Abstract: An airbag electronic control unit for a vehicle includes a main controller unit (MCU) for, in response to detecting a vehicle event, actuating at least one protection device in the vehicle. A battery is provided for receiving power from the vehicle to power the MCU such that power to the MCU is continuous.

Abstract: A remote communication system (20) includes a signaling device (24) and a remotely located controller (26). The signaling device (24) includes a synchronization counter (44) and the controller includes a synchronization counter (34). Under normal circumstances, a transmitter (42) sends signals that are received by a receiver (32) and then processed appropriately by the controller (26). Transmissions from the transmitter (42) to the receiver (32) preferably are encrypted and then deciphered based upon a value from the synchronization counters. When the synchronization counter values do not correspond sufficiently to allow effective communication, synchronization counter value information is shared using a bi-directional communication link (50, 52) so that there may be correspondence between the synchronization counter values. In one example, low frequency (LF) signals are used for transmitting the synchronization counter values across the bi-directional communication link.

Abstract: A method for reducing average current consumption in an RF system adjusts RF stabilization time by measuring the temperature of the operating environment. The RF system includes a RF receiver that has a predetermined base RF receiver stabilization time. A temperature sensor takes at least one temperature measurement of the environment in which the RF receiver operates. The base RF receiver stabilization time is then adjusted based on the temperature measurement.

Abstract: A remote communication system (20) includes a signaling device (24) and a remotely located controller (26). The signaling device (24) includes a synchronization counter (44) and the controller includes a synchronization counter (34). Under normal circumstances, a transmitter (42) sends signals that are received by a receiver (32) and then processed appropriately by the controller (26). Transmissions from the transmitter (42) to the receiver (32) preferably are encrypted and then deciphered based upon a value from the synchronization counters. When the synchronization counter values do not correspond sufficiently to allow effective communication, synchronization counter value information is shared using a bi-directional communication link (50, 52) so that there may be correspondence between the synchronization counter values. In one example, low frequency (LF) signals are used for transmitting the synchronization counter values across the bi-directional communication link.

Abstract: A method for reducing average current consumption in an RF system adjusts RF stabilization time by measuring the temperature of the operating environment. The RF system includes a RF receiver that has a predetermined base RF receiver stabilization time. A temperature sensor takes at least one temperature measurement of the environment in which the RF receiver operates. The base RF receiver stabilization time is then adjusted based on the temperature measurement.