Abstract: In a solenoid fuel injection system, an output transistor (16) receives switching signals to control through current therein which is provided to a solenoid fuel injection coil (11) in series with a current sensing resistor (17). A current control circuit (12) provides pulse width modulation control of solenoid current by monitoring the voltage across the sensing resistor. The fault detection circuit provides separate fault signals for short circuits at either the first or second end terminals (E, H) of the solenoid coil. Separate voltage comparators (18, 23) monitor voltages at the first and second end terminals, and separate delay timers (20, 25) effectively gate the comparator outputs to indicate actual detected short circuits. Each of the fault detection signals sets a fault latch (22) which then acts to reduce current through the output transistor and coil. The fault latch is periodically reset.

Abstract: An improved solenoid driver control circuit is disclosed in which solenoid current is sensed and provided as an input to a comparator means comprising two separate comparators (24, 25). The comparator means receives a solenoid current sense signal (45) and maximum and minimum reference threshold levels which determine maximum and minimum current limits (I.sub.max, I.sub.min ; H.sub.max, H.sub.min) for solenoid current during initial pull-in excitation and subsequent hold excitation. Pull-in time (T.sub.1) is defined by a monostable multivibrator (33) reacting to a control pulse (41) to produce a predetermined pull-in time pulse (43) such that the pull-in time is independent of sensed solenoid current. During pull-in time a boost driver switch (53) applies high boost voltage to a power source terminal (16) which supplies solenoid current, and in response to achieving the maximum pull-in current limit (I.sub.max) lower battery voltage is provided at the power source terminal.

Abstract: A differential amplifier operated as a voltage comparator includes first and second transistors coupled to first and second inputs respectively of the comparator whereby an applied input signal produces output transitions at an output of the differential amplifier as the input signal passes through and exceeds a first threshold voltage established at the second input of the differential amplifier. A hysteresis producing circuit is coupled to the differential amplifier which is responsive to the applied input signal exceeding the first threshold voltage for establishing a second threshold voltage, which is less than the first threshold voltage, whereby the input signal has to decrease below the value of the first threshold voltage to the second threshold voltage in order for the differential amplifier to switch back to its original operating state wherein hysteresis is established.

Abstract: An improved comparator circuit of the type which includes first and second differential PNP transistors operating in conjunction with a current mirror circuit includes an additional dual collector PNP transistor. That is, while the reference voltage is applied to the base of one of the differential transistors, the input voltage to be compared with the reference voltage applied to the emitter of the dual collector's transistor which has a first collector coupled to the base of the other differential transistor. The second collector is coupled to the base of the additional transistor. In this manner, should the input voltage fall below the substrate voltage, the additional transistor will be reverse biased thus preventing the parasitic diode at the base of the second differential transistor from turning on.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting a very large output current threshold with respect to a flow reference current. The threshold detector circuit includes a multiple transistor circuit wherein a pair of emitter areas are ratioed with respect to each other, and which have common bases, and an error amplifier the inputs of which are connected to the respective emitters of the multiple transistor circuit. An output current is sourced from the emitter of the multiple transistor circuit having the larger area which output current is a function of the load coupled therewith to thereby produce a voltage at this emitter the magnitude thereof being a function of the output current.

Abstract: A short detection circuit and method for operatively controlling current in an electrical load such as an alternator field coil includes a driving device such as a Darlington transistor for driving the electrical load. Detecting means selectively withhold and provide operating current to the driving means when a shorted and not shorted condition of the electrical load is respectively detected at the driven terminal of the driving device.

Abstract: In a zener referenced voltage threshold detector, the voltage at which a switching transistor turns on is determined by the breakdown voltage of a zener diode coupled between ground and the base of the switching transistor in conjunction with the base-emitter voltage of the switching transistor itself. In order to render the threshold detector circuit immune from noise at the trip point, a portion of the switching transistor's collector current is supplied to a second transistor which when turned on reduces the voltage at the base of the switching transistor.

Abstract: A reference capacitor is coupled in parallel with a capacitor of which the size thereof is variable and an oscillator is used to alternately charge and discharge both capacitors between first and second voltage levels. The absolute magnitude of the current flowing through the reference capacitor, which varies in proportion to the size of the variable capacitor, is detected which is indicative of the variations in size of the variable capacitor. If the variable capacitor is disposed in the fuel tank of a vehicle, water in the fuel will cause the effective capacitance value of the capacitor to increase which reduces the absolute magnitude of the current that is detected. The absolute magnitude of the detected current can be utilized to indicate excessive water levels in the fuel.

Abstract: A variable temperature coefficient level shifter includes a circuit which generates a voltage V.sub.BE having a negative temperature coefficient and a voltage .DELTA.V.sub.BE having a positive temperature coefficient. A control current is generated by placing a first resistor between V.sub.BE and ground and a second resistor between .DELTA.V.sub.BE and ground. Each of these currents forms a component of the control current which then has some net temperature coefficient. By properly scaling the resistors the control current may have any desired temperature coefficient between 2800 ppm and 3000 ppm. Once the temperature coefficient is set, a third resistor is provided through which the control current flows. The amplitude of the shift is then selected by selecting the value of resistor R.sub.S.

Abstract: This relates to a circuit for delivering a linear voltage (V.sub.P) which is inversely proportional to the capacitance of a pressure sensitive capacitive transducer. A constant current I.sub.O is alternately switched into a reference capacitor (C.sub.R) and the transducer capacitor (C.sub.P). When the voltage across C.sub.P reaches V.sub.P, a flip-flop is toggled to direct current to C.sub.R. When the voltage across C.sub.R reaches a reference voltage (V.sub.R), the flip-flop is again toggled directing current to C.sub.P. A duty cycle detector charges integrator capacitors until the feedback voltage V.sub.P is such as to render equal the charging times of C.sub.P and C.sub.R.