Abstract: A circuit arrangement for switching an inductive load (12, 12a-d) with connections to a power supply source (11, 11?, 11?) by means of which an exciter voltage can be applied to the inductive load (12, 12a-d) in a switched-on state is described, comprising switching means by means of which, depending on a control signal, a power circuit comprising the inductive load (12, 12a-d) and the power supply source connections, can be closed when switched from the switched-off to the switched-on state and opened when switched from the switched-on to the switched-off state, furthermore comprising a first diode (15, 15a-d, 15a?-c?, 15a?-c?) arranged in parallel with the inductive load (12, 12a-d) and so as to block in the switched-on state. This present invention is characterized in that an additional commutation inductance (18) is provided which is arranged in parallel with the inductive load (12, 12a-d) and in series with the first diode (15, 15a-d, 15a?-c?, 15a?-c?).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically determining the position of the wheels of a motor vehicle (10), characterised in that it consists in:—measuring (21) the temperature of each wheel (12) of the vehicle; and determining (23) the position of the wheels on the vehicle according to the temperature measured. The invention also relates to a corresponding position-finding device. The device is particularly suitable for monitoring the pressure inside tires.

Abstract: The method is carried out in a vehicle or similar, comprising the following steps: detection of the state of the vehicle (2) when stopped, the sensor measures a parameter such as pressure (6), the result of the measurement is stored in the sensor (10), the sensor analyses the measurement according to previous measurements (8), significant results of the analysis are stored inside the sensor (10), and when the vehicle begins once more to travel, significant data relating to events occurring since the last detected stop of the vehicle is transmitted (14) from the sensor to the central unit wherever applicable.

Abstract: A method of testing the ability of software modules, each executing particular functions, in a device to cooperate using machine code sequences contained in executing software modules, checks the mutual independence and compatibility of the various technical functions. The method includes searching software modules for machine code sequences containing write access to unauthorized areas, ascertaining a respective maximum number of loop passes for each loop and establishing whether or not the respective maximum number of loop passes is limited, and, if reference values are observed, determining that the software modules are able to cooperate, and, if the reference values are not observed, determining that the software modules are not able to cooperate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically determining the position of the wheels of a motor vehicle (10), characterised in that it consists in:—measuring (21) the temperature of each wheel (12) of the vehicle; and determining (23) the position of the wheels on the vehicle according to the temperature measured. The invention also relates to a corresponding position-finding device. The device is particularly suitable for monitoring the pressure inside tires.

Abstract: A power output stage for switching inductive loads contains a series circuit having a load and a switching transistor. A series connected circuit formed of a blocking diode and a multiplicity of Zener diodes is disposed between the drain and gate electrodes of the switching transistor. A capacitor, a resistor or a series or parallel circuit of a capacitor and a resistor is disposed in parallel with at least one of the Zener diodes. The circuit configuration rounds off the pronounced kink in the drain voltage when the Zener protection cuts in during a switched state of the switching transistor.

Abstract: Electrical consumers receive load current from a supply voltage via two or more power switches. A false-closure detection device includes a measuring device and a diagnostic device for the detection of faults. The measuring device is connected parallel to the power switches and the electrical consumer lying in series with the switches. A diagnostic voltage is compared as the output signal of the measuring device with a reference value for the detection of false closures in the load circuit.

Abstract: In a method for triggering a DC motor through an integrated H-bridge circuit by using a control circuit and an apparatus for carrying out the method, a high-side transistor switch or a low-side transistor switch associated with each motor terminal, or both of the transistor switches, are each controlled or regulated to a conductive state by a respective guard circuit, if and as long as a potential at a motor terminal is or falls below a predetermined value. Each guard circuit has a biased transistor with a conductive state in which the associated transistor switches are made conducting through a current mirror.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling a load and for recognizing an interruption in a line to the load includes a measuring resistance connected in series with the load, a device for varying a resistance value of the measuring resistance as a function of a current passing through the load, and a diagnostic device for generating a diagnosis signal if a voltage drop, producible across the measuring resistance by a load current drops below a threshold value.