A vane-type camshaft phaser includes a vaned camshaft rotor disposed
within a lobed stator, defining phase advance and retard chambers filled
with oil. The height of the rotor is less than the height of the stator,
providing space for a vaned brake rotor alongside the camshaft rotor. The
brake rotor is free to rotate independently of the camshaft rotor. The
volume of each advance and retard chamber is a function of the rotational
position of both the camshaft rotor and the brake rotor, and the volume
of each chamber is constant. Rotation of the brake rotor in one direction
causes rotation of the camshaft rotor in the opposite direction. The
brake rotor is connected to a controllable brake mechanism. By sensing of
the camshaft rotor position and feedback control of the braking
mechanism, the camshaft rotor may be maintained at any position.