Abstract: The invention relates to a process for data input and data output into or out of an electronic data processing means that has an input to which a voltage is applied via a resistor and that is connected to the ground via an input switch, so that the voltage present at the input is higher than a specified voltage value when the input switch is open and lower than a specified voltage value when the input switch is closed, which is recognized by the software running in the electronic data processing means so that, by actuating the input switch, data can be input into the electronic data processing means. In a preferred embodiment that has an output line, the data can be input via the output line so that no separate line is needed.

Abstract: A process is for data input into an electronic data processing means that has an input and an output, and wherein a program runs in a loop that cyclically queries whether an input voltage whose magnitude is greater or small than a specified threshold value is present at the input. One pole of a voltage source is applied via a series connection made up of a first, a second and a third resistance to the other pole, whereby the voltage dropping at the third resistance forms the input voltage. The first resistance and the second resistance can be regulated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for data input into an electronic data processing means that has an input and an output, and wherein a program runs in a loop that cyclically queries whether an input voltage whose magnitude is greater or smaller than a specified threshold value is present at the input. One pole of a voltage source is applied via a series connection made up of a first, a second and a third resistance to the other pole, whereby the voltage dropping at the third resistance forms the input voltage. The first resistance and the second resistance can be regulated. If a query indicates that the magnitude of the input voltage is greater or smaller than a specified threshold value, then a synchronization of the first resistance is initiated. The second resistance is regulated in such a way that it is at first smaller than a second limit value and subsequently greater than a second limit value or vice versa. The program forms digital input information on the basis of the number of synchronizations.

Abstract: A method for recording data from parameter values captured using sensors in a vehicle, particularly for the reconstruction of accidents, as well as a memory device and a device for recording such data, it being possible to record all relevant data continuously using low memory volume, and to save it permanently in a short period of time. For this purpose, the parameter values and/or data calculated from them are recorded at increasing time intervals for the instantaneous capturing point in time at decreasing density. A suitable storage device has a RAM (random access memory) for recording the data in each case over a certain time space and in a nonvolatile memory (such as EEPROM), to which the recorded data can be transmitted in parallel from the RAM within a few ms. An ASIC is suitable for its implementation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for data input and data output into or out of an electronic data processing means that has an input to which a voltage is applied via a resistor and that is connected to the ground via an input switch, so that the voltage present at the input is higher than a specified voltage value when the input switch is open and lower than a specified voltage value when the input switch is closed, which is recognized by the software running in the electronic data processing means so that, by actuating the input switch, data can be input into the electronic data processing means. In a preferred embodiment that has an output line, the data can be input via the output line so that no separate line is needed.

Abstract: A method for recording data from parameter values captured using sensors in a vehicle, particularly for the reconstruction of accidents, as well as a memory device and a device for recording such data, it being possible to record all relevant data continuously using low memory volume, and to save it permanently in a short period of time. For this purpose, the parameter values and/or data calculated from them are recorded at increasing time intervals for the instantaneous capturing point in time at decreasing density. A suitable storage device has a RAM (random access memory) for recording the data in each case over a certain time space and in a nonvolatile memory (such as EEPROM), to which the recorded data can be transmitted in parallel from the RAM within a few ms. An ASIC is suitable for its implementation.

Abstract: Monitoring of the function of a symmetrical sensor bridge circuit is performed in that the signal from the positive or negative half-bridge is subtracted from half the bridge supply voltage (V.sub.s /2) in a summing member (2) and is subsequently amplified by an amplifier (3) in such a way that it corresponds to the full bridge signal (V.sub.in). The full bridge signal (V.sub.in) is compared with the amplified difference signal in a comparator (5). If the difference signal deviates in an unacceptable manner from the full bridge signal, the comparator switches an alarm signal on the output signal (6) of the sensor, so that this output signal is placed into a range which lies outside of the normal operational range of the sensor.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor is described that operates on the principle of a resonant vibration gyrometer and is excited by an amplitude-regulated oscillator loop. This sensor is used for instance to ascertain the yaw speed of a vehicle. The effect of Coriolis acceleration is evaluated, which is a measure for the current yaw speed. To monitor the operability of the sensor and the associated electronics, an integrated self-test function is used, which as a so-called BITE function introduces a defined interference variable after actuation of a test input. This defined interference variable leads to an estimatable output voltage, whose occurrence is evaluated for error detection.

Abstract: A countdown counter (14) counts out a speed dependent number to determine the start of the dwell period when a comparison number (Z17) is reached which is adjusted dynamically by a regulation counter (17). The countdown counter's contents are reduced by a value dependent upon acceleration when acceleration is present in order to improve the dynamic correction. In the case of strong accelerations these dynamic corrections are insufficient and when such a strong acceleration occurs the regulation counter content is set to a high value to assure a succession of strong ignition sparks. The high value of acceleration necessary for this precaution may be determined by comparing the difference of successive engine speed counts with a predetermined value or it may be determined by the failure of the current in the ignition coil primary to reach some predetermined value.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit is galvanically, directly connected across at least part of the secondary winding in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The input portion of the overvoltage protection circuit is a voltage divider preferably constituted by RC elements. The voltage at the tap of the voltage divider is applied to a Schmitt trigger. When the voltage across the secondary winding becomes excessively high, the Schmitt trigger output pulse triggers a monostable multivibrator whose output pulse in turn increases the conductivity of a transistor switch located in series with the primary. The increase in primary current tends to oppose further increases in primary and secondary voltages. Alternatively, the output from the multivibrator could be used to shorten the time of current flow in the primary winding in subsequent ignition time intervals or to completely block any subsequent ignition process.

Abstract: To improve an ignition system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,645, Jundt et al., in which a threshold switch is provided which controls current flow through the ignition coil, the turn-ON point of the current flow being determined, in part, by an integrator, and to prevent malfunction due to corroded terminals, improper installation and the like, a variable resistance branch, including a transistor 66, is connected across the integrator 31, 44, and so connected that, as the supply voltage drops, the effect of the integrator 31, 44 on the threshold switch 15, 16 is decreased, thus preventing modification of the inherent threshold level of the threshold switch by the action of the integrator.

Abstract: The voltage across a capacitor is changed in a first direction while the current in the primary winding of the ignition coil increases to a predetermined value less than the value required for ignition and is thereafter changed in a second direction until ignition takes place. The voltage across the capacitor is applied to the inverting input of a difference amplifier constituting a threshold stage controlling the initiation and termination of current flow through the ignition coil. The two changes are symmetrical when the engine speed remains constant. The residual voltage across the capacitor at the end of the second change is maintained until the start of the next subsequent first change, so that the time at which the threshold stage switches in, that is the time at which primary current starts to flow in the ignition coil changes as a function of the residual voltage in the capacitor.