Abstract: In a method of controlling the different operating states of a data bus system, message passing on the data bus can be switched into an inactive operating state, during which message passing on the data bus is deactivated, or into a normal operating state, in which message passing on the data bus is activated, with different communication modes being provided for control of the different message passing states on the data bus. In a first communication mode during the normal operating state of the data bus, messages containing network information are transmitted as necessary over the data bus. In another communication mode, messages containing network information in identical message format are transmitted in a repeating manner over the data bus and status information is evaluated that determines if the data bus system must remain in the normal operating state.

Abstract: A system for controlling or regulating, in particular motor vehicle functions, having at least two control units which are networked to one another via a databus, in which, in order to reduce the power consumption, the system can be placed entirely or only partially in specific power consumption states (1 to 6) in which control units operate with full power consumption (1) or in a power consumption state (2 to 6) in which the power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle controller has a processor unit and a communication output stage for coupling the controller to a databus. A data protocol device, which is connected between the processor unit and the communication output stage, variably defines the data protocol to be used for a particular data transfer, as a function of protocol control information which is supplied to its input side. The data protocol device may be in the form of hardware or software, and allows flexible data protocol selection even at the end of the controller development process.