Abstract: A hardware system is provided for performing angle-to-time and time-to-angle conversions in a dynamic angular measurement and control system. The system has the capability of updating scheduled event times of other hardware timers in the system that are being used to generate output events at some specific angular position in the future. One application of the system is in automotive powertrain control systems in which the position of the engine is determined from a pulsed signal generated by a rotating crankshaft that accelerates and decelerates over time. The system performs critical calculations in hardware which consumes less CPU bandwidth than existing systems, resulting in potential cost savings for the overall system.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing closed loop control using constant current switching techniques is disclosed herein. By controlling the current supplied to high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) using the techniques and circuits described, high intensity LEDs can be operated at or near their maximum capacity without danger of overloading the LEDs, and without using excess amounts of current. A circuit as described herein, has multiple high side switches, each of which is connected to an LED array. The LED arrays are in turn connected through an inductor to a current switching control section that switches current to ground, or recirculates the current to maintain LED current flow within a desired range.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing closed loop control using constant current switching techniques is disclosed herein. By controlling the current supplied to high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) using the techniques and circuits described, high intensity LEDs can be operated at or near their maximum capacity without danger of overloading the LEDs, and without using excess amounts of current. A circuit as described herein, has multiple high side switches, each of which is connected to an LED array. The LED arrays are in turn connected through an inductor to a current switching control section that switches current to ground, or recirculates the current to maintain LED current flow within a desired range.

Abstract: A hardware system is provided for performing angle-to-time and time-to-angle conversions in a dynamic angular measurement and control system. The system has the capability of updating scheduled event times of other hardware timers in the system that are being used to generate output events at some specific angular position in the future. One application of the system is in automotive powertrain control systems in which the position of the engine is determined from a pulsed signal generated by a rotating crankshaft that accelerates and decelerates over time. The system performs critical calculations in hardware which consumes less CPU bandwidth than existing systems, resulting in potential cost savings for the overall system.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting degraded operation of a solenoid. A current through the solenoid is sampled at predetermined time intervals within a predetermined time period. A maximum value of the sampled current is first detected. Next, a minimum value of the sampled current subsequent to the maximum value is detected. Finally, a predetermined increase in the sampled current from the minimum value is detected to verify operation of the solenoid.