Abstract: A method of recognizing knocking combustion in an internal combustion engine involves sensing an ionic current in the combustion chamber and providing a corresponding ionic current signal, detecting the signal during a pertinent time window and band-pass filtering the signal for a pertinent frequency range characteristic of knocking phenomena, integrating the signal to provide a present integral value, and then comparing the present integral value to a lower knocking threshold and a higher knocking threshold. If the present integral value exceeds the lower knocking threshold but does not exceed the higher knocking threshold, the combustion is identified as a knocking combustion. If the present integral value exceeds the higher knocking threshold, the value is essentially disregarded as being implausible, and the combustion is identified either as non-knocking, or as the same combustion condition, i.e. either knocking or non-knocking, that had been determined in the previous combustion cycle.

Abstract: The method for determining the rotational speed and/or the angle of rotation of mechanically commutated d.c. motors from the variation with respect to time of the ripple of the motor current occurring during commutation is supplemented and checked by a motor state model that functions in parallel to it and is based on the electromechanical motor equations. A probable value of the actual speed is extrapolated from the motor current and the motor voltage and a permissible reference time range is determined for the next commutation. If no commutation time can be established in the reference time range, the extrapolated value is used. Otherwise, the current speed is determined precisely from the commutation time measured in the reference time range. The load-dependent motor constant for the motor state model can be preset as a fixed value or it can be adjusted to the actual speed after commutation processes have been detected.

Abstract: A tunable digital filter arrangement realizes the difference equationy[n]=.alpha..multidot.(x[n].+-.x[n-1])+(1-2.alpha.).multidot.y[n-1]and in which the limiting frequency can be tuned linearly by means of only one tuning parameter .alpha.. The tuning range is limited solely by the sampling rate and bit width of the registers and can also accept in particular very low frequencies. The filter arrangement can therefore also be used in particular for prefiltering sampled and digitized measured values of the motor current for load-dependent motor control in the extremely slow speed range. By selecting "+" as the operator ".+-.", a low-pass characteristic results; selecting "-" as the operator results in a high-pass filter. It is possible to cascade several low-pass and/or high-pass filters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the recognition of insulation defects in a circuit adapted for connection to a low-ohmic current source or sink having off-load voltage U.sub.n0, Towards this end the circuit is initially subjected, in a separated state, to a diagnostic voltage from a current limited current source or sink whose off-load voltage U.sub.h0 corresponds to exceeds or, respectively, is less than the voltage U.sub.n0. A decision is made as to the presence or absence of an insulation defect based on the current and/or voltage dependence during application of the diagnostic voltage. Finally, in the event that a defect is present, an error message is issued and the low-ohmic current source or sink is not connected to the circuit for self-diagnosis. Otherwise, the low-ohmic current source is connected to the circuit, or the sink, in sequential fashion for self-diagnosis testing. In this fashion even hidden insulation defects are recognized.

Abstract: In a method of labeling housings of electronic assemblies, and especially electronic assemblies used in motor vehicle systems, at least some of the identifying indicia are applied directly as a deformation on or in the outer surface of a wall of the housing. The identifying indicia can be formed by laser etching of the housing surface, stamping of the housing surface, or forming the identifying indicia directly in the injection or casting mold used for molding the housing. The security and reliability of the labeling is improved because the identifying indicia cannot become detached from the housing as in the case when all of the identifying indicia are provided on a separate label plate or sticker. Additional identifying indicia, such as an optically scannable bar code, are printed on an adhesive label including a peel-off strip, and the adhesive label is affixed onto the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A plug-and-socket connector having a conductor track structure provided with electrical components, and a method of producing the same.Known plug-and-socket connectors in which a conductor track structure is formed from a metal band can only be embodied with a space-saving design at high cost, and nevertheless have a large structural height. It is very costly to provide such a plug-and-socket connector with components for realizing electrical functions. A design that saves more space, and a smaller structural height, are possible with a plug-and-socket connector having a conductor track structure that is planar and has a window-shaped opening, which is adjoined perpendicularly in one direction by a plug region that receives both the first plug and the second plug inserted from the opposite direction through the window-shaped opening of the conductor track structure.

