupled to the DSC. When enabled, the one or more processing modules configured to receive the plurality of digital signals representative of the Hall voltages, process the plurality of digital signals to determine the Hall voltages, and process the Hall voltages to determine at least one of rotation of the rotor of the rotating equipment, position of the rotor of the rotating equipment to the stator, and/or a rotational rate of the rotor of the rotating equipment. 
     In some specific examples, the DSC further includes a power source circuit operably coupled to the single line. When enabled, the power source circuit is configured to provide the DC current signal via the single line coupling the DSC to the Hall effect sensor. The DSC also includes a power source change detection circuit operably coupled to the power source circuit. When enabled, the power source change detection circuit is configured to detect the effect on the DC current signal that is based on the effect on the DC current signal corresponding to the Hall voltage and generate the digital signal representative of the Hall voltage. 
     In some instances of such an implementation of a DSC, the power source circuit includes a power source to source the DC current signal via the single line coupling the DSC to the Hall effect sensor. Also, the power source change detection circuit includes a power source reference circuit configured to provide at least one of a voltage reference or a current reference, and a comparator configured to compare the DC current signal provided to the Hall effect sensor to the at least one of the voltage reference and the current reference to produce the DC current signal. 
       FIG.  75    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  7500  of multiple Hall effect sensors operative in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a rotating equipment such as an induction machine, motor, generator, includes a rotor and a stator such that the rotor is implemented as including a rotor magnet that includes a North Pole  7560  and the South Pole  7560 - 1 . As the rotor of the rotating equipment rotates along the axis of the shaft  7580 , electromagnetic coupling is effectuated between windings of the rotor and the stator windings  7570 . Depending on the particular application, the rotating equipment may be implemented to operate as a motor such that input electric power is provided to the stator windings  7570  to facilitate rotation of the rotor of the rotating equipment in a motoring application, or the rotating equipment may be implemented operated generator such that as the rotor of the rotating equipment is rotated by some mechanical energy source providing rotational energy via the shaft  7580 , output electric power is provided from the stator windings  7570 . 
     In this diagram, one or more Hall effect sensors are implemented appropriately around the shaft  7580  and in communication with one or more processing modules  42  via one or more DSCs  28 . In addition, one or more corresponding Hall effect sensor magnets are also implemented within sufficient and appropriate proximity to the Hall effect sensors such that as they pass the Hall effect sensors, the magnetic field provided by the Hall effect sensor magnets may be detected by the Hall effect sensors. 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with the one or more DSCs  28  that are in communication with the Hall effect sensors. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     As the rotor of the rotating equipment rotates, and as the Hall effect sensor magnets pass the Hall effect sensors, the one or more DSCs  28  are configured to provide information to the one or more processing modules  42  and interpreted to determine the location of the rotor of the rotating equipment (e.g., such as the location of the windings of the rotor relative to the stator windings  7570 ). The one or processing modules  42  is configured to use this information to control and adapt operation of a system that includes the rotating equipment. In certain examples, one or more couplings and/or connections to one or more system controllers and/or sensors  7540  are also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . Some of those couplings and/or connections may be implemented via one or more DSCs  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is also configured to determine the rotational rate of the rotor of the rotating equipment based on information provided from the one or more Hall effect sensors via the one or more DSCs  28 . This diagram shows the specific example by which one or more appropriately implemented DSCs  28  communicate with and interact with one or more Hall effect sensors to determine information regarding the operation of the rotating equipment. 
       FIG.  76    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7600  of multiple Hall effect sensors operative in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram. For example, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with the one or more DSCs  28  that are in communication with the Hall effect sensors. The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the one or more DSCs and is operable to provide control to and communication with the one or more DSCs. Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     Also, this diagram, rotating equipment (e.g., which may be any of a number of different types of rotating equipment such as motor, a DC motor, an AC/induction motor, a brushless DC motor (BLDC), etc.) includes on one end of its rotor an accessory shaft  7680  includes one or more Hall sensors and magnets mounted thereon that are in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  via one or more DSCs  28 . In this diagram, the rotating equipment includes a rotor and a stator such that the rotor is implemented as including a rotor magnet that includes a North Pole  7660  and the South Pole  7660 - 1 . As the rotor of the rotating equipment rotates along the axis of the shaft  7680 , electromagnetic coupling is effectuated between windings of the rotor and the stator windings  7670 . In this diagram, the rotating equipment is implemented to operate as a motor such that input electric power is provided to the stator windings  7670  to facilitate rotation of the rotor of the rotating equipment in a motoring application thereby facilitating the driving and of shaft  7690  to engage and operate on a load  7695 . The load  7695  may be any type of load that may be serviced by a motor (e.g., such as a generator, a pump, compressor, and industrial equipment being serviced by a motor, the drive mechanism of a vehicle such as a car, train, etc. and/or any other load  7695  that may be serviced by a motor). 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to process information provided via the one or more DSCs  28  from the Hall effect sensors to determine information regarding the operation of the motor. For example, this may involve determining the location of the rotor of the rotating equipment (e.g., such as the location of the windings of the rotor relative to the stator windings  7670 ), the rate of rotation of the rotor of the motor, the slip of the motor, the torque of the motor, and/or any other corresponding information. 
