Abstract: Triggering reliably within an extremely short time restraining features, for example, air bags, belt retractors, and other devices, that are provided in motor vehicles to offer a maximum degree of safety to vehicle occupants in the event of an accident, in which an acceleration signal is measured and converted into a speed signal by an integration over time and the speed signal is compared with a triggering threshold in order to determine a triggering criterion, wherein there is a provision for the integration of the acceleration signal (a) to be influenced as a function of a frequency analysis of the acceleration signal (a), wherein the acceleration signal is subjected to a spectral frequency analysis which influences a speed of the integration of the acceleration signal (a), and wherein the frequency analysis is carried out by utilizing a fast Fourier transformation (or the suboperations required from it).

Abstract: A MOS field-effect transistor (T2) is provided in conjunction with transistors (T1 and T3) as polarity reversal protection in an electrical circuit arrangement (1). Polarity reversal protection of this type is realized by the drain-source path of the transistor (T2). Transistors (T1 and T3) form a comparator. If the drain-source voltage of the transistor (T2) becomes negative then the transistor (T3) switches on. This, in turn has the effect of switching off the transistor (T2) thereby providing polarity reversal protection. The electronic circuit arrangement (1) configured according to the invention can advantageously be used in an airbag system (10).

Abstract: In the case of an electronic apparatus (1), a protective circuit (10) for positive and negative voltage spikes is provided, which circuit includes two diodes (12, 13). The first diode (12), polarized in the forward direction, is arranged in the positive branch of the voltage supply. The second diode (13), polarized in the reverse direction, is connected, on the one hand, to the cathode connection of the first diode (12) and, on the other hand, to the ground connection.

Abstract: In an electronic device, in particular a piece of safety equipment for vehicle occupants, a switching element (13) which characterizes the operational position of an insertable seat belt is connected in parallel with a firing element (10, 11). The switching element (13) has a break contact which is broken when the seat belt is activated correctly.