Abstract: The disclosed embodiments may relate to vehicle (10) having a control system (12) located within the vehicle (10). The control system (12) may include a processor (26) and a wake-up circuit (46) coupled to the processor (26). The processor (26) may utilize a program (34) during a standby mode of operation. The program (34) is configured to provide a voltage to the wake-up circuit (46) for a first time period (T1) once an interrupt is received by the processor (26). Then, the program (34) may monitor the wake-up circuit (46) for a second time period (T2). If a response of the wake-up circuit (46) exceeds at least one of a plurality of predetermined limits, then the program (34) may recalibrate the wake-up circuit (46).

Abstract: An accelerometer or accelerator switch and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The device is fabricated from two substrates: a top substrate having a moveable mass, and a bottom substrate having at least one conductive plate. The top substrate is preferably a SOI substrate, and the mass and its suspending beams are formed in the silicon layer under which the insulator layer has been removed. The bottom substrate is preferably oxide. In one embodiment, the capacitance is formed using the mass as the first capacitor plate the conductive plate as the second plate. As the mass moves, the capacitance is detected to indicate the magnitude of the acceleration, or whether acceleration is above or below a threshold indicting an open or closed switch. The beams which suspend the mass can be serpentines, which make the device compact and render the mass more flexible. Alternatively, the bottom conductive plate can be split into two plates each coupling to the mass.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring belt wear or tread wear of a tire includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with unique identification embedded in the belt or tread of the tire at one or more wear points. An RF tag reader periodically monitoring signals from the at least one RFID tag. If the RF tag reader fails to obtain any signals from the at least one RFID tag, indicating a destroyed RFID tag, the user can be warned about a wear problem of that belt or tire. RFID tags can be distributed at different depths of the tire(s), or across the tread at the same depth, of the tire(s) to determine different wear problems. The same RFID tag can also be used for inventory tracking purposes.

Abstract: A power management device (200) and a method for use in a power distribution network (100) receives electrical energy and first determines if the power is a primary or secondary power source. When a secondary power source, the power management device (200) waits in standby mode, but when the power is primary power source the power management device (200) configures itself to route power to another node in the power distribution network (100). Power levels and faults within the network can be monitored and controlled by a central controller. Likewise loads (218, 220) may then be powered on as determined by a central controller to reduce LdI/dt voltage spikes and other undesirable side effects.

Abstract: A sensor system for protecting a door of a vehicle from damage includes an electronic sensor operable to detect when an object external to the vehicle is within close proximity to the door of the vehicle. The sensor system provides a signal indicative of the proximity of the external object. The sensor system also includes a blocking hinge mechanism coupled with the signal. The hinge mechanism blocks the opening of the door beyond a distance wherein the vehicle door would strike the object.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14–20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22–28) of the device (14–20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a phase in an internal combustion engine (102) is disclosed. The internal combustion engine may include an even number of cylinders and is fitted with at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a state of the internal combustion engine using the at least one sensor. The method may further include calculating a deviation of the state from an expected set of values, and determining the phase of the internal combustion engine, based on the deviation.

Abstract: A vehicle active network (12) communicatively couples devices (14–20) within a vehicle (10). Device operation is independent of the interface (22–28) of the device (14–20) with the active network (12). Additionally, the architecture of the active network (12) provides one or more levels of communication redundancy. The architecture provides for the total integration of vehicle systems and functions, and permits plug-and-play device integration and upgradeability.