Abstract: Determining the rotor angle of a synchronous machine. In one aspect, the invention provides a method that includes generating a multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for the phases of an inverter feeding the synchronous machine depending on a voltage to be fed into the synchronous machine, and applying a first phase shift to one or more of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals, so that the duration of the switching states of the inverter is extended in order to generate a first switching pattern for the phases of the inverter. The method also includes applying a second phase shift to one or more of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for generating a second switching pattern, selecting one or more of the first and second switching patterns, determining one or more of neutral point potentials at the neutral point of the synchronous machine, and calculating the rotor angle of the synchronous machine.

Abstract: A method for determining the rotor angle of a synchronous machine. In one implementation, the method includes generating a multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for the phases of an inverter feeding the synchronous machine depending on a voltage to be fed into the synchronous machine, changing the pulse width modulation frequency of at least one drive signal of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals, with the result that the duration of the switching states of the inverter in which an active voltage phasor is output is extended in order to generate a switching pattern for the phases of the inverter, driving the inverter with the generated switching pattern, determining one or more of neutral point potentials at the neutral point of the synchronous machine during driving of the inverter with the switching pattern, and calculating the rotor angle of the synchronous machine depending on the determined neutral point potentials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electronically commutated electric machine (2). Alternating phase voltage potentials are applied to the phase conductors of the electric machine (2) for commutation, said phase voltage potentials being generated by a pulse-width modulation so that the height of the applied phase voltage potential is determined by a duty cycle (TV) of the pulse width modulation. In order to determine an instant of a zero crossing of a current induced in a phase conductor, a blanking interval (AT) which represents a time slot, is provided, when no phase current potential is applied to the corresponding phase conductor. A first transition time slot (ÜT1) is provided prior to and/or after the blanking interval (AT) during which the progression of the applied phase voltage potential has a defined first gradient during.

Abstract: A method for determining the rotor angle of a synchronous machine. In one implementation, the method includes generating a multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for the phases of an inverter feeding the synchronous machine depending on a voltage to be fed into the synchronous machine, changing the pulse width modulation frequency of at least one drive signal of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals, with the result that the duration of the switching states of the inverter in which an active voltage phasor is output is extended in order to generate a switching pattern for the phases of the inverter, driving the inverter with the generated switching pattern, determining one or more of neutral point potentials at the neutral point of the synchronous machine during driving of the inverter with the switching pattern, and calculating the rotor angle of the synchronous machine depending on the determined neutral point potentials.

Abstract: Determining the rotor angle of a synchronous machine. In one aspect, the invention provides a method that includes generating a multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for the phases of an inverter feeding the synchronous machine depending on a voltage to be fed into the synchronous machine, and applying a first phase shift to one or more of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals, so that the duration of the switching states of the inverter is extended in order to generate a first switching pattern for the phases of the inverter. The method also includes applying a second phase shift to one or more of the multiplicity of pulse-width-modulated drive signals for generating a second switching pattern, selecting one or more of the first and second switching patterns, determining one or more of neutral point potentials at the neutral point of the synchronous machine, and calculating the rotor angle of the synchronous machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electronically commutated electric machine (2). Alternating phase voltage potentials are applied to the phase conductors of the electric machine (2) for commutation, said phase voltage potentials being generated by a pulse-width modulation so that the height of the applied phase voltage potential is determined by a duty cycle (TV) of the pulse width modulation. In order to determine an instant of a zero crossing of a current induced in a phase conductor, a blanking interval (AT) which represents a time slot, is provided, when no phase current potential is applied to the corresponding phase conductor. A first transition time slot (ÜT1) is provided prior to and/or after the blanking interval (AT) during which the progression of the applied phase voltage potential has a defined first gradient during.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detector circuit for detecting a change in voltage at a terminal or node with respect to a reference potential. The detector circuit comprises an electronic switch with a control terminal, which has a predetermined switching potential at which the switch operates, and with a detection signal output for outputting a detection signal, and a voltage matching circuit, which provides a control potential at the control terminal of the switch which corresponds to a potential of the terminal which has changed by a predetermined, fixed potential absolute value. The predetermined fixed potential absolute value is selected in such a way that the control potential corresponds to the switching potential or approximately to the switching potential when the reference voltage is applied to the terminal in such a way that the change in voltage to be detected causes the switching potential of the electronic switch to be exceeded or undershot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the rotational angle of a rotatable element in a non-contact manner, the device including at least one magnetoresistive sensor element which emits at least one first signal for determining a rotational angle of the rotatable element in a first region. A plunger core and a coil move in relation to each other in the axial direction of a shaft according to the rotary movement of the shaft, the coil emitting another signal relating to the modification of the coil inductance, such that rotational angles beyond the first region can be clearly determined in association with the first signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for contactlessly recording rotation angles of a rotating element, with a plunger core and with a coil at least partially surrounding the plunger core. The plunger core and the coil move relative to one another in an axial direction according to the rotational motion of the rotating element and causes a change in a coil inductivity of the coil. The inventive device and the inventive method are characterized in that compensating means are provided, which at least partially compensate for the influence of a changing temperature upon the coil inductivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the rotational angle of a rotatable element in a non-contact manner, the device including at least one magnetoresistive sensor element which emits at least one first signal for determining a rotational angle of the rotatable element in a first region. A plunger core and a coil move in relation to each other in the axial direction of a shaft according to the rotary movement of the shaft, the coil emitting another signal relating to the modification of the coil inductance, such that rotational angles beyond the first region can be clearly determined in association with the first signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method are described with which a current circuit can be monitored for correct function. A first and a second current sensor are provided in the current circuit. In a test phase, the second current sensor is switched to the current circuit. Next, a current flow is brought about through the first and the second current sensors, and the current intensity is measured via the first and second current sensors. From a comparison, an error function of the current sensor can be detected. The circuit arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in safety-oriented equipment.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method are described with which a current circuit can be monitored for correct function. A first and a second current sensor are provided in the current circuit. In a test phase, the second current sensor is switched to the current circuit. Next, a current flow is brought about through the first and the second current sensors, and the current intensity is measured via the first and second current sensors. From a comparison, an error function of the current sensor can be detected. The circuit arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in safety-oriented equipment.

