Abstract: A system for controlling power supply to a load from a power supply line including a first circuit, at least a second circuit, a control module, and a monitoring module. The first circuit includes a first path for supplying power to the load, and a first switching mechanism for controlling the supply of power through the first path. The second circuit includes a second path for supplying power to the load and a second switching mechanism for controlling the supply of power through the second path. The control module is configured to output control signals to control operations of the circuits to independently switch on or off each of the respective paths. The monitoring module is configured to monitor physical quantity parameters of the paths, to detect deviations of the physical quantity parameter values from respective reference values to check the consistency between the first and second path.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter conversion device includes a variable gain adjuster configured to adjust a level of an analog input signal with a variable gain. The analog-to-digital converter conversion device includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the adjusted analog input signal to a digital output signal. The analog-to-digital converter conversion device includes a classification circuit configured to output a corresponding classification information of the analog input signal based on the level of the analog input signal. The variable gain adjuster is configured to set a gain value of the variable gain corresponding to the classification information.

Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment includes screening, by a receiver of a proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path. Receiving such an incoming proximity signal and processing the received proximity signal allows for detecting an object that is otherwise not visible to a driver or another type of sensor on a vehicle and warning the driver or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected object.

Abstract: An electrical architecture includes multiple nodal controllers, at least two power sources, and a power supply network. Each nodal controller includes at least one output port configured to be connected to an electrical load operating with a voltage of multiple different voltages. The at least two power sources are associated with the multiple different voltages and configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers through the power supply network. The power supply network includes a power line connecting the multiple nodal controllers to each other in a ring and is configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers with electrical power from the at least two power sources. Each nodal controller of the multiple nodal controllers is linked to the power line via a bidirectional DC/DC converter and is configured to control a sleep or a wake-up mode responsive to detection of a corresponding voltage transition within the power supply network.

Abstract: An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A system for controlling power supply to a load from a power supply line including a first circuit, at least a second circuit, a control module, and a monitoring module. The first circuit includes a first path for supplying power to the load, and a first switching mechanism for controlling the supply of power through the first path. The second circuit includes a second path for supplying power to the load and a second switching mechanism for controlling the supply of power through the second path. The control module is configured to output control signals to control operations of the circuits to independently switch on or off each of the respective paths. The monitoring module is configured to monitor physical quantity parameters of the paths, to detect deviations of the physical quantity parameter values from respective reference values to check the consistency between the first and second path.

Abstract: Control device for controlling a switch in a charging line disposed between a first power line and a second power line in a power distribution architecture. The control device includes a current level input for receiving a current measurement of the current conducted through the charging line, a voltage level input for receiving a voltage measurement of the voltage applied on the charging line. A monitor monitors the relationship between the current and voltage measurements and generates a control signal for controlling the switch in response to a coherent change in the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold. A control signal is not generated when a change in one of the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold is not associated with a coherent change in the other of the current and voltage measurements.

Abstract: A vehicle power distribution circuit (14) for connecting between an energy store (2) and a power line (8) connected to a generator or DC/DC-Converter (9). The circuit (14) has a charging line (7) connecting between the energy store (2) and the power line (8) for charging the energy store (2) when a forward voltage is applied by the generator or DC/DC-Converter (9). A protection switch (6) is provided in the charging line (7) and is openable for preventing conduction of current through the protection switch (6) in response to a drop in voltage on the power line (8). An ideal diode arrangement (13) is provided in parallel to the protection switch (6) in the charging line (7) for conducting the forward current from the generator or DC/DC-Converter (9) to the energy store (2). The ideal diode arrangement (13) prevents the conducting of a reverse current when a reverse voltage is applied.

Abstract: A vision system for a motor vehicle includes an optical image capture device configured to capture images of objects in its field of vision. A lighting device includes a plurality of lighting elements forming a lighting matrix configured to illuminate the field of vision of the optical device. A control device associated with the optical device and the lighting device is configured to determine the nature of each image of an object captured by the optical device. The control device is configured to locate the object, select the lighting elements of the lighting matrix capable of illuminating the object relative to the location of the object, and individually control at least one lighting characteristic of each selected lighting element so as to be able to determine the nature of the image of the object captured by the optical device.

