A software-based resolver-to-digital converter (RDC) (80) for computing an angle of rotation &THgr; of gimbal-mounted instrumentation (16) in a gimbal system. The RDC (80) computes the angle of rotation of the instrumentation using parameter signals received from a resolver (32) in the system. The parameter signals, along with a resolver reference signal are input into a multiplexor (60) and are multiplexed. The signals are then fed to an analog to digital converter (38) and converted to digital form. The digital signals are then input into a processor (36) associated with the system. This processor, in addition to performing numerous system computations, is programmed through appropriate software to filter the digital signals received, compute the value for the angle of rotation &THgr; and output the computed value to system circuitry (31) for processing to enhance system operation. The present invention eliminates the need for additional resolver-to-digital converter hardware components (40, 42, 44), as the converter (80) is implemented at the existing system processor (36). The present invention thus reduces the system cost and circuit board space needed for system implementation.
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