Abstract: A motor vehicle control device is provided with first and second partial devices. The first partial device houses sensors and/or associated functions of the control unit that are identical for all vehicle models in a series. The second partial device houses the sensors and/or functions of the control unit that are additionally required for an individual vehicle.

Abstract: A restraint system, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a restraint device, to be activated in at least two steps; a sensor unit for sensing activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; a control device for processing the activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; as well as an ignition unit for driving the actuators for activating the at least one restraining device. To increase the safety of such a restraining device, at least two independently switched ignition units are provided such that, when one ignition unit fails, the activation of the restraint device in at least one step is guaranteed by the other ignition unit.

Abstract: A restraint system, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a restraint device, to be activated in at least two steps; a sensor unit for sensing activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; a control device for processing the activation-relevant vehicle and operating data; as well as an ignition unit for driving the actuators for activating the at least one restraining device. To increase the safety of such a restraining device, at least two independently switched ignition units are provided such that, when one ignition unit fails, the activation of the restraint device in at least one step is guaranteed by the other ignition unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle control device having a sensor unit containing several sensors and having a pertaining control unit, consists of a first and a second partial device, the first partial device containing the sensors and/or pertaining peripheries of the control unit, which are present for all vehicles of a model series and have the same construction, and the second partial device containing the sensors and/or peripheries of the control unit which are additionally required for the individual vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for selectively connecting a status detection device--from a group of such devices based on different physical action principles, in particular belt buckle status detection, and seat occupation detection, within a passive safety system for motor vehicles, in particular an airbag system, and/or a belt pretensioning system,--to the signal input of a control unit, using a single wire connection, by causing the control unit to activate an appropriate current/voltage supply in accordance with the physical action principle, and by appropriately processing the signals generated by the status detection device, which signals will then be fed to the control unit for evaluation. Furthermore, an interface circuit is specified for implementing the procedure according to the invention.