Abstract: A plastic housing with a sleeve-shaped metal insert has a mounting side for attachment to a mounting side of a metal carrier body by a connector element. The plastic housing has a mounting flange defining an opening and a top edge of the flange. The sleeve-shaped metal insert is arranged in the opening of the mounting flange, and has a top edge extending over the top edge of the mounting flange and an opening therethrough. The plastic housing has projecting plastic material on the mounting side of the mounting flange which provides a spacing between the sleeve-shaped metal insert and the metal carrier body by enclosing in the shape of a ring the lower edge of the opening in the mounting flange. The projecting plastic material insulates the sleeve-shaped metal insert from the metal carrier body and provides a seal against the effects of moisture.

Abstract: A system for measuring acceleration in three axes comprises four individual sensors arranged in a rectangle on a common substrate with each having one main sensitivity axis. Each individual sensor has a seismic mass in the form of a cantilevered paddle connected by a bending beam to an outer frame and having a center of gravity. Each beam is arranged parallel to the substrate surface and each contains means for measuring the bending that occurs when acceleration forces act upon the system. The actual acceleration occurring on each axis can then be determined as a function of the error angle formed between the sensitivity axis and the normal to the substrate surface.

Abstract: The friction clutch between the engine and an automated transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle are operated and controlled by an actuator which effects changes in the extent of engagement of the clutch as well as the selection of and shifting into particular gears. The actuator forms part of a unit which receives a pressurized hydraulic fluid from a source including an accumulator and a proportional valve which latter selects the fluid pressure necessary to shift the transmission into a selected gear.

Abstract: Acceleration measurement device comprising a housing (1), an acceleration sensor unit (6) and a carrier (2) defining a location for the acceleration sensor unit (6). The carrier comprises connecting legs (3) in order to produce at least one mounting plane (18, 20) for the housing (1), wherein the location plane (20) is placed at any angle (Alpha) to the mounting plane (18, 19).

Abstract: The invention describes a process for triggering a passive safety device for vehicle occupants inside a vehicle, in particular airbags, pretensioning systems, buckle switches, and roll-over bars, where--by means of electric sensors, an evaluation circuit evaluating the acceleration signals of these sensors, and a triggering agent--an activation of these triggering agents is effected if the acceleration signals indicate a vehicle condition which may be potentially hazardaous for the vehicle occupants. According to the invention, the sensor signals will first be quantified, followed by detection of those signals that indicate simultaneously an impact direction against the direction of vehicle travel. At the same time that such sensor signals are detected, a linearly increasing crash signal as well as a trigger threshold increasing with the clock pulse are generated. If the crash signal reaches this dynamic trigger threshold, the trigger agents will be activated.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication on a monocrystal silicon substrate of epitaxial layers of a III-V nitride compound semi-conductor having the structure In.sub.x Al.sub.y Ga.sub.1-x-y N (0.ltoreq.x, 0.ltoreq.y, x+y.ltoreq.1). The process consists of the following steps. A parcel-like structure is created on the surface of a monocrystal silicon substrate. The silicon surface within the parcels is uncovered and the edges of the parcels are covered by a masking material. By means of epitaxial growth of the nitride compound semiconductor exclusively within the parcels on the silicon surface, local islands are created on whose edges the dislocations generated by the lattice mismatches are able to break down. Finally, components are fabricated in and on the parcels.

Abstract: Process and circuit layout for using an independent capacitor for the momentary retention of an output voltage when an input voltage is lost. To facilitate a reduction in capacitance in independent circuits of this type at a constant amount of charge, the input voltage is transformed by a DC/DC up converter to a higher capacitor voltage, which is stored in the independent capacitor and the capacitor voltage is transformed by a DC/DC down converter to the output voltage for the load element, which is less than the capacitor voltage. As the DC/DC down converter can utilize capacitor voltages until the output voltage is reached, the residual voltage remaining in the independent capacitor (C) is no longer used. The independent time interval is correspondingly short. According to the invention, the capacitor is disconnected from the output of the DC/DC up-converter and connected to its input when the input voltage is less than a reference voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing pressure compensation openings in components in particular of a motor vehicle control unit. Previously, pressure compensation openings were sealed in the interior of the housing by a watertight and gas-permeable material affixed by adhesion. In accordance with the invention, the opening is sealed from the outside with a two-layered material where a wide-area first layer consists of a material that can be inscribed and a second layer, which can also be provided over just a part of the total area, is a watertight and gas-permeable membrane. At those places where pressure compensation occurs, the first layer is removed so that only the membrane acts. The first layer can be used here as a label. Advantages offered by this device are that the housing and the membrane are joined over a much larger area, the process can be monitored, and one process step is saved.

