Abstract: A touch switching apparatus includes: a switching unit for evenly illuminating on a touch unit manipulated by a user among touch units with marks; and a driving circuit for driving the switching unit when detecting the manipulation.

Abstract: A micro-miniature switch apparatus (10) includes a substrate (12) having a surface (14) with first and second channels (16, 18) extending from the surface (14) into the substrate (12). The first and second channels (16, 18) are spaced apart from each other, with a channel axis (20) extending longitudinally through the first and second channels (16, 18). A body (68) that is movable relative to the substrate (12) includes two arms (70, 72). Each of the arms (70, 72) extends into one of the first and second channels (16, 18) to support the body (68) for movement relative to the substrate (12) between first and second electrical conditions of the switch apparatus (10).

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment provides a circuit arrangement for a sensor element of a contact switch, in which a high frequency control signal (13) is applied to the sensor element (15). The circuit arrangement (11) has a signal source (12) for the control signal (13), a transistor (T), to whose base (B) is applied across a pass filter (R1, C1) and a voltage divider (C1, 15) the control signal (13), a resistor (R2) applied to ground (18) ensuring a certain base current, the transistor collector (C), to which the output signal (17) is applied, is connected to ground across a capacitor (C2), whilst between the transistor base (B) and ground is located a capacitive sensor element (15). A preferred application field of the invention is a touch contact switch of a glass ceramic hotplate of an electric cooker.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling AC supply switches is disclosed, in which the AC supply is switched between a lamp load (1) by means of a power triac (2) and a circuit which converts the AC supply voltage to a DC voltage by using a bridge circuit and a voltage limiting circuit for powering auxiliary control circuits. A triggering circuit which actuates power triac (2) in response to a switch control signal (21) comprises an opto-coupled triac driver (14). The apparatus can also be adapted to perform AC supply switching for multiple lamp loads.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated computer module adapted for removable insertion into a docking bay in a host assembly wherein such module includes an enclosure, a main printed circuit board assembly, a module connector for connection to a host connector, a disk drive, and a locking mechanism for automatically engaging a projecting member in the docking bay to secure the module therein to prevent loss of data due to a surprise removal of the module. The preferred locking mechanism involves a solenoid and a latch plate with a downwardly-opening notch that engages a recess on the projecting member. The preferred locking mechanism is biased closed such that the locking mechanism locks the module in by default and must be energized for removal.

Abstract: A switch operation processing apparatus for use with a manually operable switch and a controlled device, for controlling the controlled device depending on switch operation of the manually operable switch. The apparatus detects any occurrence of switch operation of the manually operable switch, determines when a predefined temporal pattern of switch operation of the manually operable switch occurs and controls the controlled device depending on the determination. The apparatus may reduce or eliminate any inconvenience which otherwise could be caused by an unintentional, inadvertent operation of the manually operable switch made by the operator, Also, the apparatus may achieve bidirectional adjustment of a controlled device through manual operation of a simple electric switch, such as a push button switch.

Abstract: A switch status sensor is provided for counting on/off events of a switch of a water meter. When an on/off event is detected by a microcontroller, the microcontroller supplies a “signature” signal, which is distinguishable from electromagnetic noise, to the switch. If this “signature” signal is detected as having passed through the switch by the microcontroller, then it can be confirmed that the switch is closed. Alternatively, if the “signature” signal is not detected as having passed through the switch by the microcontroller, then it is verified that the switch is open. Thus, the switch status sensor can distinguish between false switch events caused by electromagnetic noise and true on/off events of the switch.

Abstract: Methods for designing a programmable interconnect matrix having reduced connectivity to achieve maximum routability for the reduced connectivity. An array of multiplexors, each having a multiplexor width wmux that is less than number of input conductors for the programmable matrix, are coupled to the input conductors of the programmable interconnect matrix such that the number of input signals shared between any two multiplexors is less than the multiplexor width wmux and such that each input signal has approximately the same number of chances to route. To better ensure the successful routing of input signals by a programmable interconnect matrix designed according to the present methods, improved routing methods are also described. According to a first embodiment, routing is accomplished by swapping successfully routed input signals with a blocked input signal and determining whether the input signal that has been swapped out may be routed through available multiplexors.

