Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current, and particularly bi-directional current, in a field-effect transistor (FET) using drain-to-source voltage measurements. The drain-to-source voltage of the FET is measured and amplified. This signal is then compensated for variations in the temperature of the FET, which affects the impedance of the FET when it is switched on. The output is a signal representative of the direction of the flow of current through the field-effect transistor and the level of the current through the field-effect transistor. Preferably, the measurement only occurs when the FET is switched on.

Abstract: Method, control system and computer-readable medium are respectively provided for determining angular crankshaft position prior to a cranking event of an internal combustion engine. Upon issuance of an engine shutdown command, the method allows determining an initial crankshaft position based on a crankshaft position sensor. The method further allows providing a rulebase for relating angular travel of a rotor in an accessory device to crankshaft angular travel. Angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device is sensed since issuance of the engine shutdown command until the engine reaches a resting position. The rulebase is accessed to relate the value of the angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device to crankshaft angular travel and provide an incremental crankshaft angular travel relative to the initial crankshaft position at engine shutdown.

Abstract: A battery protection system for a battery having a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to the positive terminal and an electrical load of the battery. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connects the electrical load to the battery and the open position disconnects the electrical load from the battery. The battery protection system utilizes a battery state-of-charge detection system, which instructs the controller to open the switching mechanism when the detection system detects a battery state-of-charge that is lower than a threshold value. The battery protection system is also equipped with a vehicle status detection system, which instructs the controller to close the switching mechanism when a vehicle startup condition is detected by the vehicle status detection system.

Abstract: Method, control system and computer-readable medium are respectively provided for determining angular crankshaft position prior to a cranking event of an internal combustion engine. Upon issuance of an engine shutdown command, the method allows determining an initial crankshaft position based on a crankshaft position sensor. The method further allows providing a rulebase for relating angular travel of a rotor in an accessory device to crankshaft angular travel. Angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device is sensed since issuance of the engine shutdown command until the engine reaches a resting position. The rulebase is accessed to relate the value of the angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device to crankshaft angular travel and provide an incremental crankshaft angular travel relative to the initial crankshaft position at engine shutdown.

Abstract: A battery protection system for a battery having a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to the positive terminal and an electrical load of the battery. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connects the electrical load to the battery and the open position disconnects the electrical load from the battery. The battery protection system utilizes a battery state-of-charge detection system, which instructs the controller to open the switching mechanism when the detection system detects a battery state-of-charge that is lower than a threshold value. The battery protection system is also equipped with a vehicle status detection system, which instructs the controller to close the switching mechanism when a vehicle startup condition is detected by the vehicle status detection system.

Abstract: A battery protection system for a battery having a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to the positive terminal and an electrical load of the battery. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connects the electrical load to the battery and the open position disconnects the electrical load from the battery. The battery protection system utilizes a battery state-of-charge detection system, which instructs the controller to open the switching mechanism when the detection system detects a battery state-of-charge that is lower than a threshold value. The battery protection system is also equipped with a vehicle status detection system, which instructs the controller to close the switching mechanism when a vehicle startup condition is detected by the vehicle status detection system.