Abstract: A direct fuel injection control for an internal combustion engine includes first and second controllers. The first controller has a microprocessor and generates injection timing and duration signals on injector select lines. The second controller is a state machine including injector controls that receive the injection timing and duration signals and control injector current according to sets of injector current profile defining parameters received from the first controller on a serial bus and stored in register sets in the second controller. The second controller includes switching apparatus that can quickly change the connection of each injector control between different register sets to select different injector current profiles in successive injection pulses. Several alternative ways of providing register select signals are disclosed, and these may be incorporated in the same second controller for selection by the first controller.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection control for an internal combustion engine includes first and second controllers. The first controller has a microprocessor and generates injection timing and duration signals on injector select lines. The second controller is a state machine including injector controls that receive the injection timing and duration signals and control injector current according to sets of injector current profile defining parameters received from the first controller on a serial bus and stored in register sets in the second controller. The second controller includes switching apparatus that can quickly change the connection of each injector control between different register sets to select different injector current profiles in successive injection pulses. Several alternative ways of providing register select signals are disclosed, and these may be incorporated in the same second controller for selection by the first controller.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and drive the connected motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A slew rate control system for a circuit includes a temperature sensitive device generates a temperature signal. A temperature dependent current source generates a first current source signal. A slew rate controller activates in response to the temperature signal when the temperature exceeds a first threshold. The slew rate controller then generates a slew rate control signal by adjusting slew rate as a function of the temperature signal. The slew rate controller then activates the temperature dependent current source in response to the slew rate control signal.

Abstract: A slew rate control system for a circuit includes a temperature sensitive device generates a temperature signal. A temperature dependent current source generates a first current source signal. A slew rate controller activates in response to the temperature signal when the temperature exceeds a first threshold. The slew rate controller then generates a slew rate control signal by adjusting slew rate as a function of the temperature signal. The slew rate controller then activates the temperature dependent current source in response to the slew rate control signal.

Abstract: A circuit for converting an analog signal to a PWM signal samples an amplitude of the analog signal at first sampling rate and a second slower sampling rate, and produces corresponding first and second signals. A comparison signal defines a first state when the first signal is greater than the second signal, and otherwise defines a second opposite state. The PWM signal switches from a first signal level to a second signal level when the comparison signal switches from the first state to the second state only if the comparison signal thereafter remains in the second state for a specified delay period, and the PWM signal switches from the second signal level to the first signal level when the comparison signal switches from the second state to the first state only if the comparison signal thereafter remains in the first state for the delay period.

Abstract: A serial communication bus for a motor vehicle subject to different ground voltages on the common line and a transmitting module has a compensation circuit to prevent mismatches which distort pulse current waveforms and cause radiated emissions. When line ground voltage is higher than the transmitter voltage an integrator is used to simulate the line ground voltage and apply that to the transmitter ground. The integrator has a small current source and a very large current sink to follow the line ground potential. The transmitter output is disabled between pulses to avoid increasing the line ground voltage. When line ground voltage is lower than the transmitter voltage, the transmitter is enabled between pulses to feed current to the line to increase its potential.

Abstract: A booster power converter particularly suited for an automobile and having a compensation network that responds to a sudden negative input voltage excursion. The booster power converter responds to the negative input excursion by preventing its boosted output from falling below a predetermined voltage level so that voltage regulators, normally connected to the output stage of the booster power converter, are not distrupted in performing their desired regulation. The compensation network, upon sensing a decrease of the booster voltage below a predetermined lower limit, generates a control signal which causes the booster power converter to seek and obtain a maximum duty cycle operation. Upon sensing an increase of the booster voltage above a predetermined upper limit, the compensation network removes the control signal causing the booster power converter to cease operation at its maximum duty cycle, and return to its normal duty cycle of operation.

Abstract: Closed-loop control of current through a load through pulse-width modulated application of a substantially constant supply voltage across the load, wherein a duty cycle turn-on time is adjusted according to the result of a comparison between a commanded minimum current level and a sensed minimum current through the load during a cycle.