Abstract: A system for measuring a temperature of an electrical device is provided. The system comprises a transistor and a microprocessor. The transistor is part of an electrical device and is operable to perform a first function for the electrical device. For example, the transistor is operable in a saturated state to control activation of a pre-charge circuit in an electronic power assisted steering system. The microprocessor is responsive to a voltage at the transistor. The voltage of the transistor varies as a function of temperature (i.e., heat emitted from the electrical device). The microprocessor is operative to determine a temperature of the electrical device as a function of the voltage, where the sensing of temperature of the electrical device is different than the first function.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a precharge circuit comprising a power source, a first transistor, a second transistor, and an input node. The power source is in electrical communication with the first transistor where the first transistor selectively conducts current from the power source during a precharge phase. The second transistor is in electrical communication with the first transistor and configured to provide negative feedback to the first transistor. Further, the second transistor is configured to adjust current flowing through the first transistor based on the temperature of the first transistor. The input node is in electrical communication with the first and second transistor and provides an initial signal to activate the precharge circuit.

Abstract: A resolver circuit including a signal generation circuit, a bridge tied load amplifier, a resolver, and a resolver processing circuit is provided. The signal generation circuit is configured to generate an excitation signal for driving the resolver. The bridge tied load amplifier, having an input in electrical communication with the signal generation circuit, is configured to amplify the excitation signal. The resolver has an excitation winding and an output winding, with the excitation winding being in electrical communication with the bridge tied load amplifier. The resolver processing circuit is electrical communication with the output winding of the resolver to determine the angle of rotor of the resolver.

Abstract: A system for measuring a temperature of an electrical device is provided. The system comprises a transistor and a microprocessor. The transistor is part of an electrical device and is operable to perform a first function for the electrical device. For example, the transistor is operable in a saturated state to control activation of a pre-charge circuit in an electronic power assisted steering system. The microprocessor is responsive to a voltage at the transistor. The voltage of the transistor varies as a function of temperature (i.e., heat emitted from the electrical device). The microprocessor is operative to determine a temperature of the electrical device as a function of the voltage, where the sensing of temperature of the electrical device is different than the first function.