Abstract: A high-frequency ignition system has a waveguide and a high-frequency amplifier. In this context, the high-frequency amplifier is situated at a first end of the waveguide. An ignition gap is situated at a second end of the waveguide. Additionally provided is a positive-feedback element, by which the frequency of the high-frequency amplifier is adapted to the load conditions of the waveguide and the ignition gap.

Abstract: Proposed is a high-frequency ignition system, which has a waveguide (1) and a high-frequency amplifier (2). In this context, the high-frequency amplifier (2) is situated at a first end of the waveguide (1). An ignition gap (3) is situated at a second end of the waveguide (1). Additionally provided is a positive-feedback element (10), by which the frequency of the high-frequency amplifier (2) is adapted to the load conditions of the waveguide (1) and the ignition gap (3).

Abstract: The method of transmitting data as a sequence of high bits and low bits over a transmission line from a transmitting device to a receiving device includes transmitting synchronization signals over the transmission line and transmitting one and only one high bit or one and only one low bit over the transmission line at an end of each synchronization signal. When the predetermined voltage levels for the high bit, low bit and synchronization signals are different from each other, the method is implemented in an especially simple manner. The interfaces for the receiving and transmitting devices for performing the method are also described.

Abstract: Proposed is an igniting device having a radio frequency resonator. Moreover, the resonator can be designed as a strip waveguide on a printed-circuit board. Several resonators can be connected in a pattern to the RF source via p-i-n diodes. At the cold end, the resonator is electrically isolated but connected to ground, in terms of the radio frequency, via a capacitor. In this manner, ion currents can be simply coupled in subsequent to the application of an auxiliary voltage.

Abstract: Especially simple interfaces for outputting or receiving data are proposed, which can be operated by an especially simple method. It is provided that three different levels can be realized on the bus. One of these levels (V0) is used to generate a synchronization signal for the successive transmission of a high bit or a low bit. The individual bits are realized by means of the other two voltage levels (V2, V1). In a modification, via interfaces or connecting lines, items of information that are represented with the aid of two different levels are exchanged. In the process, by means of different pulse lengths, both synchronization pulses and two different information pulses are generated.

Abstract: A storage device for display cells, in accordance with the present invention, includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer having a first side and a second side, the sides being opposite each other. The first conductive layer is spaced apart from the first side of the second conductive layer. A third conductive layer is spaced apart from the second side of the second conductive layer and is formed from a portion of a transparent layer used for constructing pixels of the display cells. The first and third conductive layers are electrically isolated from the second conductive layer. An interconnect is included for electrically coupling the first and third conductive layers such that the first and third conductive layers are included in a first electrode of the storage device and the second conductive layer includes a second electrode of the storage device. A method for fabrication of the storage device is also included.

Abstract: An ignition output stage is described, in particular for an internal combustion engine, in which the output stage is constructed as a two- or three-stage Darlington and provided either with an internal single-stage or an external multiple- stage clamping via a Zener diode for protection from surges, while a short-circuit transistor is provided for protection from parasitic currents at the control terminal of the Darlington in parallel to the base-emitter junction of the ignition Darlington.

Abstract: A device for detecting a knocking in an internal combustion engine has an evaluating facility, a knock sensor for sensing knocking of an internal combustion engine and producing output signals of the knocking sensor, an evaluation facility for obtaining the filtered signals from the filter from the devices and evaluating the same and a device for controlling a center frequency of at least one of the filter devices depending on at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for the recording, storing and outputting of data of a control unit in a motor vehicle, besides the operating time of the control unit, makes it possible for other data to be acquired and stored as well, so that information will be provided regarding the probability of failure or the future reliability of the control unit. Noteworthy as these additional data is at least one of the quantities:maximum control-unit temperatureduration of a control-unit temperature above a certain valueminimum control-unit temperatureduration of a control-unit temperature below a certain valuemaximum value of the voltage on the supply-voltage linelength of time a supply voltage is applied above a certain valueduration and intensity of interference voltages on control-unit lines.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit for processing a signal (UL) of a lambda probe having a probe signal terminal on which the signal (UL) is outputted and a probe ground terminal. The circuit includes a voltage source having a plus pole and having a minus pole connected to the probe ground terminal. A first network of passive components is connected between the plus pole and the probe signal terminal for dividing the voltage between the plus pole and the probe signal terminal in a pregiven ratio thereby providing a divided potential as a first analog signal. An analog-to-digital converter has an input and is connected to a chassis ground at a ground potential different than the ground potential at the probe ground terminal. A second network of passive components is connected to the plus pole for supplying a potential proportional to the potential on the plus pole as a second analog signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for ignition systems for detecting an arc voltage at a spark plug has an ignition coil having a primary side on which the arc voltage is transformed and also having a primary winding, an ignition switch located in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, a pnp transistor working as a voltage converter and having a control stage so that the arc voltage transformed on the primary side activates the control stage. The transistor is connected on an emitter side to a connection between the primary winding and the ignition switch. The pnp transistor is connected on a base side to a battery voltage. A resistor is assigned as an emitter follower to the pnp transistor. A measuring element is formed as a resistor. The transistor with its collector connection feeds to the measuring element a collector current which is proportional to the arc voltage.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus is provided for the ignition system of an internal combustion engine such as is provided in a motor vehicle, which is capable of detecting a variety of malfunctions of ignition under a variety of engine operating ranges, so that the catalyst used in the exhaust system of the engine can be protected by setting lambda=0 and/or cutting off fuel injection to an inoperative cylinder, in as many instances of malfunction as possible. Various methods of monitoring are available and are correlated for selection in accordance with the different operating ranges of the engine. The ignition spark duration and the ignition discharge voltage are measured for individual sparks on the primary side of an ignition coil and are compared with limit values for correct ignition, these limit values being selected from a memory in accordance with the particular range of operating conditions in which the engine is operating.

