Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle. In the event of an interruption of an external voltage supply, limited functionality can continue to be maintained. For this purpose, it is provided to deactivate some functional modules of the control device in the event of an interruption of the external supply voltage and to use electrical energy stored in the deactivated functional modules for the voltage supply of further functional modules.

Abstract: A method for operating a computing arrangement. The computing arrangement includes: a plurality of single-chip systems, wherein the single-chip systems are configured to obtain the same sensor data, and at least one degradation mechanism configured to perform functions of a failed single-chip system on another single-chip system. In the method, when a failure of at least one of the single-chip systems is sensed, a switch takes place to another single-chip system o perform a function assigned to the failed single-chip system. A degradation mechanism is additionally performed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of at least one electrical load for a vehicle. A comparison of an actual value of an operating parameter with four threshold values is performed. A monitoring signal is also generated dependent on a result of the comparison, the monitoring signal being generated with a first signal characteristic if the actual value lies between the first threshold value and the third threshold value or between the second threshold value and the fourth threshold value, or being generated with a second signal characteristic if the actual value lies above the third threshold value or below the fourth threshold value. The first signal characteristic effects activation of at least one safety function that maintains an active operating state of the at least one electrical load. The second signal characteristic effects deactivation of the at least one electrical load.

Abstract: A device and process for the determination of the diameters of a crystal that is pulled from a liquified material. In this connection several video cameras are provided, each of which reproduces its own section along the vertical axis of the crystal or in a direction vertical to it. The image angles of the camera are laid out in such a way that the object to be reproduced completely fills the entire picture plane—at least in one direction. For objects with a small diameter; e.g., the crystal neck, a camera with a small image angle is used, while for objects with a large diameter; e.g., the crystal body, a camera with a large image angle is used.

Abstract: A device and process for the determination of the diameters of a crystal that is pulled from a liquified material. In this connection several video cameras are provided, each of which reproduces its own section along the vertical axis of the crystal or in a direction vertical to it. The angles of image of the camera are laid out in such a way that the object to be reproduced completely fills the entire picture plane - - - at least in one direction. For objects with a small diameter; e.g., the crystal neck, a camera with a small angle of image is used, while for objects with a large diameter; e.g., the crystal body, a camera with a large angle of image is used.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a melt for the production of crystals. A camera is provided which images at least portions of the surface of the contents of a crucible. An evaluating device is used to evaluate the camera's images with respect to solid and liquid portions of the surface of the crucible contents.

Abstract: A device for controlling crystal growth processes which run through various process phases, for instance, melting or cool-down, and in which the shape of the crystal has different areas during growth, for instance, a neck and/or a shoulder. Certain process parameters and target values, as well as input values and output values, for instance, a certain gas pressure or a certain rotational speed, are also associated with each of these areas and phases. The linking of these parameters is accomplished by function generators or tables. With the aid of the control device, it is made possible to generate a specially adapted linking of the respectively necessary input and output parameters for each of the special process phases and crystal sections with an essentially uniform construction and a comprehensible structure.

Abstract: An image of the meniscus ring (21) between the crystal (20) and the melt (4) is formed by optical means (12, 24) on a sensor, the signals of which yield the actual value for the diameter of the crystal. Two optical measuring devices are provided, the optical paths of which are defined by base points on the meniscus ring (21) and two planes which are offset by 90.degree. to each other and which are parallel to the main axis of the crystal and in tangential contact with the meniscus ring (21). The two optical paths are preferably set up to intersect, their intersection being in the viewing window.

Abstract: A source (1) is equipped with a conveying device (4) for discharging the particles (2, 2a) at adjustable rates per unit time. A crystal (16), formed from doped particles, is withdrawn from the melting crucible (13) at a predetermined rate per unit time. So that the control process can be conducted smoothly over prolonged periods of time with precise doping, the particles (2, 2a) are fed single file to the melting crucible (13) and counted by at least one sensor (21, 22). The sequence of count pulses is sent to a counter (25) and compared there with a corresponding sequence of reference input pulses. The comparison signal formed from the count pulses and the reference input pulses is used, in accordance with its sign, as a control signal for adjusting the amount of particles being discharged per unit time from source (1) to correspond to the reference value.

Abstract: In a process and a device for the controlled feeding of a melting crucible (13) with doped particles (2, 2a) during the drawing of a crystal (16) by the Czochralski method by the control of a flow of particles (2, 2a) from a source (1) to the melting crucible (13), the source (1) is equipped with a conveying device (4) for discharging the particles (2, 2a) at adjustable rates per unit time. A crystal (16), formed from the particles, is withdrawn from the melting crucible (13) at a predetermined rate per unit time. So that the control process can be conducted smoothly over prolonged periods of time with precise doping, the particles (2, 2a) are separated into individuals on their way to the melting crucible (13) and counted by at least one sensor (21, 22). The sequence of count pulses is sent to a counter (25) and compared there with a corresponding sequence of reference input pulses.