Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing an operating variable to be determined of a motor vehicle in dependence on a first known operating variable and a second known operating variable, using a characteristics map for executing functions of the motor vehicle. Said characteristics map is stored in the Cartesian coordinate system in an electronic control device with the help of interpolating points. If a mathematically invertible characteristics map by which means an operating variable to be determined for a first motor vehicle function is entered on the Z-axis is provided, then by reverse interpolation using the same characteristics map, an operating variable allocated to the Y- or X-axis can also be an operating variable to be determined for a second motor vehicle function, the operating variable allocated to the Z-axis being the known operating variable for the second motor vehicle.

Abstract: In order to control electromechanically activated charge cycle valves, a circuit is provided in which placement control elements actuate an output stage for the electromechanically activated charge cycle valves and control a gentle placement of the charge cycle valves in a respective end position. For the purpose of communication with the operational control unit of the internal combustion engine, a digital communications computer is provided which provides the placement control element with timing signals. As a result, the placement control elements are freed of communications functions and can be dedicated to performing the placement control in real time.

Abstract: In order to control electromechanically activated charge cycle valves, a circuit is provided in which placement control elements actuate an output stage for the electromechanically activated charge cycle valves and control a gentle placement of the charge cycle valves in a respective end position. For the purpose of communication with the operational control unit of the internal combustion engine, a digital communications computer is provided which provides the placement control element with timing signals. As a result, the placement control elements are freed of communications functions and can be dedicated to performing the placement control in real time.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting exhaust-gas-impairing and catalyst-damaging misfires in an internal-combustion engine, having a lambda probe arranged behind a catalyst, combustion misfires in at least one cylinder of the internal-combustion engine are detected by analysis of rotational engine speeds (or by another technique for detection of the erratic running of the engine). To improve the diagnosis of exhaust-gas-impairing of catalyst-damaging misfires a two stage method is provided to determine the lambda probe voltage, to assign it to the detected combustion misfires and to determine the respective type of misfire as a function of the probe voltage.