Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a vehicle crash condition includes an accelerometer (20) for sensing a vehicle crash condition and for providing a signal having a characteristic indicative of the vehicle crash condition. A crash velocity determining circuit (74) determines a crash velocity value (78) from the accelerometer. Crash metric determining circuits (80, 82, 94, 96, 104, 108) determine crash metric values functionally related to acceleration. Threshold determining circuits (88, 98, 112) determining associated threshold values functionally related to the determined crash velocity value (78). Comparators (90, 100, 116) compare the determined crash metric values against associated threshold values. A controller (34) provides a control signal to control actuation of a restraining device in response to the comparison. A shape monitoring circuit (120) determines if the shape of the acceleration signal matches a predetermined shape. If the shape matches, the controller provides the control signal.

Abstract: A method and firmware motor control and fault operation system for positioning motors of a Heater-Ventilation-Air Conditioner Unit in response to request of chosen comfort levels in the interior of a motor vehicle. The positioning being accomplished by moving the shafts of the motors in a direction and for a period of time determined from mathematical computations. The system controls motor shaft movement of motors arranged to operate as hybrid closed and open loop motor control systems and all motor shaft movement performed with respect to purely time period measurements.

Abstract: A method and firmware motor calibration system for measuring average system voltage of operating electric motors and time of movement between physical stops of mechanical structures coupled to the output shafts of the electric motors. The system calibrates motors arranged to operate as hybrid closed and open loop motor control systems. Data concerning position of the shafts is determined for the closed loop motor control systems.