Abstract: An integrated circuit has a controllable switching element, the load path of which is arranged between an output of the integrated circuit and a supply potential. A test unit is connected to the connections of the switching element in order to carry out tests. A control unit is connected to the test unit via at least one control line. The sequence of tests is carried out dependent on signals on the control line(s). A memory is connected to the control unit the content and the type of which determines the time of the tests. The memory is connected to an input of the integrated circuit in order to enter the content.

Abstract: A device and a method test the connection of a load connected to a connection point. The connection point is formed between a first switching element, which is connected between a high supply voltage potential and the connection point, and a second switching element, which is connected between the connection point and a low supply voltage potential. When the two switching elements are switched off, a potential is built up at the connection point by at least one voltage or current source connected to the connection point. A potential analyzing circuit is provided and checks whether the potential lies in a defined potential range. If this is the case, it is concluded that a line between the connection point and the load has been interrupted.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a controllable switching element, the load path of which is arranged between an output of the integrated circuit and a supply potential. A test unit is connected to the connections of the switching element in order to carry out tests. A control unit is connected to the test unit via at least one control line. The sequence of tests is carried out dependent on signals on the control line(s). A memory is connected to the control unit the content and the type of which determines the time of the tests. The memory is connected to an input of the integrated circuit in order to enter the content.

Abstract: A circuit includes a switching unit, a switching element, and a control unit. The control unit provides at least one supply signal depending on a switching position of the switching element. An advance signal and the supply signal(s) of the control unit are assigned to the switching unit on the input side. The switching unit supplies and controls predetermined components of the switching unit, which are configured to control the switching element in accordance with the advance signal in such a way that the components activate the switching element. The switching unit is also configured to detect the supply signal(s) present once the switching element has been activated and in response thereto to switch to supplying the predetermined components by way of the supply signal(s).

Abstract: A driver chip for driving an inductive load and a module having a driver chip are provided. The driver chip contains a first transistor for coupling a first potential to a first output and a second transistor for coupling a second potential to the first output. A first protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between a control terminal and a load junction terminal of the first transistor. The driver chip has a first state in which the second transistor is turned off and the first transistor can switch a passive inductive load connected to the output. In a second state, the first transistor and the second transistor can switch an external power transistor connected to the first output. A second output is connected to a load junction terminal of the external power transistor. A second protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between the first and second outputs.

Abstract: A circuit configuration includes an output stage having at least one inductive load and a switching transistor configuration for switching the at least one inductive load. A supply voltage has a first supply potential and a second supply potential for feeding the supply voltage to the output stage. A registering device registers a particular instance when a potential at a specific circuit node of the output stage is outside a potential range defined by the first and second supply potentials.

Abstract: A circuit includes a switching unit, a switching element, and a control unit. The control unit provides at least one supply signal depending on a switching position of the switching element. An advance signal and the supply signal(s) of the control unit are assigned to the switching unit on the input side. The switching unit supplies and controls predetermined components of the switching unit, which are configured to control the switching element in accordance with the advance signal in such a way that the components activate the switching element. The switching unit is also configured to detect the supply signal(s) present once the switching element has been activated and in response thereto to switch to supplying the predetermined components by way of the supply signal(s).

Abstract: A driver chip for driving an inductive load and a module having a driver chip are provided. The driver chip contains a first transistor for coupling a first potential to a first output and a second transistor for coupling a second potential to the first output. A first protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between a control terminal and a load junction terminal of the first transistor. The driver chip has a first state in which the second transistor is turned off and the first transistor can switch a passive inductive load connected to the output. In a second state, the first transistor and the second transistor can switch an external power transistor connected to the first output. A second output is connected to a load junction terminal of the external power transistor. A second protection circuit reduces an increased voltage between the first and second outputs.

Abstract: The operating voltage is monitored in a microcontroller having associated output stages which are used to control components. In the case of over-voltage, the output stage is disconnected. Two technology-related, voltage monitoring devices working in different operating voltage ranges are provided. Due to the combination thereof, a highly precise disconnection threshold and a greater area for the operating voltage, which is to be monitored, can be obtained. If a malfunction of an over-voltage occurs, the output stages can be disconnected in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A circuit configuration includes an output stage having at least one inductive load and a switching transistor configuration for switching the at least one inductive load. A supply voltage has a first supply potential and a second supply potential for feeding the supply voltage to the output stage. A registering device registers a particular instance when a potential at a specific circuit node of the output stage is outside a potential range defined by the first and second supply potentials.

Abstract: The operating voltage is monitored in a microcontroller having associated output stages which are used to control components. In the case of over-voltage, the output stage is disconnected. Two technology-related, voltage monitoring devices working in different operating voltage ranges are provided. Due to the combination thereof, a highly precise disconnection threshold and a greater area for the operating voltage, which is to be monitored, can be obtained. If a malfunction of an over-voltage occurs, the output stages can be disconnected in a reliable manner.

Abstract: In order to drive it with compatible electromagnetic interference, a circuit breaker is charged with a high charging current until the drain current exceeds a current threshold. The circuit breaker is then charged further with a smaller charging current associated with the desired rate of rise, until the drain voltage falls below a predefined voltage threshold. The circuit breaker is then charged further with the high charging current for a predefined period. In order to close the circuit breaker, a nearly reverse sequence is followed.

Abstract: In order to drive it with compatible electromagnetic interference, a circuit breaker is charged with a high charging current until the drain current exceeds a current threshold. The circuit breaker is then charged further with a smaller charging current associated with the desired rate of rise, until the drain voltage falls below a predefined voltage threshold. The circuit breaker is then charged further with the high charging current for a predefined period. In order to close the circuit breaker, a nearly reverse sequence is followed.