Abstract: A PM detection system has a PM sensor, current detector, and control circuit. The circuit switches of a detection mode and a burning mode. In the detection mode, the control circuit prohibits supply of power to a heater and supplies a voltage between electrodes, and instructs the current detector to detect a current flowing between the electrodes. In the burning mode, the control circuit instructs the heater to generate heat energy to burn PM accumulated on an accumulation part. The control circuit judges PM has remained on the accumulation part when the detected current exceeds a threshold value, and performs the burning mode again. The system further has a pair of current detectors. Each current detector detects a leak current flowing from the heater to the electrodes through an insulation member when the heater generates heat energy. The circuit detects a sensor failure based on the detected leak current.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor and a particulate matter sensing system using such a sensor are provided which are capable of being produced at decreased cost and accurately measuring the temperature of a heater. The particulate matter sensor includes a deposition portion on which particulate matter contained in exhaust gas is accumulated, a pair of electrodes which are disposed on the deposition portion and separate from each other, a heater which heats the deposition portion, and a pair of heater leads which form a path through which electrical current is delivered to the heater. A sensing line is connected to at least one of the heater leads to measure a resistance of the heater lead.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection system has a particulate matter detection sensor, a current detection part and a control circuit part. The particulate matter detection sensor has an accumulation part, a pair of electrodes and a heater part. The control circuit part performs switching of a detection mode and a burning mode. When the burning mode being switched to the detection mode, the control circuit part supplies a lower voltage between the pair of electrodes, which is lower than an usual voltage used in the detection mode, and detects a current detected by the current detection part as the offset value ?I. In the detection mode, the control circuit part subtracts the offset value ?I from the detected current value to correct the detected current value.

Abstract: A PM detection system has a PM sensor, current detector, and control circuit. The circuit switches of a detection mode and a burning mode. In the detection mode, the control circuit prohibits supply of power to a heater and supplies a voltage between electrodes, and instructs the current detector to detect a current flowing between the electrodes. In the burning mode, the control circuit instructs the heater to generate heat energy to burn PM accumulated on an accumulation part. The control circuit judges PM has remained on the accumulation part when the detected current exceeds a threshold value, and performs the burning mode again. The system further has a pair of current detectors. Each current detector detects a leak current flowing from the heater to the electrodes through an insulation member when the heater generates heat energy. The circuit detects a sensor failure based on the detected leak current.

Abstract: A circuit fixing member is provided which achieves a connection with a controlled object after a circuit module is produced, thereby avoiding disconnection of a wire member in the course of the production, easy to transfer between production processes, and is designed to avoid the entry of water into the circuit module. The terminal-embedded portion 110 of the circuit fixing member 10 which retains the control circuit 15 is equipped with a plurality of circuit supports 111 and the space 115 which communicates at an end thereof with the opened terminal insertion hole 117 and is closed at the other end thereof. For engaging the terminal fitting portion 130 of the terminal member 13 with the fitting portion 200 of the controlled object side terminal member 20 within the space 115, the terminal locking opening 114 and the terminal locking member 14 are provided. The terminal locking member 14 works to secure the locked portion 201 in the space 115.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection system has a particulate matter detection sensor, a current detection part and a control circuit part. The particulate matter detection sensor has an accumulation part, a pair of electrodes and a heater part. The control circuit part performs switching of a detection mode and a burning mode. When the burning mode being switched to the detection mode, the control circuit part supplies a lower voltage between the pair of electrodes, which is lower than an usual voltage used in the detection mode, and detects a current detected by the current detection part as the offset value ?I. In the detection mode, the control circuit part subtracts the offset value ?I from the detected current value to correct the detected current value.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor and a particulate matter sensing system using such a sensor are provided which are capable of being produced at decreased cost and accurately measuring the temperature of a heater. The particulate matter sensor includes a deposition portion on which particulate matter contained in exhaust gas is accumulated, a pair of electrodes which are disposed on the deposition portion and separate from each other, a heater which heats the deposition portion, and a pair of heater leads which form a path through which electrical current is delivered to the heater. A sensing line is connected to at least one of the heater leads to measure a resistance of the heater lead.

Abstract: An ignition device for engine according to the present invention performs continuous spark discharge of an ignition plug by using a multiplex signal, an integration signal or a control signal. In the multiplex signal, discharge continuous signals IGW#1 to 4 for cylinders of the engine have been multiplexed. In the integration signal, a discharge continuous signal IGW and a secondary current instruction signal IGA have been added to an ignition signal IGT. In the control signal, the secondary current instruction signal IGA has been added into the multiplex signal or the integration signal. This structure can reduce the total number of signal lines connected between an ECU and a controller, and further reduce a signal line to transmit the secondary current instruction signal IGA.

Abstract: An ignition device at least equipped with a DC power source, an ignition coil unit, a spark plug, an ignition switch, and an auxiliary power source, wherein the auxiliary power source is at least equipped with a discharge energy accumulating means, a discharge switch, and a discharge driver. The ignition device is further equipped with a secondary-current feedback controlling means comprising a secondary current detecting means for detecting a secondary current flowing during the ignition coil unit discharge period, and a secondary current feedback control circuit-for determining an upper limit and a lower limit for the secondary current from binary threshold values, and driving so as to open and close the discharge switch on the basis of the determination results. Furthermore, energy is introduced from the auxiliary power source without switching the polarity of the secondary current.