     The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to control and adapt operation of the motor via a coupling to the motor for the motor coupled element  7640 . For example, in some instances, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interface and communicate with the stator windings  7670  of the motor via one or more motor coupled elements, such as a motor controller, a current buffer, etc. and other examples, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interface and communicate with the stator windings  7670  directly. 
       FIG.  77    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  7700  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. This method  770  may be viewed as being a method for execution by a Hall effect sensor system. The method  7700  operates in step  7710  by operating a Hall effect sensor including an input port to receive a DC (direct current) current signal to generate a Hall voltage based on exposure to a magnetic field. The method  7700  continues in step  7720  by operating a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to the Hall effect sensor via a single line for performing various operations. 
     The method  7700  operates in step  7722  by generating the DC current signal based on a reference signal and, in step  7724 , driving the DC current signal via the single line that operably couples the DSC to the Hall effect sensor and simultaneously to sense the DC current signal via the single line. The method  7700  continues in step  7726  by detecting an effect on the DC current signal corresponding to the Hall voltage that is generated across the Hall effect sensor based on exposure of the Hall effect sensor to the magnetic field and, in step  7728 , generating a digital signal representative of the Hall voltage. 
     In some alternative examples, a variant of the method  7700  also operates in step  7730  by receiving the digital signal representative of the Hall voltage (e.g., by one or more processing modules), and, in step  7740 , processing the digital signal to determine the Hall voltage. 
     Alternative variants of the method  7700  may also involve operating a plurality of Hall effect sensors including the Hall effect sensor that are implemented within a stator around a rotor of a rotating equipment or a shaft coupled to the rotor of the rotating equipment and configured to detect rotation of the rotor based on magnetic fields generated by Hall effect sensor magnets, wherein each Hall effect sensor of the plurality of Hall effect sensors including a respective input port to receive a respective DC current signal. Such variants of the method  7700  may also involve operating a plurality of DSC including the DSC to service the plurality of Hall effect sensors via a plurality of single lines such that each DSC of the plurality of DSC is operably coupled to a respective one Hall effect sensor of the plurality of Hall effect sensors to generate a plurality of digital signals representative of a plurality of Hall voltages based on exposure of the plurality of Hall effect sensors to magnetic fields. Such variants of the method  7700  may also involve (e.g., by one or more processing modules) the operational steps if receiving the plurality of digital signals representative of the Hall voltages, processing the plurality of digital signals to determine the Hall voltages, and processing the Hall voltages to determine at least one of rotation of the rotor of the rotating equipment, position of the rotor of the rotating equipment to the stator, or a rotational rate of the rotor of the rotating equipment. 
       FIG.  78 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  7801  of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention. As also described above, the Hall effect corresponds to a voltage potential that develops across the current-carrying conductive plate (e.g., alternatively referred to as a Hall effect sensor  7810 ) based on its exposure to a magnetic field. For example, when a magnetic field is aligned such that the directional magnetic field lines are perpendicular to the plane of a Hall effect sensor  7810 , a Hall voltage V is produced in the current-carrying conductive plate (note that the current-carrying conductive plate may alternatively be referred to as the Hall effect sensor  7810 ). 
     In this diagram, a DSC  28  is implemented to detect the Hall voltage V. In this example, a DC source provides a DC current (DC i) across the Hall effect sensor  7810 , and a DSC  28  is configured to be connected to a first of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  via a drive/sense signal and connected a second of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  via the reference signal input to the DSC  28 . The DSC  28  is configured to generate an error signal, such as being a digital representation of the difference between the reference signal input and the drive/sense signal input to the DSC  28 . This diagram shows another example by which a DSC  28  may be implemented to provide improved sensitivity, efficiency, and performance of the operation of the DSC  28 . Such an appropriately implemented DSC  28  is configured to detect the Hall voltage V with extremely high sensitivity based on detecting the difference between the voltage on the two sides of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
       FIG.  78 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7802  of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. In this diagram, a first DSC  28  is configured to provide the current that is transmitted into the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In this particular diagram, a DC reference signal is provided to the first DSC  28  and an output DC current, DC i, is driven into the Hall effect sensor  7810 . The output of the Hall effect sensor  7810  that might be used to return the current is grounded in this example. The first DSC  28  is configured to generate an error signal such as a digital representation of a change in an electrical characteristic of the Hall effect sensor  7810  such as may be generated by the Hall effect sensor  7810  being within sufficient proximity of a magnetic field such that electromagnetic coupling is provided thereto thereby changing the electrical characteristics of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
     Also, in this diagram, a second DSC  28  is implemented to detect the Hall voltage V. In this example, a DC source provides a DC current (DC i) across the Hall effect sensor  7810 , and a second DSC  28  is configured to be connected to a first of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  via a drive/sense signal and connected a second of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  via the reference signal input to the second DSC  28 . The second DSC  28  is configured to generate an error signal, such as being a digital representation of the difference between the reference signal input and the drive/sense signal input to the second DSC  28 . 
