Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for switching power transistors in a power transistor circuit. The power transistors each have a gate, which is driven sequentially by at least three control values in the case of a switch-on sequence and/or a switch-off sequence. A switchover occurs between the control values at specific times. The specific times are determined or modified by a controller, which is driven by a Miller plateau detector for detecting a Miller plateau in a gate-source voltage of the respective power transistor.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a three-phase brushless DC motor. The motor control apparatus comprises a power converter which has, for each phase of the brushless DC motor, an electrical half-bridge having two electronic switches, and an application-specific integrated circuit for actuating the electronic switches of the power converter. The application-specific integrated circuit can be controlled by a programmable control unit in a normal mode, has a first interface for receiving an error signal signaling a malfunction and is designed to change the power converter to a defined final operating state independently of the programmable control unit after receiving the error signal.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a three-phase brushless DC motor. The motor control apparatus comprises a power converter which has, for each phase of the brushless DC motor, an electrical half-bridge having two electronic switches, and an application-specific integrated circuit for actuating the electronic switches of the power converter. The application-specific integrated circuit can be controlled by a programmable control unit in a normal mode, has a first interface for receiving an error signal signaling a malfunction and is designed to change the power converter to a defined final operating state independently of the programmable control unit after receiving the error signal.

Abstract: A device for actuating and/or monitoring a brushless DC motor, preferably for safety-relevant applications, preferably while operating or controlling a vehicle or components of a vehicle and a method for reliably checking the functional capability of the device are provided. The device can be actuated by a motor control unit by using a control signal for actuating and/or monitoring a brushless direct current motor by using a converter circuit includes a switching-off apparatus, a driver circuit which acts on the converter circuit and a testable diagnosis unit for monitoring the device and/or the converter circuit and/or the brushless direct current motor. The switching-off apparatus acts on the driver circuit. The testable diagnosis unit can be tested for a malfunction by using a testing command transmitted by the motor control unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a three-phase brushless DC motor with a pulse-width modulation controlled electronic commutation in the event of a malfunction. A maximum number (n) of commutation steps, a direction of motor rotation and at least two possible operating end states are specified, and one of the operating end states is chosen. Following indication of a malfunction, the rotor of the brushless DC motor is rotated at the specified maximum number (n) of commutation steps in the specified direction of motor rotation and the brushless DC motor is then set to the operating end state selected.

Abstract: A device for actuating and/or monitoring a brushless DC motor, preferably for safety-relevant applications, preferably while operating or controlling a vehicle or components of a vehicle and a method for reliably checking the functional capability of the device are provided. The device can be actuated by a motor control unit by using a control signal for actuating and/or monitoring a brushless direct current motor by using a converter circuit includes a switching-off apparatus, a driver circuit which acts on the converter circuit and a testable diagnosis unit for monitoring the device and/or the converter circuit and/or the brushless direct current motor. The switching-off apparatus acts on the driver circuit. The testable diagnosis unit can be tested for a malfunction by using a testing command transmitted by the motor control unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a three-phase brushless DC motor with a pulse-width modulation controlled electronic commutation in the event of a malfunction. A maximum number (n) of commutation steps, a direction of motor rotation and at least two possible operating end states are specified, and one of the operating end states is chosen. Following indication of a malfunction, the rotor of the brushless DC motor is rotated at the specified maximum number (n) of commutation steps in the specified direction of motor rotation and the brushless DC motor is then set to the operating end state selected.