Abstract: A method updating a program in a flash memory includes executing a first image of the program while an address space of the program is imaged onto the memory blocks, which are operated in a single-level mode; copying part of the first image from a range within the address space, which is imaged onto one of the blocks, into a backup block; setting the one of the blocks to a multi-level mode; while the address range is imaged onto the backup block, programming the one of the blocks with part of the second image besides for the part of the first image; switching the address range back to the block while the block remains in the multi-level mode; as long as the second image is incomplete, repeating the copying, programming, and switching with further parts of the second image; and subsequently executing the second image instead of the first image.

Abstract: A method updating a program in a flash memory includes executing a first image of the program while an address space of the program is imaged onto the memory blocks, which are operated in a single-level mode; copying part of the first image from a range within the address space, which is imaged onto one of the blocks, into a backup block; setting the one of the blocks to a multi-level mode; while the address range is imaged onto the backup block, programming the one of the blocks with part of the second image besides for the part of the first image; switching the address range back to the block while the block remains in the multi-level mode; as long as the second image is incomplete, repeating the copying, programming, and switching with further parts of the second image; and subsequently executing the second image instead of the first image.

Abstract: A method for updating a control device having a first processor core and having a first flash memory associated with the first processor core, in which the first processor core works with a first block of the first flash memory, in which while it is working, a second block, electronically separate from the first block, of the first flash memory is reprogrammed with a predefined memory image; and in which after reprogramming, the first processor core is switched over from the first block of the first flash memory to the second block of the first flash memory.

Abstract: A system of at least two microcontrollers, each of the at least two microcontrollers having a respective hardware interface that is set up for a terminal of a contact connection, and the at least two microcontrollers being functional both when they are coupled by a contact connection in data-transmitting fashion via the hardware interfaces as well as independently. An electronic component, a computing unit, and a method for producing such a system, are also described.

Abstract: A method for operating a control device, in which in a first operating mode of the control device the first processor core is operated predominantly locally with the first flash memory, and the second processor core is operated predominantly locally with the second flash memory, in a second operating mode of the control device the first processor core and the second processor core are operated with the first flash memory, and in which in a third operating mode of the control device the first processor core and the second processor core are operated with the second flash memory.

Abstract: A method for updating a control device having a first processor core and having a first flash memory associated with the first processor core, in which the first processor core works with a first block of the first flash memory, in which while it is working, a second block, electronically separate from the first block, of the first flash memory is reprogrammed with a predefined memory image; and in which after reprogramming, the first processor core is switched over from the first block of the first flash memory to the second block of the first flash memory.

Abstract: A system of at least two microcontrollers on a common semiconductor substrate, each of the at least two microcontrollers respectively having one hardware interface, and the at least two microcontrollers being coupled in data-transmitting fashion via the hardware interfaces by a coupling device.

Abstract: A method for detecting rollover occurrences in a motor vehicle and activating appropriate restraining devices, the rate of rotation of the vehicle about at least one axis of rotation, in particular its longitudinal axis and/or its transverse axis, being measured with the aid of at least one rotation-rate sensor, and evaluated. The translational acceleration of the vehicle is considered in evaluating the rotation-rate sensor signal, in order to prevent malfunctions of the rotation-rate sensor caused by extreme translational accelerations from erroneously triggering restraining devices for a rollover event.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement having a unit which exhibits specific mechanical characteristics to be detected, for example, via mechanical parameters. Furthermore, a data carrier for storing these characteristics is provided which is connected to the unit or is a part of the unit. The essence of the invention is that the data carrier is so configured that the characteristics are stored so that they are readable optically and/or mechanically and/or magnetically.

Abstract: A method for detecting rollover occurrences in a motor vehicle and activating appropriate restraining devices, the rate of rotation of the vehicle about at least one axis of rotation, in particular its longitudinal axis and/or its transverse axis, being measured with the aid of at least one rotation-rate sensor, and evaluated. The translational acceleration of the vehicle is considered in evaluating the rotation-rate sensor signal, in order to prevent malfunctions of the rotation-rate sensor caused by extreme translational accelerations from erroneously triggering restraining devices for a rollover event.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric circuit arrangement (1) for checking a series circuit including a switch (2) and a load (3). The circuit arrangement (1) includes a first circuit (11) which is connected to the connecting circuit node (6) between the switch (2) and the load (3) and is suitable for detecting a first state. The first state defines a short circuit of the connecting circuit node (6) to the supply voltage (5). Furthermore, a second circuit (12) is connected in parallel with the first circuit (11) and is connected to the connecting circuit node (6). The second circuit (12) is suitable for detecting a second or a third state. The second state defines a short circuit of the connecting circuit node (6) to ground (4) and the third state defines an interruption of the connecting circuit node (6) to the supply voltage (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for operating a control apparatus in a motor vehicle. At least one input signal is applied to the control apparatus. The essence of the invention is that means are provided with the aid of which the control apparatus is activated in response to a change of the input signal. With the means of the invention, the control apparatus can correspondingly respond anytime to a change of the input signal. In an especially advantageous configuration, the means of the invention include a lower internal current draw than the activated control apparatus. According to the invention, one obtains a high operational reliability of the control apparatus without an excessive energy consumption because the means of the invention have only a low internal current draw and the control apparatus with the higher internal current draw is activated only as required (change of the input signal).

Abstract: A regulation of the sensitivity with a circuit in which the output signals of an inductive transmitter must be evaluated is performed so that the sensitivity in the event of small transmitter output signal is reduced until no trigger signal is obtained. Then the sensitivity is again increased by one step, and the thusly obtained sensitivity the further evaluations are performed. The method can be used for example in rotary speed sensors which are utilized with the transmission control in motor vehicles.