Abstract: An ignition device at least equipped with a DC power source, an ignition coil unit, a spark plug, an ignition switch, and an auxiliary power source, wherein the auxiliary power source is at least equipped with a discharge energy accumulating means, a discharge switch, and a discharge driver. The ignition device is further equipped with a secondary-current feedback controlling means comprising a secondary current detecting means for detecting a secondary current flowing during the ignition coil unit discharge period, and a secondary current feedback control circuit-for determining an upper limit and a lower limit for the secondary current from binary threshold values, and driving so as to open and close the discharge switch on the basis of the determination results. Furthermore, energy is introduced from the auxiliary power source without switching the polarity of the secondary current.

Abstract: An ignition device for engine according to the present invention performs continuous spark discharge of an ignition plug by using a multiplex signal, an integration signal or a control signal. In the multiplex signal, discharge continuous signals IGW#1 to 4 for cylinders of the engine have been multiplexed. In the integration signal, a discharge continuous signal IGW and a secondary current instruction signal IGA have been added to an ignition signal IGT. In the control signal, the secondary current instruction signal IGA has been added into the multiplex signal or the integration signal. This structure can reduce the total number of signal lines connected between an ECU and a controller, and further reduce a signal line to transmit the secondary current instruction signal IGA.

Abstract: A circuit fixing member is provided which achieves a connection with a controlled object after a circuit module is produced, thereby avoiding disconnection of a wire member in the course of the production, easy to transfer between production processes, and is designed to avoid the entry of water into the circuit module. The terminal-embedded portion 110 of the circuit fixing member 10 which retains the control circuit 15 is equipped with a plurality of circuit supports 111 and the space 115 which communicates at an end thereof with the opened terminal insertion hole 117 and is closed at the other end thereof. For engaging the terminal fitting portion 130 of the terminal member 13 with the fitting portion 200 of the controlled object side terminal member 20 within the space 115, the terminal locking opening 114 and the terminal locking member 14 are provided. The terminal locking member 14 works to secure the locked portion 201 in the space 115.

Abstract: A protection circuit can be prevented from malfunctioning due to the parasitic operation attributable to the unstable base potential of a transistor. In one embodiment, the protection circuit can be constituted by a reverse transistor system where the bases of transistors are connected to the collectors so that bases and collector potentials are the same. With the above configuration, the base potential is stabilized, and even if a parasitic potential is applied to the base as noise, malfunction associated with transistors turn on due to parasitic operation can be prevented. Since the base potential is stabilized, the protection circuit transistors turn on with greater certainty when a surge current occurs such that the surge current is absorbed by the protection circuit and flows to GND.

Abstract: A lead frame structure includes a lead frame, a partial plated portion, a semiconductor element, a Pb-free solder and a mold resin. The partial plated portion is formed on a part of a surface of the lead frame. The partial plated portion is made of a noble metal. The semiconductor element is bonded with the partial plated portion through a Pb-free solder and is electrically connected to the lead frame through the Pb-free solder and the partial plated portion. The mold resin encloses the semiconductor element and the lead frame other than a coupling portion, which is to be electrically coupled to an external device.

Abstract: An ignition device includes a semiconductor switching element, a constant-current circuit, and a control section. The semiconductor switching element has a gate, a collector and an emitter, and is coupled with a primary winding of an ignition coil. The semiconductor switching element is configured to control a gate voltage and an electric current flowing between the collector and the emitter so as to control a coil current flowing in the primary winding, a voltage at two ends of a secondary winding, and an electric discharge at a plug coupled with the secondary winding. The constant-current circuit is coupled with the gate for supplying a constant current to the gate. The control section is configured to switch the semiconductor switching element by switching a supply or non-supply of the constant current to the gate based on an ignition signal.

Abstract: A protection circuit can be prevented from malfunctioning due to the parasitic operation attributable to the unstable base potential of a transistor. In one embodiment, the protection circuit can be constituted by a reverse transistor system where the bases of transistors are connected to the collectors so that bases and collector potentials are the same. With the above configuration, the base potential is stabilized, and even if a parasitic potential is applied to the base as noise, malfunction associated with transistors turn on due to parasitic operation can be prevented. Since the base potential is stabilized, the protection circuit transistors turn on with greater certainty when a surge current occurs such that the surge current is absorbed by the protection circuit and flows to GND.

Abstract: In an ignition system that includes an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil, a switching element connected between the primary coil and a ground, a battery and a spark plug connected to one end of the secondary coil, an engine abnormal condition detecting device includes a Zener diode connected between the other end of the secondary coil and the ground to allow secondary current flowing in the secondary coil toward the ground, a resistor connected between the secondary coil and the ground to limit the secondary current flowing through the secondary coil to a preset level, a secondary current detecting circuit for detecting an amount of secondary current flowing through the resistor, and an electronic control circuit for determining an abnormal condition of the ignition system with reference to the amount of the secondary current flowing through the resistor.