Abstract: A method for vertical removal of excess solder from a circuit substrate includes the use of a sacrificial circuit substrate with a plurality of pads and vias that are solder-wettable. The pads and vias of the sacrificial circuit substrate are placed in vertical proximity to the excess solder of the circuit substrate. The excess solder is heated until it is liquid, wherein the excess solder is wicked vertically onto the pads and into the vias of the sacrificial circuit substrate. Thereafter, the sacrificial circuit substrate is lifted from the proximity of the circuit substrate while the solder is in a liquid, taking the excess solder with it but leaving a predetermined amount on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a halogen lamp. A driving circuit is provided that is operable near a series resonance frequency. The driving circuit is coupled to the lamp in a series configuration. During startup, the circuit is driven above resonance. After the lamp has warmed up, the circuit is driven substantially at resonance. A controller is coupled to the driving circuit. The controller is operable to control the frequency of operation of the driving circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current by a single sensor for two motor phases driven by first and second set of switches to drive respective first and second phases of a motor under control of PWM signals. A first step 100 includes reading a duty cycle of each winding drive current. A next step configures 104, 110, 114, 116, 118 the PWM signals to provide at least one timing window wherein at least of one of the windings of the motor is being driven while the other winding is not being driven, and to provide a relative timing offset of approximately one-half cycle between the pulse width modulation signals driving a first winding and a second winding of the motor. A next step 90 includes gating the switches with the configured PWM signals. A next step 95 includes sampling the current of the at least one of the windings with a single sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating parameters in a switch fabric network (22) of a vehicle (20). The network (22) has a plurality of nodes (24) that are interconnected by communication links for the transmission of data packets there between. Events in the vehicle (20) may be handled in connection with a vehicle parameter. One example of a vehicle parameter that may be used in the vehicle is the rotation of a crank shaft in the vehicle. An application uses that information to make a determination whether change a setting of a device in the vehicle (20). If so, the application generates a command data packet and transmits the command data packet over the switch fabric network (22). The command data packet transmitted by the application includes the new setting for the device along with a value of the vehicle parameter when the new setting should occur in the device.

Abstract: A vehicle accesses a configuration database to determine whether a reconfiguration function is authorized. The reconfiguration function may involve, for example, installing the component in the vehicle, removing the component from the vehicle, replacing the component with another component in the vehicle, replacing another component in the vehicle with the component, modifying the component, upgrading the component and rendering the component operable. Upon determining that the reconfiguration function is authorized, the vehicle allows the reconfiguration function to be performed. The reconfiguration function may be authorized based on a type of the vehicle, a type of the component or a combination of configuration elements in a current configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: An independent, broadcast medium (32) is used to communicate an time reference to each element: switch element (36), active element (14-20) or passive element, of an in-vehicle network (30). Each element (36) in the network accepts the time information, i.e., a time reference from the source. The time reference is then used by each element (36) to adjust an internal clock of the element. Commands may then be sent to the elements to occur at a particular time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an adhesive assembly for securing a printed circuit board to a substrate. The assembly provides a printing tool with a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. Preferably, the apertures have a top opening with a larger area than a bottom opening. The printing tool is placed upon one of the printed circuit board and/or substrate, and a liquid adhesive is printed onto the printing tool. The liquid adhesive forms islands of adhesive within each aperture. Removing the printing tool deforms each island to form a raised edge at a periphery of each island. A temporary liner can be placed on the raised edges to protect the adhesive until the printed circuit board can be assembled with the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for classifying a driver's activity state use sensor data relating to at least one vehicle operating condition to determine driver activity and classify into one of at least two states. A two state classifier (200) uses inputs related to vehicle monitors (210), driving conditions (212), driver activity (214), vehicle controls (216), and driver identification (218) to set an output (204) to a status corresponding to “maneuver” and “non-maneuver.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a tire pressure sensor assembly that includes a battery and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured with electronics to measure tire pressure and to transmit an electromagnetic signal related to the measured tire pressure. The PCB and battery are contained in a housing that allows the PCB and the battery to be angularly oriented with respect to each other. Such orientation permits the sensor to conform to the curved surface of the rim. An embodiment of the disclosed tire pressure sensor assembly is adapted to fasten to a valve stem via a metal terminal. The attachment configuration permits the valve stem assembly to deform as the valve stem is installed in a rim and also allows the valve stem to function as a portion of the antenna structure to facilitate transmitting the RF signal to a receiver.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor assembly including a valve stem that can be preassembled and snap installed into a tire rim is disclosed. The tire pressure sensor assembly includes a valve stem and a printed circuit board configured with electronics for sensing tire pressure and transmitting radio frequency data related to tire pressure. The circuit board is rigidly connected to the valve stem. The valve stem and the electronics are contained in a unitary, integrated housing that is deformable to allow the valve stem portion of the assembly to be press fit into the rim opening. So installed, the assembly is securely mounted to the rim, but is no more time consuming to install than a conventional valve stem.

