Abstract: For controlling a multi-stage load with pulsewidth modulation (PWM), the individual stages have normally separately applied thereto load currents which are clocked in a phase-shifted mode so as to avoid load peaks. An output stage for PWM control of a load stage with a delay circuit which, in addition to the load current modulated by a PWM input signal, supplies a PWM output signal that is delayed by a predetermined fraction of the period duration relative to the PWM input signal. The output stage can especially be realized by integrating the delay circuit together with the actual power semiconductor switch and an associated monitoring and control circuit in a single component. By cascading such output stages, a controller for phase-shifted PWM control of multi-stage loads, which is independent of a precise time base, can be realized in a simple manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical system, comprising a generator, a battery, a high-capacity capacitor and a power distributor for controllably supplying energy to individual load circuits of the motor vehicle. The generator, the battery and the high-capacity capacitor are connected in parallel. The electrical connection line between the battery and the power distributor has a cross-section of less than 10 mm2 if the line is less than 2 m long while having a cross-section of less than 40 mm2 if the line is more than 2 m long.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic battery safety switch which facilitates a reliable and reversible disconnection of the motor vehicle on-board network from the battery. For this purpose an electronic solid-state switch is used which facilitates an unlimited number of switching cycles. The solid-state switch electrically disconnects the motor vehicle on-board network and the battery with the application of a crash signal or an overcurrent signal or when the ignition is switched off. With a parked vehicle an impermissibly high idle current and a discharge of the battery can be reliably prevented in an effective and simple manner. If the current flows from the on-board network in the direction of the battery, then the solid-state switch is switched actively conducting. Thus, damage to the switch in the inverse mode can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical system, comprising a generator, a battery, a starter and a high-capacity capacitor for storing electric energy for the starting process of a motor vehicle engine. The electrical system further comprises a voltage transformer and an interrupter which are connected in parallel between the capacitor and the battery and are controlled for preparing a starting process of the motor vehicle engine in such a way that the voltage transformer transforms the voltage of the battery into a larger voltage and the interrupter interrupts the electrical connection between the battery and the capacitor.