Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, a switching circuit for switching a power transistor is configured to control the slew rate of the switched load current in a manner that yields substantial independence from the load voltage, based on the use of a Miller-effect compensation capacitor and controllable source resistances for driving the gate or base of the power transistor. In a non-limiting example, a control circuit, such as a microcontroller, uses a set of bidirectional input/output ports to drive the transistor base or gate through a selectable combination of parallel resistors, so that the effective source resistance for transistor turn-on and turn-off is selectable by configuring different combinations of input/output settings for the set of bidirectional input/output ports. Controlling the source resistance in this manner allows the control circuit to set or otherwise control the slew rate of the load current.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, an interface circuit obviates the need for a microcontroller with multi-channel PWM capability in the context of controlling a brushless, three-phase DC motor. Instead, the interface circuit generates the requisite set of motor-phase control signals using a single PWM channel from the microcontroller. The interface circuit is implemented as a standalone integrated circuit (IC) in one embodiment, and is integrated into a pre-driver circuit in another embodiment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, an interface circuit obviates the need for a microcontroller with multi-channel PWM capability in the context of controlling a brushless, three-phase DC motor. Instead, the interface circuit generates the requisite set of motor-phase control signals using a single PWM channel from the microcontroller. The interface circuit is implemented as a standalone integrated circuit (IC) in one embodiment, and is integrated into a pre-driver circuit in another embodiment.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly for an automobile seat has a switch operating member moveable along a first path to operate a first switch associated with a first function and moveable along a second path to operate a second switch associated with a second function. To inhibit operation of both functions simultaneously a guide controls movement of the switch operating member. Guide members act between the switch operating member and the guide so that movement of the switch operating member along one of the paths upon movement of the switch operating member along the other of the paths from a rest position. An interlock is provided between the switch operating members of a pair of switch assemblies so that only one function of one of the switch assemblies can be operated at a time.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided that in one aspect provides a switch knob that can move in up to five directions by using a plunger element that moves with respect to an actuation plate such that tilting the knob in any of four directions uses the plate to activate underlying domes whereas pressing the knob towards the assembly provides a fifth function by moving the plunger element with respect to the plate and thus activating a central dome beneath the plunger element. In another aspect, the switch assembly enables a larger area of illumination on an illuminated film by interposing a light pipe between an actuation dome and the film, the light pipe also serving as a plunger element to enable touch actuation by pressing the film, moving the plunger towards the dome and activating the dome.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly for an automobile seat has a switch operating member moveable along a first path to operate a first switch associated with a first function and moveable along a second path to operate a second switch associated with a second function. To inhibit operation of both functions simultaneously a guide controls movement of the switch operating member. Guide members act between the switch operating member and the guide so that movement of the switch operating member along one of the paths upon movement of the switch operating member along the other of the paths from a rest position. An interlock is provided between the switch operating members of a pair of switch assemblies so that only one function of one of the switch assemblies can be operated at a time.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided that includes a series of bridge actuators that include oppositely spaced protrusions separated by a bridge. The protrusions extend through apertures in a support that provides a sliding surface for overlying actuator plates. The actuator plates include ramps to act on the protrusions and in turn activate underlying dome switches. The bridge actuators utilize an angled underside to provide better alignment with the top surface of the dome to reduce shearing. The switch assembly also includes a sub-assembly that uses a micro switch cell in a knob instead of a PCB to reduce the number of connections. The sub-assembly uses an elastomeric keypad to preload a button on the knob and provide tactile feel. The switch assembly also includes a four-way knob that provides distinct feel to the directions of movement using a contoured male-female connection that uses tabs and slots, a contoured female connection and a protrusion on the tip of the male connector.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether or not passive entry of a vehicle is permitted, includes allocating separate channels for each authorized key FOB for the vehicle. An indication of manual entry of the vehicle is detected. Upon such detection, a challenge from a transmitter of a passive entry system is output. The challenge is received by more than one key FOB in a vicinity of the vehicle, and outputting a respective remote keyless entry response at an assigned frequency channel for each respective key FOB. The remote keyless entry responses are received at a receiver of the passive entry system, at each respective channel allocated for the respective key FOBs. A determination is then made as to whether or not any of the respective key FOBs are assigned to authorized users of the vehicle, and if so, a vehicle door is set in an unlocked state to allow entry into the vehicle.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly for an automobile seat has a switch operating member moveable along a first path to operate a first switch associated with a first function and moveable along a second path to operate a second switch associated with a second function. To inhibit operation of both functions simultaneously a guide controls movement of the switch operating member. Guide members act between the switch operating member and the guide so that movement of the switch operating member along one of the paths upon movement of the switch operating member along the other of the paths from a rest position. An interlock is provided between the switch operating members of a pair of switch assemblies so that only one function of one of the switch assemblies can be operated at a time.

