Abstract: In a fault detection protecting circuit, an overheat detection unit is provided for each of communication channels on an IC chip, and detects the temperature in each communication channel as the detected temperature. A chip temperature detection unit detects the temperature at an arbitrary position on the IC chip as a reference temperature. A detection unit sets a predetermined ratio value regarding the difference between an overheat protective temperature and a reference temperature based on the detected temperature in each communication channel and the reference temperature, and identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold value. A stop-control unit stops the output from one of the communication channels when the detection unit identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection and when it is identified that the communication channel is in an overcurrent state.

Abstract: In a fault detection protecting circuit, an overheat detection unit is provided for each of communication channels on an IC chip, and detects the temperature in each communication channel as the detected temperature. A chip temperature detection unit detects the temperature at an arbitrary position on the IC chip as a reference temperature. A detection unit sets a predetermined ratio value regarding the difference between an overheat protective temperature and a reference temperature based on the detected temperature in each communication channel and the reference temperature, and identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold value. A stop-control unit stops the output from one of the communication channels when the detection unit identifies that the communication channel is in a state before overheat detection and when it is identified that the communication channel is in an overcurrent state.

Abstract: An assemble structure includes: a connection device including a support element on one side of an attachment surface, a first connector on the attachment surface, and a key groove on a support surface of the support element; and the electric device including a casing to be attached to the attachment surface, a second connector on one surface of the casing electrically coupled with the first connector, and a key protruding from the one side of the casing. The electric device is rotatable via a hinge provided by the support element and the casing when one side of the casing faces a support surface of the support element. The key groove on the support surface corresponds to the key on the one side of the casing.

Abstract: An ECU having a vehicle connector is coupled with an information writing tool that stores vehicle information specifically associated with corresponding vehicle specification, when the ECU is repaired or replaced. By connecting, to the vehicle connector of the ECU in a one-to-one correspondence manner, a tool connector of the information writing tool having specific vehicle information, which varies depending on vehicle types and shipping destinations, the specific vehicle information can be securely transferred and written to a vehicle memory in the ECU from a tool memory in the information writing tool without elaborate inventory control, even when the combination variations yielded from various vehicle types and shipping destinations are enormous.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic control unit includes a main control unit, a plurality of optional control units, sockets, and a connection unit. The main control unit performs common and essential functions for a vehicle. Each of the optional control units performs a different optional function for the vehicle based on a control signal received from the main control unit. The sockets are provided to at least one of the main control unit and the connection unit. Each of the optional control units is attachable to and detachable from any one of the sockets. The connection unit is electrically connected to the main control unit. When being attached to the sockets, the optional control units are electrically connected to the main control unit via the connection unit. Thus, the electronic control unit can be easily customized to suit individual needs and consequently can be standardized.

Abstract: An in-vehicle load drive-control circuit including a power MOSFET between connected in series between a load and a power source, said power MOSFET on/off controlling the power supply to said load, said power MOSFET incorporating a thermoelectric element across which the voltage drops as a result at heat liberation when the power MOSFET is energized; and a control unit for ON/OFF controlling a gate driving signal to said power MOSFET on the basis of a voltage drop. After the voltage has been stabilized, the gate driving signal is made constant. In this configuration, the breakage of the MOSFET resulting from excess current can be inhibited in a simple structure.

Abstract: A steering-heater device 1 capable of temperature control without causing an excess current to flow into a steering wheel Sw is provided. The steering-heater device 1 includes a heater 2 disposed in the steering wheel, a calorific switching element 4 disposed in a steering column Sc to carry out switching of a drive current for driving the heater 2 and also generate heat, a thermo-sensitive element 5 for sensing the temperature of the element 4 to change its own characteristics, a control part 8 that outputs a control signal and a drive part 9 that outputs a drive signal for driving the element 4 on the ground of the control signal. Based on voltages between both ends of the element 5, the control part 8 detects an initial temperature of the steering wheel, further calculates a consumption power required to rise the temperature of the steering wheel up to a set temperature and generate the control signal during a heating period determined on the ground of the consumption power.

Abstract: A steering-heater device 1 capable of temperature control without causing an excess current to flow into a steering wheel Sw is provided. The steering-heater device 1 includes a heater 2 disposed in the steering wheel, a calorific switching element 4 disposed in a steering column Sc to carry out switching of a drive current for driving the heater 2 and also generate heat, a thermo-sensitive element 5 for sensing the temperature of the element 4 to change its own characteristics, a control part 8 that outputs a control signal and a drive part 9 that outputs a drive signal for driving the element 4 on the ground of the control signal. Based on voltages between both ends of the element 5, the control part 8 detects an initial temperature of the steering wheel, further calculates a consumption power required to rise the temperature of the steering wheel up to a set temperature and generate the control signal during a heating period determined on the ground of the consumption power.

Abstract: An in-vehicle load drive-control circuit includes a power MOSFET between connected in series between a load and a power source, the power MOSFET on/off controlling the power supply to the load, the power MOSFET incorporating a thermoelectric element across which the voltage drops owing to heat liberation when the power MOSFET is energized; and a control unit for ON/OFF controlling a gate driving signal to the power MOSFET on the basis of a voltage drop. After the voltage has been stabilized, the gate driving signal is made constant. In this configuration, the breakage of the power MOSFET due to excess current can be inhibited in a simple structure.