Abstract: A power conductor for conducting electricity between a power source and a load is disclosed. A conductive body connects between the power source and the load. A sealed chamber is provided in the interior of the conductive body and contains a working fluid for changing phase when heated. A circuit, a vehicle power distribution circuit, and a vehicle incorporating the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical architecture includes multiple nodal controllers, at least two power sources, and a power supply network. Each nodal controller includes at least one output port configured to be connected to an electrical load operating with a voltage of multiple different voltages. The at least two power sources are associated with the multiple different voltages and configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers through the power supply network. The power supply network includes a power line connecting the multiple nodal controllers to each other in a ring and is configured to supply the multiple nodal controllers with electrical power from the at least two power sources. Each nodal controller of the multiple nodal controllers is linked to the power line via a bidirectional DC/DC converter and is configured to control a sleep or a wake-up mode responsive to detection of a corresponding voltage transition within the power supply network.

Abstract: Control device for controlling a switch in a charging line disposed between a first power line and a second power line in a power distribution architecture. The control device includes a current level input for receiving a current measurement of the current conducted through the charging line, a voltage level input for receiving a voltage measurement of the voltage applied on the charging line. A monitor monitors the relationship between the current and voltage measurements and generates a control signal for controlling the switch in response to a coherent change in the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold. A control signal is not generated when a change in one of the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold is not associated with a coherent change in the other of the current and voltage measurements.

Abstract: An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Abstract: Vehicle power distribution circuit for connecting between a battery and a power line connected to a generator or DC/DC-Converter. The circuit has a charging line connecting the battery to the power line for charging the battery when a forward voltage is applied by the generator or DC/DC-Converter. An ideal diode arrangement is provided in the charging line for conducting a forward current from the generator or DC/DC-Converter to the battery when the forward voltage is applied. The ideal diode arrangement prevents conduction of a reverse current from the battery to the power line when a reverse voltage is applied.

Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment includes screening, by a receiver of a proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path. Receiving such an incoming proximity signal and processing the received proximity signal allows for detecting an object that is otherwise not visible to a driver or another type of sensor on a vehicle and warning the driver or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected object.

Abstract: A vision system for a motor vehicle includes an optical image capture device configured to capture images of objects in its field of vision. A lighting device includes a plurality of lighting elements forming a lighting matrix configured to illuminate the field of vision of the optical device. A control device associated with the optical device and the lighting device is configured to determine the nature of each image of an object captured by the optical device. The control device is configured to locate the object, select the lighting elements of the lighting matrix capable of illuminating the object relative to the location of the object, and individually control at least one lighting characteristic of each selected lighting element so as to be able to determine the nature of the image of the object captured by the optical device.

Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment, wherein each vehicle is equipped with at least one proximity sensor, the method comprising for a driven vehicle the steps of: screening, by a receiver of the proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path; Receiving an incoming proximity signal coming from a non-visible vehicle (B); processing the received proximity signal to detect the non-visible vehicle; and warning a driver and/or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected non-visible vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Abstract: An electrical safety system comprises a main safety device including a N-type transistor and an auxiliary safety device including a P-type transistor, alternately activated under command of a controller. The N-type transistor and the P-type transistor have the function of overcurrent protection, respectively in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode. The auxiliary safety device includes a passive component, connected in series with the P-type transistor, for providing a voltage drop when a current passes through the passive component, and a driving circuit for turning off the P-type transistor under control of the voltage drop exceeding a first threshold, in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment, wherein each vehicle is equipped with at least one proximity sensor, the method comprising for a driven vehicle the steps of: screening, by a receiver of the proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path; Receiving an incoming proximity signal coming from a non-visible vehicle (B); processing the received proximity signal to detect the non-visible vehicle; and warning a driver and/or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected non-visible vehicle.