     This diagram shows an example by which more than one appropriately implemented DSCs  28  is configured to facilitate improved operation of a Hall effect sensor  7810 . Not only is the first DSC  28  implemented to operate as the current source that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 , but one or more other DSCs  28  is implemented to detect the Hall voltage V that is generated as the Hall effect sensor  7810  is exposed to a magnetic field. 
       FIG.  79    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  7900  of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention. The top of this diagram shows a similar configuration as described in the previous diagram (e.g., a DSC  28  that is in communication with a Hall effect sensor  7810  to detect Hall voltage V; note that the drive current provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810  may be provided by another DSC or via some other means), and the bottom of this diagram shows another implementation by which a Hall effect sensor may be implemented in conjunction with a DSC particularly for sensing Hall voltage V. 
     In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuit (DSC)  7928 - 1 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to a DSC  7928 - 1  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSC  7928 - 1 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, a first of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  is connected to one of the inputs of a comparator  7915 . A second of the locations at which the Hall voltage V may be measured on the Hall effect sensor  7810  is connected to the other of the inputs of a comparator  7915  (e.g., where a reference signal input may be provided to a DSC as shown in other examples, embodiments, diagrams, etc.). 
     Note that the comparator  7915  may alternatively be implemented as an operational amplifier in certain embodiments. Note that both inputs of the comparator  7915  are coupled directly from the DSC  7928 - 1  to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . The DSC  7928 - 1  is configured to detect the difference between a first voltage node and a second voltage node of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . When the Hall effect sensor  7810  is exposed to a magnetic field and electromagnetic coupling is made from that magnetic field to the Hall effect sensor  7810 , there will be displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229  due to exposure to the magnetic field. The DSC  7928 - 1  is configured to detect any change of voltage, particularly the Hall voltage V, based on the voltage difference between the two sides of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
     The output of the comparator  7915  is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC)  7960  that is configured to generate a digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In some examples the digital signal is output from the ADC  7960  and is fed back via a digital to analog converter (DAC)  7962  to generate the drive signal is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In other examples that do not include DAC  7962 , the input to the ADC  7960  is fed back directly to the connection to the first voltage node of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In addition, the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control to and be in communication with the DSC  7928 - 1 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interpret the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal to determine a Hall voltage V induced within the Hall effect sensor  7810  based on its exposure to the magnetic field and particularly based on the potential difference generated across the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
       FIG.  80    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8000  of a Hall voltage sensor in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams. Note that the drive current provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810  may be provided by a DSC or via some other means. However, as can be seen, two separately implemented DSCs  28  are configured to provide information to be used by one or more processing modules  42  to determine Hall voltage V. A first and second DSC  8028 - 1  are configured to sense a first voltage associated with a first voltage node and a second voltage node, respectively, of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
     In this diagram, one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with a drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  8028 - 1 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the DSCs  8028 - 1  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSCs  8028 - 1 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     In this diagram, the one or more processing module  42  is configured to provide a first drive signal, which may be viewed as a first reference signal, to one of the inputs of a comparator  7915  of the first DSC  8028 - 1  and also a second drive signal, which may be viewed as a second reference signal, to one of the inputs of a comparator  7915  of the second DSC  8028 - 1 . Note that the comparators  7915  of the DSCs  8028 - 1  may alternatively be implemented as an operational amplifier in certain embodiments. 
     Each of the other inputs of the comparators  7915  of the DSCs  8028 - 1  is respectively coupled to provide a respective drive signal to one of the voltage nodes of the Hall effect sensor  7810  by which the Hall voltage V may be detected. Each of the DSCs  8028 - 1  is configured to provide a respective drive signal to the Hall effect sensor  7810  and also simultaneously to sense the drive signal and to detect any effect on the drive signal. For example, when the Hall effect sensor  7810  is exposed to a magnetic field and electromagnetic coupling is made from that magnetic field to the Hall effect sensor  7810 , there will be displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7810  due to exposure to the magnetic field. Each of the two DSCs  8028 - 1  is configured to detect the change of at least one electrical characteristic of its respective drive signals that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . 
     In some examples, the reference signals that are provided from the one or more processing modules  42  to the appropriate inputs of the comparators  7915  of the DSCs  8028 - 1  is a DC signal, such as a known or predetermined voltage, ground, etc. In addition, in some examples, the two reference signals are of a common value and type. Generally speaking, the reference signals that are provided from the one or more processing modules  42  may be of any desired type. Considering an example in which the reference signals are ground (e.g., DC signals having a voltage of 0 V), then as a Hall voltage V is generated within the Hall effect sensor  7810 , the two DSCs  8028 - 1  will respectively detect voltage on the voltage nodes of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . The difference between those two voltages that are detected by the two DSCs  8028 - 1  corresponds to the Hall voltage V. 