Abstract: A method for driving at least one inductive load using pulse width modulated control signals, via a PWM control unit, the control pulses of the PWM control signals connecting the load to and disconnecting it from a d.c. supply voltage via a semiconductor output stage. To prevent the formation of an a.c. voltage occurring on the d.c. supply voltage in the case of pulse-wise loading of the same by the PWM control signal, the PWM control unit is assignable a supplementary device including a storage capacitor and/or storage inductor having a semiconductor switch, and the semiconductor switch is controllable by the PWM control unit switch on one charging current circuit powered by the d.c. supply voltage for the storage capacitor and/or the storage inductor.

Abstract: An electronically commutable motor, whose excitation windings can be fed with current via semiconductor output stages from an electronic control unit using pulse-width modulated control signals and, in this context, which generate a rotating field in the stator of the motor, the rotating field placing the permanent magnet of the motor in rotational motion.

Abstract: In an arrangement for detecting pinching situations in electric drives, provided in particular for window and sunroof openers in motor vehicles, the voltage induced in the armature of the motor is used, the induced voltage being determined from the voltage across the motor terminals and the current flowing in the armature, in particular as the difference between the voltage across the motor terminals and the product of the armature current by the armature resistance which is obtained periodically whenever possible. The armature resistance is obtained from the voltage across the motor terminals and the blocking current of the motor, the latter being determined by extrapolation of the armature current determined at a certain point in time. The armature current is measured using a shunt resistor and optionally amplified, and the current signal obtained is averaged using a microcontroller-controlled integrator with adjustable, computed integration periods, and digitized using an analog-digital converter.

Abstract: A circuit configuration, in particular for function modules which can be provided in a motor vehicle and connected to a power supply and/or a control circuit, with the function modules being connected to a common gateway, which is implemented via a central unit, over at least two bus systems. The central unit has a central electric module and a motorist information module; a first bus system is connected to the motorist information module; a second bus system is connected to the central electric module, and the gateway is implemented by a network of computer units and provided in the motorist information module and the central electric module and interconnected for data exchange via an interface.

Abstract: An arrangement for the determination of the temperature of a direct-current motor. The temperature is determined in an indirect manner from the temperature-dependent armature resistance, with the armature resistance being determined as the quotient of the voltage being applied to and measured at the motor terminals and of the blocking current of the armature, and being set in relation to the respective temperature. The current signal determined from the current flowing within the armature is averaged with adjustable, calculated integration times with the aid of an integrator that can be controlled by a microcontroller. The arrangement, can be used for the indirect determination of the rpm rate (N) and/or variations that are critical or of interest in the rpm rate of the motor. The rpm rate is proportional to the voltage (U.sub.ind) induced within the armature, taking into consideration a motor-typical proportionality constant (.kappa.) according to equation N=.kappa. U.sub.

Abstract: Circuitry, particularly for function modules that can be fitted in a motor vehicle and can be connected to a voltage supply and/or a control circuit. A central unit (12) is provided that includes at least one circuit arrangement (16, 36) for all of the function modules (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 56, 58, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 96, 98), for conditioning voltage and/or control signals to be used by the modules; the central unit (12) is connected to the function modules, and the function modules are connected among themselves, by a bus system (62, 66). Moreover, the control unit (12) is coupled to a driver information module (40) by mechanical connections.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method for operating an adjusting device (10, 11, 12) are proposed which ascertain a characteristic variable (38, 42) of the adjusting device (10, 11, 12) as a standard for the adjusting force or adjusting torque and if a limit value is exceeded furnish an overload signal (41, 45). According to the invention, the definition of the electrical power for the electric motor (10) is contemplated to a value that makes it possible to adhere to a specified spring rate in the event something becomes caught, which rate indicates the change in force referred to a change in travel distance. The adjustment travel of the part (12) to be adjusted is subdivided into travel intervals (I) which are considerably shorter than the total adjustment travel. The method evaluates a continuous change in the detected characteristic variable in a predetermined number of successive travel intervals (I) in order to ascertain an overload signal (41, 45).