Abstract: To transmit data which is supplied by a rotational speed sensor in the form of an alternating signal as well as additional data via a signal line, a sequence of current pulses of a predetermined duration is derived from the alternating signal, the pulse intervals or interpulse periods containing the information on rotational speed. The additional data is transmitted in the interpulse periods, and transmission of the additional data is synchronized by the individual rotating signal sensor pulses. Preferably, the method is employed for active sensors, and both the sensor pulses and the additional data are transmitted in the form of current signals. During standstill, in the absence of a sensor pulse, transmission of the additional data is triggered by auxiliary synchronization pulses.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sensor assembly for detecting movements, wherein a sensor signal is produced in an active sensor (1) by an encoder (E) acted upon by the movement, and which includes a first device (2, 3, 4, 5) that permits converting the sensor signal, along with at least one additional information, into an output signal which can be transmitted to an evaluating device, and which is in particular characterized in that a second device (1a) is provided by which a signal voltage that depends on an air slot (d) between the active sensor (1) and the encoder (E) is detected and sent to the first device (2, 3, 4, 5) for transmission as additional information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting safety-critical measured quantities, in particular yaw rates and/or acceleration data in automotive vehicles, comprising at least two independent measuring channels (11, 12) with sensors (YR1, YR2, AX, AY) that are independent of one another and elements for verifying a malfunction or a failure of the measuring channels (5, 8). The first measuring channel (11) and the additional measuring channel(s) (12) are operated in hot redundancy employing sensors of the similar type but not exactly identical in such a manner that the sensors are operated in parallel and without restriction. This invention also relates to a device consisting of a sealed housing (2) with a plug (9), and the aforementioned system is accommodated in the sealed housing.

Abstract: An electronic digital device for controlling or adjusting processes in a motor vehicle has several components, of which at least one arithmetic unit and a bus connecting the components are redundant. At least one component is not redundant. The electronic device can exhibit a preferably redundant monitoring device which compares the data arising in the redundant systems and outputs an error signal when the data deviate from one another.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the rotational behavior of a rotating body or encoder (3) includes a sensor module (1) which comprises a sensor element (2; 2.1 to 2.4), a controllable power source (4) supplying a load-independent current representative of the rotational behavior, a modulator (5) that controls the power source (4) as a function of signals of the sensor element (2; 2.1 to 2.4) and of signals supplied by an external signal source through an additional port (K5), and an evaluating circuit (9). The sensor module (1) is magnetically coupled to the encoder (3). The output signal of the sensor module (1) is a signal, representative of the rotational behavior, with a superimposed status signal and/or additional signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for evaluating a binary signal defined by two current thresholds, particularly the output signal of an active sensor [(1′)], comprises a current source [(IQ′_,IQ11,IQ12,IQ13)] that can consist of individual current sources and is connected in series to the signal source, namely the sensor [(1′)]. The current source is inserted between the battery terminal [(IGW)] and the sensor terminal [(A1)] and serves simultaneously as a current limiter in case of a short circuit between the sensor terminal [(A1)] and ground [(GND)].

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for monitoring leakage currents of a circuit which includes a plurality of valve coils connected in parallel to a supply line and adapted to be connected to ground by way of individual switches, and wherein the supply line is connected by way of a main switch to the positive pole of the supply voltage source and, further, to a testing current source used as a test signal source, is designed such that prior to each closing of the main switch, with the individual switches still open, the testing current source is connected to the supply voltage source and thereby activated. The result is an increase of the voltage potential on the supply line. A comparator establishes the difference between the potentials on the supply line and the supply voltage. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, this indicates leakage current.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling a major number of consumers (5) such as the electromagnetically operable multi-directional valves of an anti-lock control system (MWV1-MWVn) comprises a control unit (2, 3) whose output signals can be fed to the consumers (5) via amplifier stages (4). The individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are designed as so-called “intelligent power drivers” and essentially consist of a power amplifier (18) with integrated electronic controls and monitors. The control unit (2, 3) and the amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are interconnected to form a closed loop or chain. Data transfer is performed from a synchronous serial interface of the control unit (2, 3), via the individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) and back to a serial entry of the control unit (2, 3).

Abstract: A microprocessor configuration for a control system of a vehicle comprises a plurality of microprocessor systems (4,5,6) which are interconnected by bus systems (1,2,3) and include an anti-lock and/or traction slip control system and further control systems, which require complex computing operations, as well as an input signal conditioning system (SC). For the purpose of error detection one part of the data processing is performed “symmetrically” redundantly in a plurality of microprocessor systems and another part of the data processing is additionally performed (“asymmetrically” redundantly) in accordance with simplified algorithms. Two like master microprocessor systems (5,6) are provided which serve the symmetrically redundant data processing. The input signal conditioning and the processing in accordance with simplified algorithms are installed in a third microprocessor system (4).

Abstract: In a method of monitoring an output module to which a number of inductive loads are connected and in which the current flowing through these inductive loads is regulated by clocked driving of the output stages, the current created in the blocked phases of the output stages by the inductively stored energy is partially or temporarily conducted across a common current measuring device and evaluated for testing the output stages, including the inductive loads.

