Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided in a manufacturing area wherein a semiconductor having nonvolatile memory space is automatically programmed, tested, marked and mounted at a predetermined position on a circuit board to obtain a programmed electronic control unit (ECU). These functions are performed automatically based on programs downloaded from a common controller such as the appropriately programmed personal computer. A handler conveys the semiconductors loaded in micro tubes to a programming head of a memory programmer for programming and testing the semiconductors. Then the handler conveys the programmed semiconductors to a marker, such as a laser etcher, to mark a surface of the semiconductor with indicia related to a particular ABS system in which the semiconductor is to be used. Then the marked semiconductors are conveyed in a tube adapted to be loaded in an automatic mounting device such as a robot under the control of a robot controller.

Abstract: The current through the coil of a solenoid valve is monitored for a deflection which is generated when the valve armature shifts in response to the current being applied to the coil. A lack of detection of the deflection is indicative of a solenoid malfunction and causes generation of an alarm signal.

Abstract: A portion of a solenoid coil melts after a predetermined time period has elapsed to interrupt the flow of current through the coil. The portion which melts can include a reduced cross sectional area which increases the resistance of the portion of the wire. Alternately, a portion of the coil wire can be formed from a material having a higher resistivity than the remainder of the wire.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the illumination of a vehicular lamp and for monitoring the state of a switch electrically connected thereto. A feedback signal corresponding to a state of the switch is generated by a feedback circuit. A control signal is generated by a controller based on the feedback signal. A lamp drive signal is generated by a lamp driver based on the control signal for illuminating the lamp. A single multiplexed connector provides the lamp drive signal to the lamp during a drive operating mode and the feedback signal from the switch to the controller during a feedback operating mode.