Abstract: A method is distinguished in that outside of the analog/digital converter, on the basis of an analog signal (UA) to be digitized by the analog/digital converter, a sequence of digital pulses (P2) is generated, of which at least the width or the repetition frequency is analog signal-dependent, and that a digital result determined based on the pulse sequence and the digital value generated on the basis of the same analog signal by the analog to digital converter are checked for conformance with one another. As such, in a simple manner, a continuous monitoring of the A/D converter to be monitored is rendered possible during its "normal" operation.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for executing a reset, in which controlled resetting of a functional computer and a safety module takes place. A reset stage is able to coerce both the functional computer and the safety module into a reset state, while all output stages are switched off for all reset states. The functional computer and the safety module are connected by a serial interface to continually monitor each other and can mutually reset one another in the case of a fault.

Abstract: The housing (10) of an electrical device, in particular a switching and control device for motor vehicles, includes an upper shell (11) and a lower shell (12), and PC boards (15, 25) are located in both shells (11, 12). The required power components (17) are distributed to both PC boards (15, 25). The lower shell (11) of the housing (10) has side walls (16) encompassing three sides. The upper shell (11) has, in addition to the outer rim (21) extending around three sides, a protrusion (22) protruding into the housing on two opposed sides, so that a space (23) is created between the rim (21) and the extension (22). In the assembled state, the side wall (16) protrudes into the space (23) in the other shell (12). The power components (17) rest on the inner wall of the side wall (16) or of the extensions (22), so that the lost heat can be dissipated in a simple way.

Abstract: A control apparatus with connecting terminals which are in part connected to serve a plurality of functions. The control apparatus has at least one memory and can be especially for a control apparatus of an electronic internal combustion engine control wherein an additional voltage source for the memory is provided via at least one output terminal accommodating at least one function.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for an electromagnetic load is disclosed. In this protective arrangement, the load and a control transistor form a series circuit from the battery voltage to ground and a series circuit of a free-wheeling transistor and a free-wheeling diode is connected in parallel with the load. By coupling the base of the free-wheeling transistor to ground, this transistor is made continuously conductive provided that the polarity of the supply voltage is correct, whereas, this free-wheeling transistor blocks if the supply voltage polarity is incorrect. This assures that none of the components is in danger of being destroyed in the event that the polarity of the supply voltage is incorrect.

Abstract: A device is proposed for monitoring the function of electronic equipment, in particular equipment controlled by microprocessors. In such devices, the regular occurrence of control pulses is monitored in that a capacitor which can be charged or discharged in accordance with the control pulses is connected to a threshold stage, which in the case of a persistent absence of control pulses generates a signal having a reset phase of predetermined duration and an active phase also of predetermined duration for the equipment in a periodic sequence. The durations, of the reset phase and the active phase are freely selectable independently of one another, the duration of the active phase preferably being substantially shorter than that of the reset phase.

Abstract: An emergency operation device for a microcomputer-control system, in particular an idling charge regulating means in a motor vehicle, has a microcomputer which has both a signal output for emitting control signals generated by the microcomputer and a further output for emitting regular failsafe pulses. A failsafe circuit monitors the regular occurrence of the failsafe pulses. Upon the occurrence of a failsafe signal from the failsafe circuit, a reset input of the microcomputer is actuated, and at the same time the system is supplied via a logic block with an emergency operation signal from an emergency operation function generator.

Abstract: A failsafe emergency operation device for the idling operation of motor vehicles, in particular for a digital idling charge regulation having a final control element triggered by an end stage circuit, which final control element, as a two-coil rotary adjuster, controls the cross section of an air bypass parallel to the throttle valve. A central computer (microprocessor, microcomputer) prepares a digital trigger signal for the end stage having a duty cycle which is variable depending upon the final control element position required. At the same time, at at least one position of the final control element, an end stage monitoring signal which is to be fed back is prepared and fed back to the computer, which via a separate shutoff stage for the end stage makes this end stage current-free whenever agreement does not exist between the two signals in terms of the duty cycle.

Abstract: The actuation speed of an electromagnetic consumer is increased by means of a charged capacitor which is connected in series with a consumer at such a polarity that its voltage is added to that of the power source. In one embodiment, the capacitor is switched across the power source until it is charged and then it is connected in series with the consumer at such a polarity that its positive pole is grounded while the negative pole is connected to the consumer. In another embodiment, the capacitor is first charged through the electromagnetic consumer and then it is connected with its positive pole to ground and with its negative pole to the consumer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a current regulator for an electromagnetic load used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. The regulator produces positive and/or negative currents flowing through an electromagnetic load. In this arrangement, the two potentials present at a precision resistor that is connected in series with the load are adjusted to freely selectable values. To obtain both positive and negative currents, the current defined by the voltage drop occurring along the precision resistor is provided by a bridge circuit made up of four current-controlling arrangements. Allowance can be made for particular operating conditions of the current regulator simply by presetting desired values.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for regulating the idling rpm in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus has a PI regulator which has an insensitivity control circuit associated with it. Minimum and maximum value limiting circuits are furthermore provided, their thresholds being dependent on operating characteristics. Finally, a D element circuit cooperates with the PI regulator. The D element is subject to a threshold, and it comes into effect only when the rpm is dropping, its function being such as to steepen the I component of the PI regulator.

Abstract: A control device is proposed for an electromagnetic engine valve or an electromagnetic final control element. The control device operates with closed-loop current control, and the maximum current is ascertained via a measuring resistor located in series with a switching transistor, while the free-running circuit is controlled in accordance with time. This control in accordance with time is effected via a comparator having dynamic positive feedback and acting as a comparison stage. The free-running control circuit includes a diode for protective purposes switched parallel to a transistor.

Abstract: A universal motor is energized by a speed setting circuit during one half wave and a speed control circuit during the next half wave of each cycle of an AC supply. The speed setting and speed control circuits each have a separate timing circuit including a capacitor. There is thus no residual charge on the capacitor of the speed setting circuit remaining from the operation of the speed control circuit during the preceding half wave. The residual charge prevented the setting of low motor speeds in the known systems. The speed control circuit includes a storage capacitor transformer coupled to the motor so that its initial charge corresponds to the current through the motor during the preceding half wave. The charge is transferred to a second capacitor. When the voltage across the second capacitor reaches a predetermined threshold valve, a switch in the speed control circuit becomes conductive and current flows through the motor.

Abstract: A first thyristor, under control of a speed setting provided in an RC circuit varies the phase duration of current supply to the motor during positive halfwaves of the a c supply, and a second thyristor controlled in accordance with the motor current provided through the first thyristor determines the phase angle during which current flows through the motor in the negative halfwave of the voltage supply, so as to maintain the speed at the set value under varying conditions of load. During positive halfwaves, a capacitor is charged to a voltage corresponding to the amount of current flow through the motor and during the following negative halfwave, the charge is increased at a rate set by an RC circuit, resulting in turning on the second thyristor early under heavy load conditions, and late under light load conditions, and indeed not at all under idling conditions.