Abstract: This invention aims at suppressing a parasitic transistor operation of a vertical MOS device at the time of application of a noise current and improving the limitations of withstanding against destruction of the device. P base layers 3 constituting each unit cell of an n-channel DMOS device are partially connected by p extraction regions between the unit cells so as to short-circuit the p base layers to source electrodes 9 in regions Z2 through the extraction regions. Accordingly, an applied noise branches to a conventional path extending from a region Z1 to the source electrodes 9 through an n source layer 5 and a path extending from +regions Z2 to the source electrodes 9 through the p extraction regions 4. Since the p regions form one continuous region throughout the device as a whole, a local potential rise of the p base layer can be limited. Accordingly, the parasitic transistor operation can be suppressed and a breakdown voltage of the device can be improved.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit stores a minimum calculable speed of a wheel speed. The minimum calculable speed is a wheel speed first calculated by ECU based on output signals of speed sensors after the vehicle starts traveling. The minimum calculable speed is compared with a predetermined speed value as a permissible speed. The permissible speed is a reference value for determining whether the vehicle control is to be executed or not. If the minimum calculable speed is higher than the predetermined speed value, the minimum calculable speed is set as the permissible speed. A calculated vehicle body speed or a calculated wheel speed is compared with the permissible speed. If the vehicle body speed or the wheel speed is higher than the permissible speed, the vehicle control is executed normally, estimating the calculated vehicle body speed or the calculated wheel speed being correct. Therefore, the vehicle control unit can accurately control a specific control target even during low speed travel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator has two sets of exciting coils and movable cores and a rod having an end secured to the first movable core. The other end of the rod extends slidably through the second movable core which is connected to a valve member cooperative with a valve seat to control a fluid flow therethrough. A first spring biases the rod and the first movable core away from the valve member, whereas a second spring biases the valve member and the second movable core away from the rod. The arrangement is such that the valve member is positioned at a first position in contact with the valve seat when the first coil is energized, such that the valve member is positioned at a second position remote from the valve seat when the second coil is energized and such that the valve member is positioned at a third position between the first and second positions when both coils are deenergized.