     The two DSCs  8028 - 1  are cooperatively configured to detect the difference between a first voltage node and a second voltage node of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . When the Hall effect sensor  7810  is exposed to a magnetic field and electromagnetic coupling is made from that magnetic field to the Hall effect sensor  7810 , there will be displacement of the electrons in the Hall effect sensor  7229  due to exposure to the magnetic field. Each of the two DSCs  8028 - 1  is rep configured to detect any change of voltage, corresponding to one of the respective voltage nodes of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . The voltage difference between the two sides of the Hall effect sensor  7810 , as detected by the two DSC  8028 - 1 , provides information that may be used to determine the Hall voltage V. 
     Considering the operation of one of the DSC  8028 - 1 , the output of the comparator  7915  is provided to an analog to digital converter (ADC)  7960  that is configured to generate a digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal that is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In some examples the digital signal is output from the ADC  7960  and is fed back via a digital to analog converter (DAC)  7962  to generate the drive signal is provided to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In other examples that do not include DAC  7962 , the input to the ADC  7960  is fed back directly to the connection to the respective voltage node of the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In addition, the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal is also provided to the one or more processing modules  42 . The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide control to and be in communication with the DSC  8028 - 1  including to adapt the respective drive signal that is provided to the comparator  7915  therein as desired to facilitate effective sensing operation based on the Hall effect sensor  7810  via the drive signal. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to interpret the digital signal that is representative of the effect on the drive signal to determine a voltage associated with one of the voltage nodes of the Hall effect sensor  7810  corresponding to the a Hall voltage V induced within the Hall effect sensor  7810  based on its exposure to the magnetic field. The one or more processing modules  42  is configured to employ the respective digital signals provided from the two DSC  8028 - 1  to determine the potential difference generated across the Hall effect sensor  7810 , namely, the Hall voltage V. 
       FIG.  81 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  8101  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  8101  operates in step  8110  by providing a first signal to a first voltage node of a Hall effect sensor from a drive/sense port of a DSC. The method  8101  also operates in step  8120  by receiving, at a reference signal input of the DSC, a second signal from a second voltage node of the Hall effect sensor. 
     The method  8101  continues in step  8130  by monitoring for a change of an electrical characteristic of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC. Based on detection of one or more changes of one or more electrical characteristics of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC within step  8140 , the method  8101  also operates in step  8150  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the one or more changes of the first signal and/or the second signal that is detected within the DSC to determine a Hall voltage that is generated within the Hall effect sensor based on its exposure to a magnetic field. 
     Alternatively, based on no detection of one or more changes of one or more electrical characteristics of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC within step  8140 , the method  8101  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  8130  and continuing to perform the method  8100 . 
     In some examples, the source that is providing a current signal to the Hall effect sensor is another DSC. In other examples, some other element that is not DSC based operates as the source that provides the current signal to the Hall effect sensor. 
       FIG.  81 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  8102  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  8102  operates in step  8111  by providing a first signal to a first voltage node of a Hall effect sensor from a drive/sense port of a first DSC. The method  8102  also operates in step  8121  by providing a second signal to a second voltage node of the Hall effect sensor from a drive/sense port of a second DSC. In some examples, one or more processing modules also operate by providing a reference signal to the first DSC into the second DSC, or alternatively, by providing a first reference signal to the first DSC and a second reference signal to the second DSC. 
     The method  8102  continues in step  8131  by monitoring for a change of an electrical characteristic of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC. Based on detection of one or more changes of one or more electrical characteristics of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC within step  8141 , the method  8102  also operates in step  8151  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the one or more changes of the first signal and/or the second signal that is detected within the DSC to determine a Hall voltage that is generated within the Hall effect sensor based on its exposure to a magnetic field. Note that this may involve detecting one or more changes of the first signal within the first DSC and also detecting one or more changes of the second signal within the second DSC. Alternatively, this may involve detecting one or more changes of the first signal within the first DSC and no change on the second signal within the second DSC, or vice versa. 
     Alternatively, based on no detection of one or more changes of one or more electrical characteristics of the first signal and/or the second signal within the DSC within step  8141 , the method  8102  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  8131  and continuing to perform the method  8102 . 
     In some examples, the source that is providing a current signal to the Hall effect sensor is another DSC. In other examples, some other element that is not DSC based operates as the source that provides the current signal to the Hall effect sensor. 
       FIG.  82 A  is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  8201  of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, a DSC  28  is implemented to provide a drive/sense current signal (shown as DC i) to a Hall effect sensor  7810 . The DSC  28  is configured to generate this drive/sense current signal based on a reference signal and also to generate an error signal, which may be a digital representation of any change of the drive/sense current signal. The output of the Hall effect sensor  7810  is shown as being connected to a winding of a transformer  8212 . In this diagram, the other end of the transformer  8212  is grounded. In alternative examples, the other end of the transformer  8212  may alternatively be connected to another element. 
     This transformer  8212  includes a first one or more sets of windings and a second one or more sets of windings (e.g., a primary and a secondary one or more sets of windings in some examples). In addition, the Hall effect sensor  7810  is implemented such that it is operative to detect electromagnetic coupling from the transformer  8212  itself. This electromagnetic coupling may be from the first one or more sets of windings, the second one or more sets of windings, the electromagnetic coupling between the two sets of windings, and/or any combination thereof. In some examples, the Hall effect sensor  7810  is specifically implemented and emplaced to detect one particular source (e.g., such as being implemented specifically to detect electromagnetic coupling from the first or primary one or more sets of windings, the second or secondary one or more sets of windings, the electromagnetic coupling between any set of windings, etc.). In other examples, the Hall effect sensor  7810  is implemented and emplaced to detect the magnetic field in a particular region, such as that electromagnetic coupling which is provided from the transformer  8212 . 
