Abstract: Current sensors measure current flowing into and out of an inductive load such as a solenoid coil and provide signals to a processor when the difference between the two measured currents exceeds a threshold. A solenoid coil and electronic devices driving it are protected from damage caused by a short circuit at the connections to the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the application of electrical power to a load includes a controller, a controllable high side driver electrically connected to a first electrical terminal of the load, and a controllable low side driver electrically connected to a second electrical terminal of the load. The apparatus also includes a diagnostic circuit configured to sense and identify an open load fault condition, a high-side short circuit to battery fault condition, a low-side short circuit to ground fault condition, a high-side short circuit to ground fault condition, a low-side short circuit to battery fault condition, and a short circuited load fault condition. The diagnostic circuit is also configured to sense and identify a condition wherein none of the open load, high-side short circuit to battery, low-side short circuit to ground, high-side short circuit to ground, low-side short circuit to battery, and short circuited load fault conditions are present.

Abstract: Current sensors measure current flowing into and out of an inductive load such as a solenoid coil and provide signals to a processor when the difference between the two measured currents exceeds a threshold. A solenoid coil and electronic devices driving it are protected from damage caused by a short circuit at the connections to the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the application of electrical power to a load includes a controller, a controllable high side driver electrically connected to a first electrical terminal of the load, and a controllable low side driver electrically connected to a second electrical terminal of the load. The apparatus also includes a diagnostic circuit configured to sense and identify an open load fault condition, a high-side short circuit to battery fault condition, a low-side short circuit to ground fault condition, a high-side short circuit to ground fault condition, a low-side short circuit to battery fault condition, and a short circuited load fault condition. The diagnostic circuit is also configured to sense and identify a condition wherein none of the open load, high-side short circuit to battery, low-side short circuit to ground, high-side short circuit to ground, low-side short circuit to battery, and short circuited load fault conditions are present.

Abstract: Circuit layout to control at least one electrical component of a motor vehicle via a control signal, wherein the circuit layout comprises a digital control unit that provides an output signal during its operation, the circuit layout has a supply terminal, and the digital control unit starts its operation when the supply terminal has an operating voltage above a predetermined threshold value. The digital control unit stops its operation when the supply terminal has an operating value below the threshold value, wherein the circuit layout comprises a circuit block in order to provide for the control signal, during the operation of the digital control unit the circuit block provides for the control signal based on the output signal of the digital control unit, and the circuit block maintains the momentary control signal for a predetermined period of time after the operation of the digital control unit is ended.

Abstract: Circuit layout to control at least one electrical component of a motor vehicle via a control signal, wherein the circuit layout comprises a digital control unit that provides an output signal during its operation, the circuit layout has a supply terminal, and the digital control unit starts its operation when the supply terminal has an operating voltage above a predetermined threshold value. The digital control unit stops its operation when the supply terminal has an operating value below the threshold value, wherein the circuit layout comprises a circuit block in order to provide for the control signal, during the operation of the digital control unit the circuit block provides for the control signal based on the output signal of the digital control unit, and the circuit block maintains the momentary control signal for a predetermined period of time after the operation of the digital control unit is ended.

Abstract: A power control arrangement for a controller provides a first voltage level so that the controller operates in a first mode and a second voltage level for operating in a second, sleep mode. In the case where the power supply is provided on a vehicle, the first voltage supply (24) draws power from a vehicle power supply (26). A second voltage supply (30) draws power from a vehicle battery (28). The second voltage supply provides a lower voltage so that the controller (22) operates in a sleep mode and draws minimal current. The inventive arrangement is particularly well suited for powering a controller that provides a real time clock function during a sleep mode.