Abstract: A flashloader having a standard module for receiving programming instructions and an application program via a communications port of a vehicle controller, where the flashloader further provides an MCU module for writing the received application program to reprogrammable memory within the vehicle controller, and an ECU module for determining whether a valid application program has been stored in the reprogrammable memory. Upon detection of a valid application program a microprocessor of the vehicle controller executes instructions from the reprogrammable memory and upon detection of an invalid application program the microprocessor continues to execute instructions from the bootloader.

Abstract: A flashloader having a standard module for receiving programming instructions and an application program via a communications port of a vehicle controller, where the flashloader further provides an MCU module for writing the received application program to reprogrammable memory within the vehicle controller, and an ECU module for determining whether a valid application program has been stored in the reprogrammable memory. Upon detection of a valid application program a microprocessor of the vehicle controller executes instructions from the reprogrammable memory and upon detection of an invalid application program the microprocessor continues to execute instructions from the bootloader.

Abstract: A circuit monitors both digital and analog sensor readings by polling them from a single wire bus multiplex system. The circuit operates to sequentially address a plurality of smart sensor interfaces, each having an associated sensor, connected to the single wire bus. A voltage signal is supplied on the line that produces a current corresponding to the presence of a sensor at the polled interface and a current corresponding to a sensed digital or analog value where the sensor is of the digital or analog type, respectively. The currents on the bus are copied in a current mirror whose current output is applied to a resistor to produce a voltage, which in turn is converted into a digital number to be analyzed to determine the presence of a sensor at the addressed interface and its status. The current in the circuit is also measured to produce a voltage corresponding to circuit component variations and one corresponding to the contributions of the currents from the power supplies of the interfaces.

Abstract: Microcontrollers, e.g. those located within a vehicle or factory, are connected over a local area network (LAN). The microcontrollers broadcast messages on the LAN tagged with an identifier (ID) which identifies the contents of the message, rather than a destination address. Microcontrollers on the network are provided with read only memory (ROM) containing a table of message IDs and accompanying data, wherein the table address of each message ID was initially determined by applying a hash function to the ID. Upon receipt of a message, a microcontroller applies the hash function to the message ID. Using the result as a pointer into the table, the microcontroller compares the message ID stored in that pointer location with the received message ID. If they are equal, the microcontroller performs a predetermined function. If the message IDs are not equal, the message is ignored.

Abstract: A symbol encoder and decoder device for use with a microcontroller and a transceiver (forming a node) for encoding and decoding defined symbols made up of digital bits of various lengths and for transferring to and recovering symbol messages on a single wire bus of a multi-node multiplexed data link.

Abstract: A firmware/hardware apparatus for controlling with digital signals the smooth operation of a needle of an electronic analog gauge meter even when the measurand data is provided intermittently.

Abstract: A method and firmware/hardware system for updating an analog odometer using a pulse rate rather than an absolute number of updating pulse signals. The pulse rate is developed from a number that represents an accumulation of a series of pulses that represent distance traveled by a vehicle during a chosen interval.

Abstract: A firmware/hardware electronic digital speedometer connected to a vehicle multi-measurand data communications system maintains virtually no flicker in the display of digital numbers in a digital display unit such as a vacuum fluorescent display during movement of a vehicle when no change in speed is apparent. A speed sensor supplies speed information to a first computing unit which establishes an accumulated count of speed during a first interval. Then the first computing unit supplies over a communications link the speed count to a second computing unit at a rate that approximates the update rate of the display unit. The second computing unit processes the speed data in a particular manner to effect the virtually flicker-free updating of the display and improved accuracy.

Abstract: A quick ranging technique controlled by a microcomputer, makes predetermined stepped adjustments to the charge times in a ranging circuit to bring the charge time into a required range, thusly minimizing calibration time for an electronic compass; a digital filter also controlled by the microcomputer smooths out the magnetic field component signals.

Abstract: A fundamental interval of time is derived from a clock signal of an inherent frequency emanating from an untrimmed crystal oscillator. Firmware and hardware of the time-of-day clock system are used to control and modify the time interval between interrupt signals generated upon the occurrence of a specified count of clock cycles of the clock signals emanating from the crystal oscillator.