Abstract: A method of verifying an addition of a slave controller to a master controller of more than one area sensor, including an electrical mechanism which determines if a slave controller is present, or detects whether a cover having a projection or a shorting circuit is mechanically attached to the master controller if no slave controller is present, the presence of the cover indicating that no slave controller is added, and if neither the slave controller nor the cover is detected, an abnormality is indicated.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit for deterministically measuring one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, response time, gain, or overshoot, of a process control device that is connected in a process control loop during operation of a process includes a switch controller, a signal generator, a switch, a response accumulator mechanism, and an analyzer mechanism. The switch controller monitors a process signal during operation of the process to determine whether the process signal is substantially stable. In the event that the process signal is substantially stable, the switch replaces a control signal with a diagnostic test signal generated by the signal generator. The response accumulator is in communication with the process control loop to obtain an indication of the response of the process control device to the diagnostic test signal. The analyzer unit then determines the device parameter from the test signal and the response indication.

Abstract: A computer, or other electrical component, having an electrical switch adapted to open when the cover of the chassis of the component covers the chassis and close when the cover is removed from the chassis. A mechanism is provided that turns on, and stays turned on, in response to the closing of the switch for providing an output. An indication device is connected to the mechanism and is adapted to provide a corresponding indication when the mechanism turns on.

Abstract: An electronic system 8 is disclosed herein. The system includes circuitry 10 for processing a signal and a plurality of antennas 12a-12b. A plurality of switches 22a-22b are also included. Each of the switches 22a-22b is coupled between the processing circuitry 10 and a corresponding one of the antennas 12a-12b. Each of the switches 22a-22b includes first and second power MOSFETs where the source of the first MOSFET is coupled to the source of the second MOSFET. The system further includes circuitry 28 for selecting of one of the plurality of switches 22a-22b to be on.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for an electronic equipment security and recovery system in which the disconnection of electrical power and subsequent movement of the equipment automatically renders the equipment inoperative. Upon obtaining the equipment from the manufacturer, and connecting it to a source of power, the owner inputs a security code into a microprocessor incorporated in the equipment, and enrolls in a security system maintained by a database provider, giving at that time the serial number designation of the equipment, the security code, and appropriate owner identification information. If the equipment were to be stolen--or simply sold or given away--, the removal of the equipment from the power source is sensed, and the equipment rendered inoperative. If the security code is not re-inputted, the then possessor of the equipment usually brings it to a servicing repair facility where, with manufacturer instructions, the serial number designation can be retrieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and treating tissue transmit an electrical energy pulse that temporarily stuns a zone of tissue, temporarily rendering it electrically unresponsive. The systems and methods sense an electrophysiological effect due to the transmitted pulse. The systems and methods alter an electrophysiological property of tissue in or near the zone based, at least in part, upon the sensed electrophysiological effect. The alteration of the electrophysiological property can be accomplished, for example, by tissue ablation or by the administration of medication. In a preferred implementation, radio frequency energy is used to both temporarily stun tissue and to ablate tissue through a common electrode.

Abstract: An installed manual transfer switch is converted into an automatic transfer switch. A conversion assembly is mechanically mounted directly onto the already installed manual transfer switch. A controller is electrically coupled to the conversion assembly and automatically controls movements of the conversion assembly. The controller monitors the power supplies connected to the manual transfer switch and automatically moves the conversion assembly into different positions to change the switching arrangement of the manual transfer switch according to the monitored power supplies. The conversion assembly is mounted to the manual transfer switch without having to electrically disconnect the manual transfer switch from an electrical load center and without having to physically remove the manual transfer switch from an electrical panel box containing the manual transfer switch.

Abstract: This hybrid powered automobile has generators driven by the engine and a battery, and also includes a controller that selects the motive power in compliance with regulations on noise and NOx. The controller of the hybrid powered automobile selects whether the vehicle is to be driven by the electricity of the generators driven by the engine or by the electricity of the battery. When the battery charge level is lower than a specified level, the engine is operated in a range where the engine produces a minimum amount of NOx and the mileage does not deteriorate. When the vehicle is traveling in areas where release of exhaust emissions is permitted, the engine is operated to generate electricity to recharge the battery. The control of switching the motive power between the engine and the battery is performed by receiving a signal transmitted from a traffic light equipment elected on the road.