Abstract: To monitor a data processing circuit which includes two (or a plurality of) microprocessors or other data processing systems which are mounted on a joint chip and connected by data lines, the microprocessors jointly produce data words which form a data word sequence and are transmitted to a monitoring circuit at predetermined times. The monitoring circuit is arranged on a separate chip. The data words of the data word sequence are checked by the monitoring circuit with respect to the contents and time of appearance of the individual data words. It is favorable to make up the individual data words of partwords which are produced according to different algorithms.

Abstract: To monitor the correct function of a microprocessor, microcontroller or any other program-controlled circuit data processing results are checked in the working cycle for correlation with data which are produced independently of the circuit to be monitored and independently of the program run in a monitoring circuit. If deviations indicative of a malfunction occur, a disabling signal is generated. To this effect, data words or a data word sequence is produced in the program run of the circuit to be monitored and transmitted to the monitoring circuit at predetermined times. The content of the data words and the timely appearance of the data words is monitored by way of the monitoring circuit. (FIG.

Abstract: In a method of operating an electromechanically actuatable pneumatic brake booster, an electromagnet which actuates a sealing seat of its control valve is energized in an interval by a short current pulse of maximum current strength with a subsequent ramp-like current rise, and the current being furnished to the electromagnet is decreased when a fixed value of the pressure that prevails in a master brake cylinder connected downstream of the brake booster is reached. When the hydraulic pressure introduced into the master brake cylinder reaches a nominal value, the current being furnished to the electromagnet is supplied by a pressure controller which maintains the hydraulic pressure constant.

Abstract: A circuitry for detecting a fault current or leakage current on the supply line of an electronic circuit includes a current source which is rated for a maximum allowed fault current or leakage current. The current source is fed by an auxiliary voltage source. The potential on the supply line which prevails when the supply voltage is disconnected due to the leakage current is determined and assessed by a potential monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microprocessor arrangement for use in a vehicle control system which includes a plurality of microprocessor systems that are linked by bus systems and perform at least anti-lock control (ABS) and/or traction slip control (ASR) and at least one other high-computation control function, such as yaw torque control (GMR), and monitoring functions. The microprocessor arrangement includes three microprocessor systems to which the individual functions are allocated so that the first microprocessor system along with the second microprocessor system performs the ABS and ASR functions, including the monitoring of these functions, and that the third microprocessor system along with the second microprocessor system performs the other control function (GMR), including its monitoring.

Abstract: To evaluate the output signal of an active sensor which is configured as a binary current signal, a circuit arrangement is disclosed by which a proportional current is produced from the sensor current by way of a current mirror circuit. The current produced by a current mirroring operation is drawn from a stabilized voltage source by way of an ohmic resistance, and a binary voltage signal corresponding to the sensor output signal is generated thereby. The voltage signal is sent to a flipflop which compares the voltage signal with a reference value that is composed of a reference voltage and a hysteresis voltage. The change-over threshold of the flipflop is varied or adapted as a function of the actual sensor current, leakage currents, etc.

Abstract: A circuit for conditioning and digitizing an analog input signal that includes a control circuit taking the form of a delta modulator that has a comparator, a clock-controlled flip-flop, a digital accumulator and a digital-to-analog converter. The comparator compares the analog input signal with an adapted signal. The comparator output is conducted to the flip-flop which produces a binary data stream representative of the difference between the comparator inputs. The digital output signal is generated by the accumulator which if fed with an integration constant that is a function of the output signal of the flip-flop. The digital output signal of the accumulator is converted into a square wave signal, which corresponds to the analog input signal, by way of a digital low-pass filter and a threshold value comparator to which the mean value of the digital output signal is supplied as a threshold value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for monitoring a control circuit, which has a driver transistor with an inductive load and a second transistor in a circuit branch parallel to the inductive load, includes an additional, external current measuring device. A switching element, in particular a transistor and an ohmic measuring resistor, is provided parallel to the driver transistor. At a test instant, the current flowing through the inductive load is diverted to the measuring device and induces a voltage at the measuring resistor which is indicative of the status of the control circuit.

Abstract: A circuit to monitor a short circuit (or a line interruption) in an inductive circuit which is connected to a signal-processing circuit through a high-ohmic filter circuit. The monitoring circuit is formed as a component part of or as an additional element to the signal-processing circuit and initiates a test cycle to determine the inductance of the circuit to be monitored when, for example, the ignition of an automotive vehicle is turned on when the inductive circuit is used in the circuitry for sensing wheel rotation behavior of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: In a circuit configuration for monitoring a plurality of coils and the final stages for actuating these coils, the coils are connected to the supply voltage by way of a joint supply line and a joint relay. Connected to the supply line, by way of a high-ohmic resistor, is a test voltage source and a first potential monitor, by which the potential prevailing on the supply line is determined after the voltage supply has been interrupted by opening the relay contact. A second potential monitor serves to monitor the proper potential changes on activation of the voltage supply by actuating the relay.