     This diagram shows an example by which a DSC itself drives the input signal to a transformer  8212  through a Hall effect sensor  7810  that senses the magnetic field to regulate the current signal provided thereto. For example, instead of the transformer  8212  being driven by a merely a current signal, a voltage signal, and/or a power signal, the Hall effect sensor  7810  is implemented specifically to provide regulation of the current signal provided to the transformer  8212  by detecting one or more of the electromagnetic fields generated thereby. This provides, among other things, a means by which real-time feedback of the current signal provided to the transformer  8212 . 
     In addition, in this diagram as well as  FIGS.  82 B,  83 A, and  83 B , one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with the drive-sense circuit (DSC)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
       FIG.  82 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8202  of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that the output of the Hall effect sensor  7810  is connected to the transformer  8210  via a current buffer  8250 . In some examples, this current buffer is a high current buffer implemented to deliver sufficient current, voltage, and/or power to the transformer  82122  facilitate appropriate operation thereof. For example, in some implementations in which the current output from a Hall effect sensor  7810  does not have the capability to drive a current signal to the transformer  8210 , the current buffer  8250  may be implemented to provide an adequate current signal is appropriate for the transformer  8210 . 
       FIG.  83 A  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8301  of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that the windings shown at the top of the diagram correspond to those of induction machine  8320  having stator windings  8312   a  and rotor windings  8312   b . The output of the Hall effect sensor  7810 , which may optionally be provided via a current buffer  8350 , is provided to the stator windings  8312   a.    
     In this diagram, the other end of the stator windings  8312   a  is grounded. In alternative examples, the other end of the stator windings  8312   a  may alternatively be connected to another element (e.g., for example, in a multiphase induction machine implementation in which each of the respective phases includes two separate sets of windings, such that the output of first set of windings for one phase is provided as the input to a second set of windings for that same phase). 
     In addition, in another example, in certain multiphase induction machine applications, a separate instantiation of the DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  (and optionally current buffer  8350 ) may be implemented for each of the respective phases of the multiphase induction machine. Considering an example of implementation within a 3-phase induction machine, a first instantiation the DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  (and optionally current buffer  8350 ) for the first phase, a second instantiation of the DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  (and optionally current buffer  8350 ) for the second phase, and a third instantiation the DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  (and optionally current buffer  8350 ) for the third phase. As may be desired, each of these respective instantiations may be in communication with the one or more processing modules  42  such that each respective DSC  28  of each respective instantiation receives its own reference signal and is configured to generate an error signal based on any change of an electrical characteristic of the current signal that is driven to its respective Hall effect sensor  7810 . For example, considering a 3-phase induction machine implementation, such as a motor implementation, each of the 3 respective reference signals provided to the 3 respective DSCs of the three separate instantiations may be signals having similar characteristics yet been out of phase with one another by 120° (e.g., the first reference signal having a phase of 0°, the second reference signal having a phase of hundred 20°, and the third reference signal having a phase of 240°). 
       FIG.  83 B  is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8302  of a Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram also has some similarities to certain of the previous diagrams with at least one difference being that the output of the Hall effect sensor  7810  (or optionally the output of a current buffer  8350 ) is connected to an inductor or one or more windings  8314 . Such an implementation of a DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  being implemented to provide real-time feedback of the electromagnetic coupling or electromagnetic field generated by an element that is being driven by the output of the DSC  28  implemented Hall effect sensor  7810  (or optionally the output of the current buffer  8350 ) may generally be provided to any element capable of providing electromagnetic coupling to the Hall effect sensor  7810  such that the Hall effect sensor  7810  can detect magnetic field generated thereby. Generally speaking, the inductor or one or more windings  8314  may alternatively be any electromagnetic/inductive element/coupler  8415  may be any element capable of providing electromagnetic coupling to the Hall effect sensor  7810  such that the Hall effect sensor  7810  can detect magnetic field generated thereby. 
       FIG.  84    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  8400  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  8400  operates in step  8410  by providing a drive/sense signal from a DSC to a Hall effect sensor that is implemented to detect electromagnetic coupling from an electromagnetic field generating element that is coupled to the output of the Hall effect sensor. In some examples, this may be viewed as operating a DSC for driving an input signal to the electromagnetic field generating element through the Hall effect sensor that senses the magnetic field to regulate the input signal (e.g., the current signal) provided thereto. 
     Note that the electromagnetic field generating element may be any element implemented to receive an input signal that generates a magnetic field during operation. Examples of such electromagnetic field generating elements may include any one or more of a transformer, an inductor, a set of windings (e.g., one or more sets of stator windings) such as within a generator and/or motor application. 
