Abstract: A control system, method and article allows a monitoring module to monitor operation of a main controller in an electric drive, by providing questions and evaluating the accuracy and/or timeliness of responses from the main controller. Upon detection of an excessive number of incorrect or late responses, the monitoring module can shutdown operation, and may provide an alternative communications path, thereby preventing corrupt data from reaching a vehicle network, while providing communications for diagnostic and recovery such as by provision of new software or firmware instructions. The main controller may monitor the operation of the monitoring module, taking appropriate action if a fault is detected. Disabling a supply of power to a traction motor may be based on current operating conditions, such as speed.

Abstract: A system comprising a current sensor to sense a current provided by an electronic power converter, the current sensor comprising an output; an overcurrent detection circuit comprising an input coupled to an output of the current sensor; and a logic control circuit configurable to maintain the current provided by the electronic power converter in response to the sensed current having a short circuit magnitude, the logic control circuit comprising an input coupled to an output of the overcurrent detection circuit and at least one output coupled to at least one switch of the electronic power converter.