Abstract: Two molded case electrical switches such as circuit breakers, network protectors, disconnect switches and transfer switches, are secured together side-by-side by joining blocks having tongues extending along their sidewalls which engage undercutting grooves undercutting the irregular surfaces of the confronting sidewalls of the switch molded casings with an interference fit. Separate joining blocks for the front and rear sections of the molded casing are driven into place and retained by bolts engaging flanges on the molded casing. The poles are paralleled by external conductors in any desired configuration so that the standard switches can be used without customization.

Abstract: An electrical switch has an evacuated housing with input and output terminals each connected to a respective group of metal tracks extending parallel and insulated from one another. A second silicon plate is cut to form several bridging elements, each having a metal layer on its upper and lower surface. Each bridging element extends transversely above tracks connected to different ones of the terminals. The housing is closed by a silicon cap having actuating tracks extending above the bridging elements, which form an electrostatic actuator with the metal layer on the upper surface of the bridging elements. When a voltage is applied to the electrostatic actuator, the bridging elements are driven down so that they contact tracks connected to different ones of the terminals and allow current to flow between them.

Abstract: A computer, or electronic device, according to which two fans are mounted on a mounting member which, in turn, is mounted to a wall of the chassis of the computer or component so that the fans establish an air flow in the chassis in a predetermined direction. The fans are mounted to the mounting member, and the mounting member is mounted to the wall, in a manner so that the fans extend at an angle to the wall and so that the space occupied by the fans is less than the space that the fans would occupy when mounted in a side-by-side relation and parallel to the wall. The fans are also positioned so that, if one fails, the other will cool the components normally cooled by the failed fan.

Abstract: An electronic switch with a switching element of the type of a semiconductor switch with the mode of operation of at least one FET, so that due to the technology it also has an internal body diode in inverse operation. A control circuit for executing the operating commands is set up so that gate in inverse operation receives such a voltage that the body diode is still currentless. In addition, a functional unit of the control circuit is set up to cause the switching element to assume the ON conducting state as a function of a commutation voltage or a commutation current, i.e., in inverse operation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probabilistic switch using multiplicative noise, which can be used in a probabilistic computer is disclosed. The probabilistic switch, in which the probability varies with the initial condition and multiplicative noise intensity, is realized by applying the multiplicative noise whose intensity varies with the state of a nonlinear device to the nonlinear device. When the switch is applied to a probabilistic computer, a complicated problem can be solved rapidly in shorter time.

Abstract: A switch has a housing defining a closed cavity having opposite, first and second walls. A first control electrode is on the first wall. A first contact electrode is on one of the first and second walls. A diaphragm electrode is across the cavity and spaced from the first contact electrode, the diaphragm electrode being responsive to electric potential relative to the first control electrode for flexing across the space and into contact with the first contact electrode, whereby to close the switch.

Abstract: The invention concerns an integrated circuit comprising a resonant circuit (L,20) for receiving by electromagnetic induction an alternating voltage (V.sub.ac), the resonant circuit comprising at least one capacitance (C1-Ci) switchable by means of a programmed switch (11), the switch comprising a circuit breaker (7), a memory cell (6) and a circuit (31, 32, 33, 42) for controlling the circuit beaker (7), the control circuit being supplied by the alternating voltage (V.sub.ac) and arranged for opening or closing the circuit breaker (7) depending on the programming or the erasing status of the memory cell (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring at least one sensor which has at least two terminals comprises first switching means and switchable means. A voltage can be applied to the first terminal of the sensor by actuation of the first switching means and a current can be established through the sensor by actuation of the first switching means and the switchable means. The apparatus also includes an analysis circuit with which at least peak voltage values can be determined from the signals generated by the sensor and conveyed to a calculation unit. Also connected to the sensor is a voltage divider which generates a signal which is also conveyed to the calculation unit. As a function of the actuation of the first switching means and switchable means, it is possible in the calculation unit, based on the peak voltage values conveyed to it, to identify a first faulty behavior of the sensor and to determine the resistance of the sensor.

