Abstract: A digitally accessible sensor (DAS) assembly includes a sensor, such as a gas sensor, attached to a printed circuit board which includes an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital interface. This modular design significantly shortens the analog signal path from the sensor and provides digital information to the instrument microcontroller, and thereby reduces noise levels from the sensor and circuitry. The circuit board design also includes a non-volatile memory unit allowing retention of information related to the sensor and its operation and/or the application, and may include an amplifier for amplifying the low level analog signal.

Abstract: A passive arming vehicle alarm system has a valet mode which is activated or deactivated by wireless remote control, thus avoiding the need for hiding a valet switch in the vehicle and subjecting the vehicle to attack at the valet switch. The wireless remote control is also used deactivate the alarm when the alarm is sounding, by depressing any of the buttons on the wireless remote control, regardless of the primary function of the button. As a result, the alarm may be quickly deactivated. The alarm also features progressive passive arming; the alarm emits a brief signal such as a siren chirp as a warning, prior to passively self-arming. As a result, the owner/operator will be warned that the vehicle is about to passively arm and may prevent passive arming (e.g., by opening a door) if it is undesired.