Abstract: A vehicle communication network (200) includes a plurality of network elements (202–212) and a plurality of communication links (214–230) communicatively coupling the network elements in a point-to-point configuration. At least a portion of the plurality of communication links are specified in accordance with a shared-access bus protocol. The plurality of communication links are arranged to communicate data packets between the network elements, and data packets are modified for transport via the plurality of communication links.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automotive electrical system including a FET based rectifier and method of controlling the FET based rectifier without using either an alternator shaft position sensor or current sensors on each phase of the alternator output to control the switching of the FETs. In accordance with the teachings herein, the voltage and current on the DC bus of the automotive electrical system are sensed and switching of the FETs is controlled by a microcontroller that determines the appropriate switching times based on these sensed parameters.

Abstract: A system and method is described for alerting authorities during a vehicle carjacking or carnapping. The method includes a first step of providing a vehicular radiotelephone communication system with speech recognition and a controller operable to monitor at least one vehicular system. A next step includes defining at least one predetermined sequence of operation of the at least one vehicular system for triggering a silent alert. The sequence can include spoken words or vehicle control operation. A next step includes monitoring the at least one vehicular system for the defined at least one predetermined sequence, such as a hidden switch activation for example. A next step includes activating a silent alert upon detection of the at least one predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current by a single sensor for two motor phases driven by first and second set of switches to drive respective first and second phases of a motor under control of PWM signals. A first step 100 includes reading a duty cycle of each winding drive current. A next step configures 104, 110, 114, 116, 118 the PWM signals to provide at least one timing window wherein at least of one of the windings of the motor is being driven while the other winding is not being driven, and to provide a relative timing offset of approximately one-half cycle between the pulse width modulation signals driving a first winding and a second winding of the motor. A next step 90 includes gating the switches with the configured PWM signals. A next step 95 includes sampling the current of the at least one of the windings with a single sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing emergency calling with a Global System for Mobile (GSM) radiotelephone during temperature extremes includes a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card, a temperature sensor; and a controller that detects when the radiotelephone has a SIM card error, whereupon the controller obtains a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor. If it is found that the temperature measurement is outside of an operating temperature range of the SIM card, the controller permits the radiotelephone to make an emergency calls only.

Abstract: The service technician accesses the prospective vehicle and obtains from a certification authority a certification that an authentic vehicle is associated with a cryptographic key. The service technician utilizes the cryptographic key in cryptographic communication with the prospective vehicle via a secure device having limited accessibility but being accessible by the service technician. The service technician determines whether the prospective vehicle is the authentic vehicle based on whether the cryptographic key is successfully utilized in the cryptographic communication with the prospective vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of providing service for a Telematics communication device includes a first step of providing a vehicular radiotelephone communication system including a cellular radiotelephone network for connecting the communication device with a service operator. The communication device includes a controller pre-programmed with a hotlined analog telephone number and a cleared digital telephone number if so equipped. A next step includes placing a call by the communication device using the hotlined analog telephone number. A next step includes determining whether the communication device has a service contract in place with the service operator, wherein if the communication device does not have a service contract, switching the call to a voice recording, and wherein if the communication device does have a service contract, providing service for the communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly providing activity on a vehicle network bus includes a node having a bus connection to the vehicle network bus. The node includes a Rapid Response Stack loaded with the predetermined message to respond to any network bus request before the application is up and running. A true stack is loaded with real messages from the application once it is booted up and running on the node, whereupon the application subsequently responds to network bus requests using the true stack instead of the Rapid Response Stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically actuating a gas exchange valve using a low-pressure, substantially constant flow fluid source applied to at least one actuator cylinder piston coupled to the gas exchange valve. The actuator piston slides within the actuator cylinder upon application of pressure from the fluid for actuating the gas exchange valve. The pressure is continuously variable and builds upon application to the cylinder piston until the valve unseats. A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure to provide feedback about the operation of system and to provide variable motion control of the gas exchange valve.

Abstract: A microdevice that comprises a device microstructure (38) and vent channel (34) in a wafer (14) that is sandwiched between a substrate (10) and a cap (16). The cap (16) and substrate (10) have recesses (41, 21) around the microstructure (22) to define a cavity. A vent (25) is connected to the vent channel (34) and subsequently to the cavity. The vent (25) is used to evacuate and seal the microstructure (38) in the cavity. A getter layer (32) can be used to maintain the cavity vacuum. An electrical connection can be provided through the vent (25), vent channel (34) and cavity to the getter (32) to electrically ground the getter layer (32).