Vehicle power steering systems (710, 760, 810 and 910) achieve
substantially linear control relationships between and applied steering
torque input Ts and a resulting steering force output, that is, a powered
assist to vehicle steering. Impedance matching means utilized for coupling
an electric motor (26) to the steering load respectively include speed
reduction means (712), torque summing means (812) and force generating
means (912) in the systems (710, 760, 810 and 910). The speed reduction
means (712) comprises gear reduction means (722) and a supplemental
pinion. The torque summing means (812) comprises steering column (814)
coupled gear reduction means (822), and, the force generating means (912)
comprises hydraulic transmission means including a power cylinder (18).
The systems (710, 760, 810 and 910) are preferably regenerative. The
systems (710, 716, 810 and 910) each utilize internal closed-loop servo
control of the electric motor (26) to substantially eliminate stability
control problems including, for example, a low frequency stability control
problem which has typically not been overcome in prior EPS systems.