Abstract: A slave node for use with a Local Interconnect Network (LIN network) receives incoming messages from the LIN network in a manner that reduces operating current, power consumption and/or operating temperature. The slave node generally includes an input circuit, an electronic processing device, associated components such as an Integrated Glass Fog Sensor (IGFS) unit, and a transmitting device all mounted on a single circuit board. The input circuit, which can either be separate from or incorporated within the electronic processing device, pre-filters an incoming message from a LIN bus such that it only wakes the transmitting device out of its low-current sleep mode when required. Stated differently, the transmitting device is removed from an incoming message path so that it is only active when it is transmitting an outgoing message.

Abstract: A control structure and method for controlling a sensor heater including a power supply connected to a switching device for pulse width modulating a voltage from the power supply. The switching device is further connected to a resistance heater. A microcontroller having a single output is connected to the switching device and a single input from the microcontroller is connected to a high side of the resistance heater. The microcontroller determines a pulse width modulation duty cycle to maintain a constant power dissipation of the resistance heater.