     Also, in some examples, note that the output from the Hall effect sensor that is provided to the input of the electromagnetic field generating element is provided via a current buffer, such as a high current buffer, so as to ensure an adequate amount of current, power, etc. will be delivered to the input of the electromagnetic field generating element to facilitate proper operation thereof. 
     The method  8400  continues in step  8420  by providing the input signal to the electromagnetic field generating element from the output of the Hall effect sensor. In operation, the method  8400  also operates by regulating the input signal that is provided to the electromagnetic field generating element by detecting the one or more electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnetic field generating element and adapting the input signal based on the one or more electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnetic field generating element. 
     For example, this regulation of the input signal may be viewed as monitoring the one or more electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnetic field generating element for any change thereof such as shown within step  8430 . Based on detection of the change of the one or more electromagnetic fields by the Hall effect sensor in step  8440 , the method  8400  also operates in step  8450  by adapting the operation of the Hall effect sensor based on the change of the one or more electromagnetic fields that is detected by the Hall effect sensor. This in turn operates by adapting the input signal to the electromagnetic field generating element in step  8460 . 
     Alternatively, based on no detection of any change of the one or more electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnetic field generating element within step  8440 , the method  8400  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational step  8430  and continuing to perform the method  8400 . 
       FIG.  85    is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment  8500  of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. In this diagram, as well as in  FIGS.  86 ,  87 , and  88   , one or more processing modules  42  is configured to communicate with and interact with one or more drive-sense circuits (DSCs)  28 . The one or more processing modules  42  is coupled to the DSCs  28  and is operable to provide control to and communication with the DSCs  28 . Note that the one or more processing modules  42  may include integrated memory and/or be coupled to other memory. At least some of the memory stores operational instructions to be executed by the one or more processing modules  42 . In addition, note that the one or more processing modules  42  may interface with one or more other devices, components, elements, etc. via one or more communication links, networks, communication pathways, channels, etc. 
     For example, the one or more processing modules  42  is configured to provide reference signal to the DSC  28  and to receive an error signal corresponding to any change of an electrical characteristic of the drive/sense signal provided from the DSC  28  to the Hall effect sensor  7810 . In this implementation, the Hall effect sensor  7810  is implemented to provide the drive signal to one of the one or more stator windings of a motor and also to detect electromagnetic coupling from that one or more stator windings of the motor. 
     For example, the bottom of this diagram shows a 3-phase induction machine has three sets of windings, with each phase connected to a different set of windings. Consider three different electric power signals being out of phase with one another by 120°. On the right-hand side of the diagram shows the 3-phase AC power supply such that phase A may be viewed as having a phase of 0°, phase B may be viewed as having a phase of 120°, and phase C may be viewed as having a phase of 240°. The rotor of the induction machine is implemented as having a North Pole and South Pole. By appropriately providing electric power input signals to the stator windings of the induction machine, specifically shown as phase A in, phase B in, and in phase A in, a rotating magnetic field will be induced within the stator windings of the induction machine. In this example, which includes a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine, each respective phase includes two corresponding sets of windings, as can be seen as an example from the A1 and A2 stator windings associated with phase A, the B1 and B2 stator windings associated with phase B, and the C1 and C2 stator windings associated with phase C. This configuration is similar to that which is described above with reference to  FIG.  19    in at least some respects.  FIG.  19    and associated written description also provides some additional information regarding the implementation of such a 3-phase induction machine with the detail that this implementation in  FIG.  19    is for a motor application (e.g., a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine and particularly in a motoring application in this diagram). 
     Each of the respective phase inputs is provided from a respective instantiation of the DSC  28  and a Hall effect sensor  7810  that is configured to perform sensing of the magnetic field generated by that particular phase input to which the drive signal is applied. For example, respective first, second, and third instantiations of the DSC  28  and Hall effect sensor  7810  (and optionally a respective current buffer  8350  in each) for each of the first, second, and third phases are implemented to provide the respective drive signals to the respective stator windings (e.g., Phase A in, Phase B in, and Phase C in). 
       FIG.  86    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8600  of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows an implementation in which the one or more processing modules  42  are in communication with three respective DSCs  28  that each respectively provide the drive/sense signals to three respective Hall effect sensors  7810  that each respectively provide the three drive signals to the three respective stator windings of the motor (e.g., Phase A, Phase B, and Phase C). Each respective Hall effect sensors  7810  also monitors and senses the electromagnetic coupling from the stator windings of the motor to which the drive signal is provided. Each of the respective instantiations of a DSC  28  and a corresponding Hall effect sensor  7810  provides a respective one of the three input signals provided to the 3-phase motor windings (e.g., Phase A, Phase B, and Phase C). Note that such an implementation may be implemented within a 3-phase induction machine that includes only one pole per phase (e.g., 3 respective windings, A, B, C). 