Abstract: A switch lever of an electrical switch can be moved into various switch positions. A ferrite core is disposed at the switch end of the switch lever. A primary coil and a secondary coil are disposed about each switch setting. The primary coil induces a voltage in each secondary coil. The amplitude of the induced voltage is greatest in the secondary coil in the vicinity of which the ferrite core is situated. The actually adopted switch position can be determined from the difference in the voltages.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical switch having a beam cantilevered from a switch base, a first control electrode, having no path to ground, in contact with the fixed end of the cantilevered beam and a second control electrode, also having no path to ground, mounted to the switch base underneath the cantilevered beam, but not in contact therewith. A contact electrode is located underneath the free end of the cantilevered beam. The first and second control electrodes are manipulated to actively effect both the ON and OFF states of the microelectromechanical switch by forcing the beam in and out of contact with the contact electrode.

Abstract: A connection device for switching electrical signals includes primary offtakes with multiple contacts with at least on pair of conductors carrying an incoming signal leading to each of these; a multiple incoming plug or point fitted with an equivalent number of contact terminals to the conductors carrying a signal, which are connected to the terminals; a multiple outgoing plug or point connected to the incoming multiple plug or point; the same number of outgoing conductors as there are contact terminals on the outgoing plug or point forming pairs each carrying an outgoing signal; secondary offtakes with multiple contacts with at least one pair of outgoing conductors carrying an outgoing signal leading to each of these devices for selective, revisable connection of pairs of terminals on the incoming plug or point to pairs of contacts on the primary offtakes and pairs of terminals on the outgoing plug or point with pairs of contacts on the secondary offtakes.

Abstract: A switch (10) utilizes an infrared detector (22) that can be operated by existing wireless television or stereo remote control transmitters. Output from a triac (14) of a switch (10) to a load (11) can be varied remotely. In addition, a variety of load (11) types and ratings can be controlled.

Abstract: Switching systems are provided for fail-secure and fail-safe solenoid operated locks, and are designed to maintain the solenoid cool during activation during normal operation when the solenoid is continuously supplied with current. The switching system comprises a dual action switch with electrical contacts providing for momentary high electric power during initial activation of the solenoid operated lock, and also providing a low power continuous current to maintain the solenoid cool during continuous activation. The switching system comprises a push-on, push-off switch, and a normally-open switch connected in series with a transformer and the solenoid operated lock, to provide a high electrical power to the solenoid when both switches are closed.

Abstract: An electrical system, or a trigger circuit for use in connection with an electrical system, is disclosed. The electrical system includes a circuit element responsive to applied current, a power source for providing current to the circuit element, a substrate, and a substantially clear conductive composition arranged on or in associatin with the substrate for providing an electrical current path between the power source and the responsive circuit element.

Abstract: A high-current fusible switch includes a nonconductive base, a nonconductive removable top, a plurality of conductive fuse clips, and a fuse having blade-type terminals. The fuse clips are fixedly mounted within the base. The fuse is retained within the top. Switching is accomplished by inserting or removing the top so that the fuse completes or breaks the circuit to which the switch is connected. The switch is connected to the circuit directly at the fuse clips so that a compact design is achieved that eliminates undesirable multiple electrical contacts.

Abstract: Switching apparatus for automatically interconnecting a first unit with a second unit, the apparatus having a first input/output assembly connected to the first unit and a second input/output assembly connected to the second unit, and including both at least one switch card each provided with at least one switch element, and a control unit for the card for establishing or not establishing interconnections between the first and second units as a function of determined instructions issued to said control unit, the control unit also including means for enabling the physical configuration of said switching apparatus to be input, and means suitable, once said input has been performed, for automatically interconnecting the first unit with the second unit in accordance with the instructions issued to the control unit by a user.

Abstract: A switch-off device for airport series circuits (2) has input terminals (3, 4) which are connected to a current source (1). It also has output terminals (5, 6) which are connected to a series circuit (2) and connecting elements (7, 8) by means of which the input terminals (3, 4) and the output terminals (5, 6) can be connected to one another. The switch-off device has an actuator (11) for the purpose of simplifying operation and permitting a plurality of different, clearly visible operating states. In a normal position, the actuator positions the connecting elements (7, 8) such that each input terminal (3, 4) is connected to an output terminal (5, 6). In a service position, it positions the connecting elements (7, 8) so that the input terminals (3, 4) are disconnected from the output terminals (5, 6) and are connected to a grounding terminal (9), while the output terminals (5, 6) are connected to one another and to the grounding terminal (9).

