Abstract: A detection circuit for a diesel injection valve includes a first threshold, a first comparator for receiving a BEMF signal from the valve and compare the BEMF signal to the first threshold, a filter for filtering the BEMF signal thereby providing a filtered BEMF signal, a second threshold, and a second comparator for comparing a difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal to the second threshold, indicating an end of motion of the valve. An output of the first comparator and an output of the second comparator are joined to define an output signal. The output signal is activated only when the BEMF signal is above the first threshold and when the difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A detection circuit for a diesel injection valve includes a first threshold, a first comparator for receiving a BEMF signal from the valve and compare the BEMF signal to the first threshold, a filter for filtering the BEMF signal thereby providing a filtered BEMF signal, a second threshold, and a second comparator for comparing a difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal to the second threshold, indicating an end of motion of the valve. An output of the first comparator and an output of the second comparator are joined to define an output signal. The output signal is activated only when the BEMF signal is above the first threshold and when the difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling multiple stepper motors with a single micro-controller output set uses a demultiplexer to split a single micro-controller output set into individual control signals for a plurality of stepper motors.

Abstract: A method for controlling multiple stepper motors with a single micro-controller output set uses a demultiplexer to split a single micro-controller output set into individual control signals for a plurality of stepper motors.

Abstract: A fuel injector system (10) calculates a first derivative filtered signal and a second derivative filtered signal from an unpowered spool valve coil signal. When the spool valve (16) reaches the end of travel, either open or closed position, a flat slope f is generated on the falling edge of the bell shaped signal. The second derivative provides a readily apparent determination of when the steep slope occurs. A comparator (62) thereby need only determine when the second derivative is zero to identify that the spool valve has reached the end of travel.

Abstract: A current regulator that controls a load current by selectively connecting the load to a high voltage source and a low voltage source. The switching is triggered by a command pulse. By switching between the high voltage source and the low voltage source, the regulator controls load current without generating emissions. The low voltage source also maintains the load current at a selected level without requiring switching.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply management system includes a load absorbing device (28, 32, 34) that absorbs an excess voltage from the vehicle battery (24). Under circumstances, such as at vehicle shutdown when an excess voltage spike occurs at the battery, the load absorbing device is selectively coupled to the battery to absorb the excess voltage and protect other electronic components on the vehicle. In one example, a comparator (44) compares the voltage on the battery (24) to a preselected threshold value (46). Whenever the battery voltage exceeds the threshold, the inventive arrangement selectively couples a load absorbing device, such as a plurality of glow plugs (28), heating elements within a vehicle seat (32) or a window defrost unit (34), for example, to the vehicle battery (24) to absorb the excess voltage.

Abstract: A fuel injector system 10 calculates a first derivative filtered signal and a second derivative filtered signal from an unpowered spool valve coil signal. When the spool valve 16 reaches the end of travel, either open or closed position, a flat slope f is generated on the falling edge of the bell shaped signal. The second derivative provides a readily apparent determination of when the steep slope occurs. A comparator 62 thereby need only determine when the second derivative is zero to identify that the spool valve has reached the end of travel.