Abstract: Method and apparatus for interfacing steering wheel inputs on a steering wheel assembly with electronically-controlled devices in a vehicle. A steering wheel interface module in the steering wheel assembly is connected between the steering wheel inputs and a data communication bus in the steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel inputs provide control information to the steering wheel interface module, which in turn formulates data messages based on the control information and transmits the data messages on the data communication bus in the steering wheel assembly. Preferably, the steering wheel interface module includes a processing unit and a memory in communication with the processing unit. The data messages are formulated by the processing unit in accordance with programmed instructions stored in the memory. The programmed instructions and/or data messages stored in the memory may be modified or supplemented at a later time.

Abstract: An electrical interface for connecting a truck electrical system to a trailer electrical system. The electrical interface includes a solid-state switching device for selectively connecting a power source in the truck electrical system to a circuit in the trailer electrical system. If a fault is detected in the provision of power to the circuit in the trailer electrical system, the solid-state switching device reduces the flow of power or disconnects the power source from the circuit in the trailer electrical system. A microcontroller system connected to the truck electrical system transmits control signals to the solid-state switching device to control the flow of power from the power source to the circuit in the trailer electrical system in accordance with instruction signals received from the truck electrical system.