Abstract: An improved motor driven switch is provided. A control system employs the improved motor-driven switch in series with a battery to disconnect the battery from a load when the energy level of the battery drops to a predetermined level. The system comprises an overdrive circuit to ensure that the motor drives a gear train to sufficiently close a gap between a movable switch plate and contact plates in a switch-closed position to reduce switch contact resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an internal supply voltage for a semiconductor integrated circuit, includes a first voltage generator which generates a voltage in response to a predetermined characteristic of the semiconductor integrated circuit, a second voltage generator which generates a second voltage from a reference voltage generator, and a selecting circuit which selects from among the first and second voltage. The selected voltage is suppled to an internal supply voltage generator which generates therefrom an internal supply voltage for the semiconductor integrated circuit. The first voltage is selected for regulating the internal supply voltage, being controlled in level according to the characteristic of the semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: A switch matrix has a set of inputs, a set of outputs, controllable switch elements and a conductor arrangement that is connected to the inputs and outputs and to the controllable switch elements. The controllable switch elements together with the conductor arrangement produce switched electrical connection paths between at least two inputs and an output. The electrical connection paths contain connecting branches that, proceeding from the at least two inputs and the output, meet at a junction point. The connecting branches connected to the at least two inputs have identical electrical lengths up to the junction point.

Abstract: A switching circuit for use in a subterranean probe for switching between to two modes of operation used to perform a survey of a well borehole. The switching circuit comprises a first voltage bias network which is biased to a predetermined overvoltage criterion; a second voltage bias network which is biased to a predetermined negative voltage criterion; a switch; and a negative voltage blocking diode for blocking the predetermined negative voltage criterion for allowing the first voltage bias network to fully realize the negative voltage criterion.

Abstract: Methods for designing a programmable interconnect matrix having reduced connectivity to achieve maximum routability for the reduced connectivity. An array of multiplexors, each having a multiplexor width w.sub.mux that is less than number of input conductors for the programmable matrix, are coupled to the input conductors of the programmable interconnect matrix such that the number of input signals shared between any two multiplexors is less than the multiplexor width w.sub.mux and such that each input signal has approximately the same number of chances to route. To better ensure the successful routing of input signals by a programmable interconnect matrix designed according to the present methods, improved routing methods are also described. According to a first embodiment, routing is accomplished by swapping successfully routed input signals with a blocked input signal and determining whether the input signal that has been swapped out may be routed through available multiplexors.

Abstract: A communication and coding system for controlling at least one electrical actuator, and thus a respective electrical load, by at least one remote command device, via a single conductor which directly connects together the output of the remote command device and specific command inputs of the actuator. This ensures high versatility of controllable electrical and/or electronic functions, while at the same time allowing various remote command devices of different types to be connected to one and the same conductor and to a single actuator.

Abstract: A circuit for the controlled recycle without oscillation of a discharge current from an inductive load. The circuit comprises an active element connected, in series with the inductive load, between first and second power supply terminals, and having a control terminal to which a driver circuit is connected. The circuit further includes a recycling regulating circuitry connected to a connection node between the active element and the inductive load, and sensitive to a voltage threshold at the connection node to generate, depending on attainment of that threshold, a power-on signal for application to the control terminal effective to start up recycling of the discharge current through the active element. The circuit further comprises a control circuit for controlling the voltage oscillation at the connection node at the end of the recycling.

Abstract: A switching method for producing a switching signal on reaching a switching condition, an evaluation circuit being supplied successively in time with a sequence of measurements which each comprise at least two bits, the measurements being checked for the switching condition in accordance with their time sequence, and the switching signal being produced as soon as the switching condition is reached for the first time. The two most significant bits of each measurement, are compared with one another and with the two most significant bits of the immediately preceding measurement, and in that the switching condition is changed when the two most significant bits of the respective measurement have the same value and when the two most significant bits of each measurement both differ from the two most significant bits of the immediately preceding measurement.