Abstract: A switch assembly operating an electrical circuit using an elastomeric pad is provided. The elastomeric pad comprises one or more collapsible domes that are positioned such that a plunger element supported by the switch assembly collapses the domes when an actuation button is tilted. The plunger element may have a limiting mechanism to limit downward movement of the plunger element such that the collapsible domes are not overloaded. The body and plunger may also be formed with complementary profiled portions that restrict any one or more of fore/aft, side-to-side and up/down movements of the plunger with respect to the body to prevent abnormal loading on the collapsible domes to increase the lifecycle of the elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may also be adapted to provide both single and dual double detent feedback by using passive collapsible domes that provide tactile feedback without operating on the electrical circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for installation of a switch in the dashboard of a vehicle without the use of any tools. The assembly comprises a housing, a resilient member such as a washer spring, and a bezel. The switch is secured to the housing and subsequently inserted into the bezel which is integrated with the dashboard. The installation of the switch, which is secured to the housing is then completed through the interaction of a profiled wall on the bezel and a flange on the housing with the washer spring interposed between.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprising: a housing; an actuation button supported by the housing, the actuation button having one or more downward extensions, each having an arcuate tip; an electrical circuit contained in the housing; an elastomeric pad comprising a collapsible dome overlying the electrical circuit; and one or more pivoting actuators pivotally supported in the housing between the tip and the dome, the pivoting actuator comprising a shoulder to engage the tip during movement of the actuation button to cause the pivoting actuator to collapse an underlying one of the domes.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a vehicle includes a fob in the possession of a person who whishes to use the vehicle. The fob includes a fob code. A proximity sensor mounted on the vehicle is used to actuate circuitry for interrogating the fob so as to retrieve the fob code. The fob code is then matched to a vehicle code to determine whether the person possessing the fob is authorized to use the vehicle. The proximity sensor may include a capacitive sensor, and inductive sensor, or both.

Abstract: A low profile switch assembly is provided having a base portion that supports a folded flexible circuit sealed about its edges, an overlying deformable elastomeric portion, and a pair of window knobs. The base portion has a pair of integrally formed, upwardly extending posts that pivotally support the window knobs and encourage alignment of the flexible circuit and the overlying elastomeric pad. A series of domes are formed in the elastomeric pad, pairs of which are operated sequentially by the window knob acting on a lever bridging the pairs of domes. The domes, when collapsed, compress portions of the flexible circuit to bridge opposing traces within the folded circuit to actuate respective switches. The arrangement of the components provides a low profile device that inhibits contamination and uses fewer parts.

Abstract: A controller for a power window actuator including a crank-handle body configured to look like a traditional automobile window crank handle, and an electronic control unit that includes at least one electrical switch positioned such that movement of the crank-handle body actuates the switch, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate a first electronic window control signal after the switch is actuated to at least one of a closed and an open position by movement of the crank-handle body to control a power window actuator to close/open a window.

Abstract: A method of making a device utilizes the step of winding a coil; disposing the coil in a predetermined position on a component which forms part of the device; connecting the ends of the coil to first and second pins by winding the ends of the coil onto the pins; and disposing the first and second pins in electrical connection with first and second connection structures formed on a PCB (printed circuit board) which is disposed in/on the component.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement for a RF (radio frequency) signal, has: printed circuit board having first and second opposed sides; a ground plane formed on the first side of the printed circuit board; a circuit disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board; and a flat, polygonal shaped spiral member disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board, the polygonal shaped spiral member a first free end a second connection end connected to the circuit, the spiral member having a plurality of straight portions which are interconnected to form a plurality of corners.

Abstract: A button-type battery unit comprising an upper housing, a battery coupled to the upper housing, a printed circuit board and a lower housing. A positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal are reflow soldered to the printed circuit board. The upper housing is coupled to the lower housing to enclose printed circuit board. The positive battery terminal and the negative battery terminal are positioned on the printed circuit board such that the upper housing moves along a single axis of translational movement when being coupled to the lower housing.

Abstract: A relay is designed to be used in a circuit where the voltage levels are high in comparison to the spacing between the contacts when open. Contact closure arcing is suppressed by actuating a MOSFET that shorts the contacts together while they open. The same MOSFET can momentarily short the contacts together just before they first begin to close, allowing a test current to be passed through the MOSFET and through the terminals connecting to both relay contacts, to insure that arc suppression will be successful; and if this test fails, then the relay can be disabled by a switch in series with the relay coil to prevent arcing and a possible fire hazard. Relay deactuation can be sensed to trigger arc suppression, and relay actuation can be sensed to initiate fail-safe testing by a circuit that responds no matter which way the relay coil is connected into the external circuit that drives it.

Abstract: An automotive powertrain assembly testing system comprising an interface module adapted to interconnect between an electronic control module of an automotive vehicle and an on-site computer system capable of accessing a remote database and data interpretation system. The interface module includes a four channel signal input capable of sampling data at a rate of 500,000 samples per second, in the range of zero to 250 volts. The interface module further includes a sample buffer capable of storing 32,768 samples per input channel. Electronic samples received by the interface module are transferred via an electronic connection to the on-site computer system, for real-time display to a system operator, and for transfer via a standard phone line or high-speed data connection to a remote database and data interpretation system. The data interpretation system receives the sampled data, compares it with acceptable data values for the vehicle undergoing diagnosis, and generates a component evaluation report.