     Note that the respective instantiations of DSCs providing respective drive/sense signals via Hall effect sensors provides regulation of the input signals provided to the respective stator windings of the motor. In addition, not only is regulation of the input signals being performed, but each respective DSC is configured to drive its respective signal to its respective Hall effect sensor and also simultaneously to sense any change to any electrical characteristic associated with its respective signal that is provided to its respective Hall effect sensor. As such, multiple levels of control of the input signals that are provided to the motor are provided in such an imitation. Real-time feedback regarding the efficacy of the input signal being provided to the respective stator windings of the motor is performed based on the sensing of the electromagnetic coupling from the stator windings by each of the respective Hall effect sensors. In addition, each individual DSC is configured simultaneously to perform driving of a signal to its respective Hall effect sensor and sensing of that signal that is driven to its respective Hall effect sensor. 
     The sensing provided by the Hall effect sensors, and the adaptive regulation of the input signal to the stator windings, provides for improved control of the input signals being provided to the motor. In addition, the use of DSCs allows for simultaneously driving and sensing the signals provided to the Hall effect sensors themselves. Each respective DSC is configured to provide an error signal, which may be in a digital representation, that corresponds to information associated with any change to any electrical characteristic associated with its respective signal that is provided to its respective Hall effect sensor. In some examples, one or more processing modules is in communication with and interacts with the one or more DSCs to adapt their respective operation based on this information. The one or more processing modules is configured to adapt operation of any one or more of the DSCs to facilitate adjustment any desired parameter associated with the input signals that are provided to the stator windings of the motor (e.g., magnitude, phase, frequency, DC offset, etc.) including the relative relationship of any such parameters between two such signals (e.g., the phase between two signals, etc.). 
       FIG.  87    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8700  of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram shows an implementation in which the one or more processing modules  42  are in communication with three respective DSCs  28  that each respectively provide the drive/sense signals to three respective Hall effect sensors  7810  that each respectively provide the three drive signals to the respective phase in stator windings of the motor (e.g., Phase A1 in, Phase B1 in, and Phase C1 in of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine, a motor in this example). Each respective Hall effect sensors  7810  also monitors and senses the electromagnetic coupling from the Phase in stator windings of the motor to which the drive signal is provided. Each of the respective instantiations of a DSC  28  and a corresponding Hall effect sensor  7810  provides a respective one of the three input signals provided to the secondary pole of the 3-phase motor windings (e.g., to A2, to B2, and to C2). 
     Also, the output from each of the respective input phases is provided to a respective Hall effect sensor  7810  that is configured to monitor and sense the electromagnetic coupling from the windings associated with the secondary pole of the 3-phase motor windings (e.g., to A2, to B2, and to C2) and also to provide the respective drive signal to those respective windings of the motor (e.g., to A2, to B2, and to C2). 
     This second group of Hall effect sensors  7810  that is configured to monitor and sense the electromagnetic coupling from the windings associated with the secondary pole of the 3-phase motor windings (e.g., to A2, to B2, and to C2) and also to provide the respective drive signal to those respective windings of the motor (e.g., to A2, to B2, and to C2) is also in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . Note that the connectivity and configuration of this second group of Hall effect sensors  7810  may be implemented in any manner as described here and such as via one or more DSCs. 
     This diagram shows an implementation in which monitoring and sensing and regulation of the drive signals provided to both the first and second poles of a 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine (e.g., a motor in this example) may be performed. In alternative examples, note that one or more DSCs made also be implemented to perform monitoring and sensing of any of the respective electrical signals within the system (e.g., such as the signals coming out of the windings associated with Phase A1 in, Phase B1 in, and Phase C1 in of the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine (a motor in this example) and being provided to the respective Hall effect sensors  7810 , the signals associated with the Phase A2 return, Phase B2 return, and Phase C2 return, and/or any other signals within the system). Such monitoring implemented DSCs may also be implemented Beacon communication with the one or more processing modules  42  to provide additional information to be used by the one or more processing modules  42  in directing and controlling the operation of the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine (e.g., a motor in this example). 
       FIG.  88    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment  8800  of induction machine control using Hall effect sensor adapted driver circuit in accordance with the present invention. This diagram has some similarities to the previous diagram with at least one difference being that the output signals from the windings associated with Phase A1 in, Phase B1 in, and Phase C1 in of the 2-pole, 3-phase induction machine (a motor in this example) are provided to a second group of DSCs  28  that are also in communication with the one or more processing modules  42 . In some examples, the output signals from these windings are provided to power source circuits of this second group of DSCs  28 . 
       FIG.  89    is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a method  8900  for execution by one or more devices in accordance with the present invention. The method  8900  operates in step  8910  by operating one or more processing modules for communicating with and controlling DSCs implemented to provide input signals to stator windings of a motor via Hall effect sensors. 
     The method  8900  operates in step  8920  by operating a first DSC for providing a first drive/sense signal to a first Hall effect sensor that is implemented to output a first input signal to first stator windings of the motor and that is also implemented to detect electromagnetic coupling from the first stator windings of the motor. The method  8900  also operates in step  8930  by operating by receiving, by the one or more processing modules, information from the first DSC regarding any change of any electrical characteristic associated with the first drive/sense signal. The method  8900  also operates in step  8940  by regulating the first input signal provided via the output of the first Hall effect sensor by monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the first stator windings of the motor. 