Abstract: A switchable electrical connector for automatically terminating signals in distribution equipment is provided, particularly in the form of a tap housing containing the F-port connector which when installed in a CATV system, is switchable to selectively supply RF with power to customers who subscribe to telephone service; and to provide only RF (5Hz-1GHz) to customers who subscribe only to cable television service.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling power supply to aircraft electronic systems based on ambient environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a monitor for detecting an environmental condition, a power supply for providing power, a circuit which receives power from the power supply, and a switch coupled to the monitor. Upon detection of the environmental condition, the switch connects the power supply to the circuit, otherwise the switch disconnects the circuit from the power supply.

Abstract: A hot stand-by switching unit for a receiving apparatus including regular and a protection receiver comprises a branch circuit and a control circuit. The branch circuit consists of a coupler and a high-frequency switching unit. The high-frequency switching unit is controlled by the control circuit and supplies a low loss output of the coupler to the regular receiver and a high loss output of the coupler to the protection receiver. When the regular receiver breaks down, the high-frequency switching unit supplies the low loss output of the coupler to the protection receiver and the high loss output of the coupler to the regular receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronics device for use with a refrigerator/freezer for controlling the dispensing of ice cubes by an ice auger through a door flap when a cradle is pressed. The electronics device comprises a solenoid in operative connection with the door flap, and the solenoid is powerably connectable to a 120 Volt AC line power source. The electronics device also comprises a relay switch controlled by two NPN bipolar transistors in a Darlington configuration which are in parallel connection with a diode and a capacitor. The relay switch is also connected to the power source and connects the power source to the solenoid when the cradle is pressed causing the door flap to open. The power source powers the ice auger to dispense ice cubes through the door flap, and the capacitor causes the transistors to be biased on while the capacitor is charged to a voltage greater than a voltage of the diode.

Abstract: A data switch for transferring data from either actual line readings or from stored memory to the input of a relay tester. The device uses a digital switch set between the A/D converter and the CPU of an electronic relay. The switch permits technicians and engineers to either pass data to the CPU from the system through the A/D converter or, by switching, feed the CPU data from the RAM, which has been loaded with the archived data. In this way, the relay system software can be examined and tested using actual event data under ordinary conditions as desired, with relay settings changed between tests to verify the efficacy of the changed settings to perform as desired for the recorded conditions. The digital switch can be either a hard-wired element, or can be a soft switch, operated through software instructions.

Abstract: A momentary switch includes a base plate, a switch body having an operation cavity at a predetermined location is mounted on the base plate, a top push-button having a first axial hole centrally provided at a bottom portion thereof, a shuttle which is smaller in size than the operation cavity of the switch body is positioned within the operation cavity, a transport rod has a first end inserted in the first axial hole of the top push-button and a second end inserted in a second axial hole positioned a top portion of the shuttle, a spring loop around the transport rod, and four contact plate for transferring an electrical signal. The momentary switch can eliminated the bouncing problems of traditional push-button switch by providing only two terminals instead of four terminals found in the traditional push-button switch.

Abstract: A self-shutdown system for a circuit card when removed from the connector of a primary system, where the circuit card includes a local power source for providing power when primary power is not available. A dedicated sense pin on the connector of the card is grounded to the remaining ground pins when the card is plugged in but floats or is otherwise disconnected when the card is unplugged from the primary system. A ground switch circuit connected to the sense pin and the remaining ground pins asserts a shutdown signal for disabling the circuitry on the card when the ground sense pin is floating or deasserts the shutdown signal when the ground sense pin is grounded. In one embodiment, the disable mechanism is a switch circuit for disconnecting the main circuitry of the card from the local power source. In the preferred embodiment, however, a DC/DC converter receives the shutdown signal and disables the remaining circuitry when the shutdown signal is asserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching an inductive load includes a MOSFET switch and provides for limiting a voltage across the load during switching-off of the latter. One or two clamping circuits are used without zener diodes and with different, temperature-independent clamping voltages for the purpose of rapid demagnetization of the load in a constant demagnetization time.

Abstract: An electrical arrangement is disclosed for use in supplying electrical power to the units in a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises a battery, and an inverter to receive power from the battery and to generate a high frequency signal at an intermediate voltage higher than the voltage of the battery. There is a distribution network to distribute the high frequency signal to the units in the vehicle. At least some of the units supplied with electrical power are provided with step-up transformers to step-up the intermediate voltage to a higher voltage, that higher voltage being used by the units.