Abstract: A process for controlling the closing movement of closing mechanisms with at least one electromotive part includes the following features to guarantee squeeze protection: the measured values of at least one motor performance characteristic which characterizes the load on the electric motor, are continuously recorded and evaluated, a continuously adapted tripping threshold defining a squeezing incident is specified for each motor performance characteristic, the measured values of each motor performance characteristic are compared with each tripping threshold and, if the tripping threshold is exceeded by at least one measured value, a defined reaction is initiated from the closing mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for the cylinder-selective control of combustion processes in diesel engines. In this case, a measuring device with associated processing unit is used to detect the rotational crankshaft angle and to determine the instantaneous rotational crankshaft speed. A control device determines suitable parameters from the rotational crankshaft speed, which parameters permit a cylinder-selective equalizing or a defined unequalizing of the mean pressures in various operating ranges of the internal combustion engine, thereby minimizing the effects of component differences in the fuel feed system and the combustion system on the combustion process.

Abstract: A fluid-operated regulating apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, particularly to control the operation of a consumer, such as a clutch which transmits torque between an engine and a transmission in the power train of a vehicle as a function of one or more parameters, comprises at least one pump which supplies a flow of pressurized hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to the consumer by way of a valve controlled by an electronic unit which receives signals from a plurality of sensors. The signals which the electronic unit transmits to the valve are dependent upon at least one variable parameter which is generated by a plurality of components. One of these components is modulated or modulatable at a first frequency, and another of these components is modulated or modulatable at a second frequency which can be higher or lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: A process used to trigger a passive occupant protection system for motor vehicles where at least one electric ignition agent for a safety device protecting one person in the event of a hazardous impact, in particular an airbag or a belt tensioner, is provided with ignition energy by a trigger current which--in the event of a functional failure occurring in the on-board electric system of the motor vehicle--is generated as the discharge current of an autarchic capacitor. According to the invention, this autarchic capacitor simultaneously provides the trigger currents for multiple ignition agents--in particular squibs used for airbags--, with the respective trigger current of each ignition agent being pulse-width modulated such that the ignition energy required for the respective ignition agent is preset by the pulse-to-pause ratio of the trigger current.

Abstract: In the case of a data transmission system for the exchange of digital data between a central processor unit and several peripheral control modules which are connected to the former by a bus system such that communication is enabled and which are provided for the purpose of activating one each, respectively, out of several safety devices such as airbags or belt tensioning systems, or similar devices, in a motor vehicle, and wherein these peripheral control modules are each provided with one buffer capacitor whose energy content is sufficient for operating the respective module, and the device driven by this module, within specifications over a limited period of time, the bus system is designed as a single wire system for the purpose of achieving a simple setup and reducing installation and fitting costs. In this single wire system the control modules are supplied with electrical operating energy, and digital data are transmintted, by the same line sections.

Abstract: A method of testing a large number of products in which every product to be tested is subjected to at least one test mode that is carried out in a test sequence successively on all products by means of a test operation comprising several successively performed measurement operations, where statistical information on the test operation of products already tested is allowed for and where a test result is allocated for every product tested. In every test mode the order of the measurement operations of a test operation is specified such that the measurement operations are arranged in accordance with their fault frequency per measurement time and the functional dependencies between the measurement operations. Every test operation within the test sequence of a test mode is allocated a measurement mode which has a certain quantity of measurement operations to be performed and which is specified in accordance with the quantity and the products already tested in a test sequence.