     Note that the method  8900  will also include one or more additional step of operating one or more additional instantiations of one or more additional DSC providing one or more additional drive/sense signals via one or more additional Hall effect sensor to provide one or more additional input signals for motors having additional stator windings (e.g., three instantiations for a 3-phase motor). 
     For example, considering a motor having at least second stator windings, the method  8900  operates in step  8950  by operating a second DSC for providing a second drive/sense signal to a second Hall effect sensor that is implemented to output a second input signal to second stator windings of the motor and that is also implemented to detect electromagnetic coupling from the second stator windings of the motor. The method  8900  also operates in step  8960  by operating by receiving, by the one or more processing modules, information from the second DSC regarding any change of any electrical characteristic associated with the second drive/sense signal. The method  8900  also operates in step  8970  by regulating the second input signal provided via the output of the second Hall effect sensor by monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the second stator windings of the motor. 
     The method  8900  continues in step  8980  by operating one or more processing modules for processing the information provided from the first DSC and the second DSC for determining whether any adaptation to the operation of the motor is needed. Based on an unfavorable comparison of the information provided from the first DSC and the second DSC to one or more operational criteria in step  8990 , the one or more processing modules operates by adapting the operation of the DSCs implemented to provide the input signals to stator windings of the motor in step  8995 . Some examples of unfavorable comparison of the information to one or more operational criteria may include any one or more of a differential of phase between two of the input signals being provided to the motor being outside of recommended or acceptable range, the Hall voltage detected via one of the drive/sense signals being outside of a recommended or acceptable range to facilitate proper operation of the motor, etc. 
     Some examples of adapting the operation of the DSCs implemented to provide the input signals to stator windings of the motor may include directing one or more of the DSCs to perform any one or more of adjustment of the magnitude or amplitude of the voltage and/or current of the signals being provided to the one or more Hall effect sensors, modification of the phase of the signals being provided to the one or more Hall effect sensors (e.g., advance or delay), filtering (e.g., low pass filtering, bandpass filtering, high pass filtering, and/or any combination thereof), reduction or removal of one or more effects on the signals being provided to the one or more Hall effect sensors (e.g., noise, interference, undesired harmonics, glitches, etc.). 
     Alternatively, based on a favorable comparison of the information provided from the first DSC and the second DSC to one or more operational criteria in step  8990 , the method  8900  ends or continues such as by looping back and performing the operational steps  8930  and  8960  and continuing to perform the method  8900 . 
     It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been used interchangeably to describe digital information whose content corresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video, speech, text, graphics, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as ‘data’). 
     As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provide an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. For some industries, an industry-accepted tolerance is less than one percent and, for other industries, the industry-accepted tolerance is 10 percent or more. Other examples of industry-accepted tolerance range from less than one percent to fifty percent. Industry-accepted tolerances correspond to, but are not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, thermal noise, dimensions, signaling errors, dropped packets, temperatures, pressures, material compositions, and/or performance metrics. Within an industry, tolerance variances of accepted tolerances may be more or less than a percentage level (e.g., dimension tolerance of less than +/−1%). Some relativity between items may range from a difference of less than a percentage level to a few percent. Other relativity between items may range from a difference of a few percent to magnitude of differences. 
     As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. 
     As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item. 
     As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal  1  has a greater magnitude than signal  2 , a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal  1  is greater than that of signal  2  or when the magnitude of signal  2  is less than that of signal  1 . As may be used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship. 
     As may be used herein, one or more claims may include, in a specific form of this generic form, the phrase “at least one of a, b, and c” or of this generic form “at least one of a, b, or c”, with more or less elements than “a”, “b”, and “c”. In either phrasing, the phrases are to be interpreted identically. In particular, “at least one of a, b, and c” is equivalent to “at least one of a, b, or c” and shall mean a, b, and/or c. As an example, it means: “a” only, “b” only, “c” only, “a” and “b”, “a” and “c”, “b” and “c”, and/or “a”, “b”, and “c”. 
     As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processing circuit”, “processor”, “processing circuitry”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, processing circuitry, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, processing circuitry and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, processing circuitry and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture. 
     One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. 
     To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof. 
     In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue” indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used in conjunction with one or more other routines. In addition, a flow diagram may include an “end” and/or “continue” indication. The “end” and/or “continue” indications reflect that the steps presented can end as described and shown or optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used in conjunction with one or more other routines. In this context, “start” indicates the beginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indication reflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are maintained. 
     The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones. 
     Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/or between elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein may be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-ended or differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path. Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particular architectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise be implemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, direct connectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between other elements as recognized by one of average skill in the art. 
     The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of the embodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device such as a processor or other processing device or other hardware that may include or operate in association with a memory that stores operational instructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunction with software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules. 
     As may further be used herein, a computer readable memory includes one or more memory elements. A memory element may be a separate memory device, multiple memory devices, or a set of memory locations within a memory device. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. The memory device may be in a form a solid-state memory, a hard drive memory, cloud memory, thumb drive, server memory, computing device memory, and/or other physical medium for storing digital information. 
     While particular combinations of various functions and features of the one or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. The present disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.