Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, a switching circuit for switching a power transistor is configured to control the slew rate of the switched load current in a manner that yields substantial independence from the load voltage, based on the use of a Miller-effect compensation capacitor and controllable source resistances for driving the gate or base of the power transistor. In a non-limiting example, a control circuit, such as a microcontroller, uses a set of bidirectional input/output ports to drive the transistor base or gate through a selectable combination of parallel resistors, so that the effective source resistance for transistor turn-on and turn-off is selectable by configuring different combinations of input/output settings for the set of bidirectional input/output ports. Controlling the source resistance in this manner allows the control circuit to set or otherwise control the slew rate of the load current.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, an interface circuit obviates the need for a microcontroller with multi-channel PWM capability in the context of controlling a brushless, three-phase DC motor. Instead, the interface circuit generates the requisite set of motor-phase control signals using a single PWM channel from the microcontroller. The interface circuit is implemented as a standalone integrated circuit (IC) in one embodiment, and is integrated into a pre-driver circuit in another embodiment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, an interface circuit obviates the need for a microcontroller with multi-channel PWM capability in the context of controlling a brushless, three-phase DC motor. Instead, the interface circuit generates the requisite set of motor-phase control signals using a single PWM channel from the microcontroller. The interface circuit is implemented as a standalone integrated circuit (IC) in one embodiment, and is integrated into a pre-driver circuit in another embodiment.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether or not passive entry of a vehicle is permitted, includes allocating separate channels for each authorized key FOB for the vehicle. An indication of manual entry of the vehicle is detected. Upon such detection, a challenge from a transmitter of a passive entry system is output. The challenge is received by more than one key FOB in a vicinity of the vehicle, and outputting a respective remote keyless entry response at an assigned frequency channel for each respective key FOB. The remote keyless entry responses are received at a receiver of the passive entry system, at each respective channel allocated for the respective key FOBs. A determination is then made as to whether or not any of the respective key FOBs are assigned to authorized users of the vehicle, and if so, a vehicle door is set in an unlocked state to allow entry into the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a vehicle includes a fob in the possession of a person who whishes to use the vehicle. The fob includes a fob code. A proximity sensor mounted on the vehicle is used to actuate circuitry for interrogating the fob so as to retrieve the fob code. The fob code is then matched to a vehicle code to determine whether the person possessing the fob is authorized to use the vehicle. The proximity sensor may include a capacitive sensor, and inductive sensor, or both.

Abstract: A controller for a power window actuator including a crank-handle body configured to look like a traditional automobile window crank handle, and an electronic control unit that includes at least one electrical switch positioned such that movement of the crank-handle body actuates the switch, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate a first electronic window control signal after the switch is actuated to at least one of a closed and an open position by movement of the crank-handle body to control a power window actuator to close/open a window.

Abstract: A method of making a device utilizes the step of winding a coil; disposing the coil in a predetermined position on a component which forms part of the device; connecting the ends of the coil to first and second pins by winding the ends of the coil onto the pins; and disposing the first and second pins in electrical connection with first and second connection structures formed on a PCB (printed circuit board) which is disposed in/on the component.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement for a RF (radio frequency) signal, has: printed circuit board having first and second opposed sides; a ground plane formed on the first side of the printed circuit board; a circuit disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board; and a flat, polygonal shaped spiral member disposed on the second side of the printed circuit board, the polygonal shaped spiral member a first free end a second connection end connected to the circuit, the spiral member having a plurality of straight portions which are interconnected to form a plurality of corners.

Abstract: A button-type battery unit comprising an upper housing, a battery coupled to the upper housing, a printed circuit board and a lower housing. A positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal are reflow soldered to the printed circuit board. The upper housing is coupled to the lower housing to enclose printed circuit board. The positive battery terminal and the negative battery terminal are positioned on the printed circuit board such that the upper housing moves along a single axis of translational movement when being coupled to the lower housing.

Abstract: A relay is designed to be used in a circuit where the voltage levels are high in comparison to the spacing between the contacts when open. Contact closure arcing is suppressed by actuating a MOSFET that shorts the contacts together while they open. The same MOSFET can momentarily short the contacts together just before they first begin to close, allowing a test current to be passed through the MOSFET and through the terminals connecting to both relay contacts, to insure that arc suppression will be successful; and if this test fails, then the relay can be disabled by a switch in series with the relay coil to prevent arcing and a possible fire hazard. Relay deactuation can be sensed to trigger arc suppression, and relay actuation can be sensed to initiate fail-safe testing by a circuit that responds no matter which way the relay coil is connected into the external circuit that drives it.