Abstract: A method for managing the production of vehicle electrical schematics includes entering into a computer manual changes to preexisting schematics and to textual connector pages that pertain to the schematics. A computer program then reconciles the textual pages with the schematics, combines them, and then outputs a new version of the schematics with connector pages.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system for an electric vehicle is provided in which an individual battery monitor is physically touching and electrically connected to each one of the battery modules in the string of series or parallel connected battery modules. The battery monitors are themselves connected in a series loop with a central computer via optical communication links such that when the central computer issues a command to force instantaneous battery parameter readings, data from a battery monitor upstream in the series loop is transmitted via an optical communication link to the next battery monitor downstream and ultimately back to the central computer. The central computer utilizes the battery parameter data thus collected to determine various battery charge and fault conditions.

Abstract: A flux-gate sensor orientation method which minimizes display jitter in electronic compasses which employ an n-point display or which calculate headings using the arctangent method. The method entails orienting the flux-gate sensor in a direction of plus or minus .+-.360.degree./2n relative to actual magnetic direction, so that instability points occur at display point boundaries. The method of the present invention finds application in microprocessor-based electronic compass systems but also makes possible the construction of a simple electronic compass employing small scale integration logic instead of a microprocessor.