Abstract: A method for checking an interface module, the interface module returning to the processor, using a second data message, stored values representing sensor values, after a request for a test by a processor using a data message. Using these firm sensor values, the processor can check the functioning of the interface module and its own algorithm. A safety module, which also picks up the sensor values, also checks its functioning with them, since the safety module is a redundant hardware path to the processor and is used as a plausibility check for the release decision of means of restraint. The interface module is changed into a test mode as soon as it receives the first data message from the processor, and it then suppresses the transmission of the real sensor values which were received from connected sensors.

Abstract: An interface module is proposed, to which sensors are connected and which is positioned in a control device, it being indicated via an identification input how the sensor data are to be classified by the interface module. In particular, this can be used to distinguish between safety-relevant and safety-irrelevant data. Furthermore, the nature of the data can be identified therewith. This identification input is advantageously designed as a voltage input, the voltage levels being then converted into a bit sequence. The identification input is connected to ground via a resistor, so that, in the case of an unspecified input potential, the voltage level is connected to ground. The interface module has a logic circuit to which voltage comparators are connected, which compare the voltages to reference potentials, and then the logic circuit performs a coding using the bit sequences, as a function of the output signals of the voltage comparators.

Abstract: A device for data transmission between vehicle sensors and a control unit, which is used to decode data telegrams having sensor data from the vehicle sensors and to reformat them into SPI (serial peripheral interface) data telegrams. Furthermore, an interface module of the control unit transmits the SPI data telegrams to the processor of the control unit. By using an alter bit, the processor determines whether to retrieve the newest sensor data or the preceding sensor data. The interface module converts the sensor data in each case into a 10-bit data field of an SPI data telegram, into which the interface module may supplement missing data. By counting out the edges, it is possible for the interface module to recognize the data telegrams from the sensors.

Abstract: A device is proposed for data transmission between vehicle sensors and a control unit, which is used to decode data telegrams having sensor data from the vehicle sensors and to reformat them into SPI (serial peripheral interface) data telegrams. Furthermore, an interface module of the control unit will then transmit the SPI data telegrams to the processor of the control unit. By using an alter bit, it is possible for the processor of the control unit to retrieve either the newest sensor data or the preceding sensor data. The interface module converts the sensor data in each case into a 10-bit data field of an SPI data telegram, the interface module supplementing missing data if necessary. By counting out the edges, it is possible for the interface module to recognize the data telegrams from the sensors.

Abstract: A method for checking an interface module, the interface module returning to the processor, using a second data message, stored values representing sensor values, after a request for a test by a processor using a data message. Using these firm sensor values, the processor can check the functioning of the interface module and its own algorithm. A safety module, which also picks up the sensor values, also checks its functioning with them, since the safety module is a redundant hardware path to the processor and is used as a plausibility check for the release decision of means of restraint. The interface module is changed into a test mode as soon as it receives the first data message from the processor, and it then suppresses the transmission of the real sensor values which were received from connected sensors.

Abstract: An interface module is proposed, to which sensors are connected and which is positioned in a control device, it being indicated via an identification input how the sensor data are to be classified by the interface module. In particular, this can be used to distinguish between safety-relevant and safety-irrelevant data. Furthermore, the nature of the data can be identified therewith. This identification input is advantageously designed as a voltage input, the voltage levels being then converted into a bit sequence. The identification input is connected to ground via a resistor, so that, in the case of an unspecified input potential, the voltage level is connected to ground. The interface module has a logic circuit to which voltage comparators are connected, which compare the voltages to reference potentials, and then the logic circuit performs a coding using the bit sequences, as a function of the output signals of the voltage comparators.