Abstract: A digital control unit, in particular an ignition and/or injection control unit for motor vehicles, is provided. The control unit has a microcomputer (10) and a permanently connected main storage (12) containing control data and operating programs. This main storage unit (12) is designed as a read/write memory (RAM, EEPROM or the like). A control program that runs when the control unit is switched on is provided in an auxiliary storage (13) designed as a permanent storage (ROM, EPROM or the like). Based on a load instruction, the control program controls the loading of the main storage (12) from an external storage medium via an interface (21). The control program also automatically transfers the operating program access of the microcomputer (10) to the main storage (12). In this manner, software modifications can easily be subsequently implemented in the control unit when, for example, improvements or variations in program data or characteristic data are available and desired.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of an internal combustion engine, such as is usable in a motor vehicle, combines the recognition of ignition failures with recognition of combustion failures. In one embodiment combustion failures are detected by the faltering of torque delivered by the engine. Ignition failures are electrically detected in terms of spark voltage or spark duration. In a first embodiment the rate of ignition and combustion failures is first compared with a predetermined threshold and if neither threshold is exceeded, the detection of an individual ignition failure is deemed plausible and is registered if detected. Only a failure rate in excess of a threshold results in cylinder-specific remedial measures to protect a catalyst in the exhaust system. In a second embodiment, unlike the first, only an ignition failure results in a cylinder-selective remedial action.

Abstract: A protective case (13) for a vehicle ignition system covers both the ignition coil (5), an electronic control device (6), and the terminals (11) and connecting conductors (12) therebetween. The preferred material is plastic, with an electromagnetically conducting coating for screening against incoming and outing electromagnetic noise. Thus, protection is provided against mechanical, chemical, and electromagnetic environmental influences. The case is dimensioned to snap over and seal respective edges of the electronic control device (6), the ignition coil (5) and its core (8), the electrical terminals (11), and the interconnecting conductors (12). The case is bifurcated along an access slit (16) which is secured in a normally closed position by knob (15) which press-fits into a mating hole on the other side of the slit. Two sides of the case have curved ridges or dimples which provide flexibility to hinge the case open for insertion of the ignition coil (5) and electronic control device (6).

Abstract: Misfiring in internal combustion engines is detected by detecting the voltage induced in the primary winding of the ignition coil, and comparing it to a reference voltage which represents normal firing. The reference voltage preferably has a predetermined magnitude and a predetermined duration and the detected and reference voltage are compared so as to detect when the magnitude of the detected voltage falls below the predetermined magnitude before the end of the duration.

Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle and comprising a transmitter disk which rotates with a shaft of the internal combustion engine relative an opposite stationary receiving element, the transmitter disk being provided at its circumference with a plurality of segments proportional to the number of cylinders, and a permanent magnet assigned to at least one of the segments for generating a marking signal to be fed to a control circuit for the ignition, injection and the like of the motor vehicle via the receiving element.

Abstract: To prevent spurious sparks from arising at a spark plug (6) connected to the secondary (3) of an ignition coil upon sudden current rise through the primary (2) when a switching transistor (4) serially connected with the primary becomes conductive, the primary (2) of the ignition coil is serially connected with another resistor (7) to form one branch of a bridge circuit, the other branch being formed by two resistors (8, 9) connected in parallel with said first branch.The diagonal terminals (11, 11') are connected to a source of reference voltage (Uref), formed for example by a Zener diode (12) and the emitter-base path of a control transistor (13), the collector of which is connected to the base of a driver transistor (14) which is controlled from an ignition control source (i) either to conduction or non-conduction to, in turn and 180.degree. out of phase, control non-conduction and conduction of the switching transistor (4).

Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle comprises a stationary pickup element provided with a control circuit for ignition or the like of a motor vehicle, and a transducer wheel arranged to rotate with the shaft of the engine of the motor vehicle and operatively connected with the stationary pickup element, the transducer wheel having a circumference and being provided on the circumference with a number of segments that is proportional to a number of cylinders of the engine, the segments affecting the pickup element and extending substantially in a circumferential direction, at least one of the segments having a perforation with a width which is measured in a direction transverse to a direction of elongation of the segment and which increases in the direction of elongation of the segment to supply a signal serving as a marking for the control circuit.

Abstract: A device for controlling ignition or fuel injection and the like of an internal combustion engine includes an angular position sensor of a shaft of the engine. The sensor is in the form of a disc rotating together with the shaft and being provided on its periphery with as many radially projecting segments separated by gaps as many cylinders has the engine. A gap between the segments is provided with a single sloping ramp terminating with a steep flank. The flank of one segment and the steep flank of the ramp cooperate with a detector which generates a marking pulse coordinating during single rotation of the shaft the distribution of control pulses to respective cylinders.