Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a timer, in particular a device for operating a passenger protection arrangement for a vehicle, the timer being configured for generating a periodic clock signal. The device includes a monitoring arrangement to monitor a pulse duration of the clock signal and consequently the pulse duration of the clock signal is monitored.

Abstract: An analog/digital converter system includes a multiplexer, which includes multiple channels having at least one switch, and an analog/digital converter, the analog input of which is connected to the output portal of the multiplexer. Also described is a method for checking a multiplexer for an analog/digital converter. At least one other switch for testing the multiplexer is provided in at least one channel, this other switch connecting the input portal and/or the output portal of the corresponding channel and/or the corresponding channel to a predefined voltage potential.

Abstract: A method for identifying a polarity of a freewheeling diode interconnected in parallel to an inductive actuator for a safety unit for a vehicle. The method includes applying a test current to a terminal of the freewheeling diode and carrying out a comparison between a voltage present at the terminal and a threshold voltage while the test current is being applied, a result of the comparison indicating the polarity of the freewheeling diode.

Abstract: A cold gas generator for a vehicle includes a container for storing gas, and an outlet opening closed by a closure element. The apparatus for operating the cold gas generator has a first terminal for a first connecting line for providing a first operating voltage potential, and a second terminal for a second connecting line for providing a second operating voltage potential. The apparatus also has an electrical coil to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening, the coil being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The apparatus also has a firing device to open the closure element in response to a firing current, the firing device being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a short circuit in a PWM driver circuit, the PWM driver circuit including a PWM modulator and a power stage unit, and the power stage unit provides an output signal using a control signal which is provided by the PWM modulator. The method includes analyzing a voltage value of the output signal in response to a change in the signal level of the control signal and/or a point in time of the change in the signal level. The analyzing also takes place using a predefined threshold value for assessing the voltage value to recognize a short circuit.

Abstract: An analog/digital converter system includes a multiplexer, which includes multiple channels having at least one switch, and an analog/digital converter, the analog input of which is connected to the output portal of the multiplexer. Also described is a method for checking a multiplexer for an analog/digital converter. At least one other switch for testing the multiplexer is provided in at least one channel, this other switch connecting the input portal and/or the output portal of the corresponding channel and/or the corresponding channel to a predefined voltage potential.

Abstract: A device for activating an air bag for a vehicle, the device having a pressure vessel for supplying a gas under pressure using at least one exit opening for letting out a first volume flow of the gas to the air bag, a valve element connected to the pressure vessel, which is configured to close the exit opening at least partially in a resting position and, in a motion into a triggering position, to release the exit opening, and a bursting element for the gas-tight closing of the pressure vessel. The device further includes a bypass region for letting out a second volume flow of the gas to the air bag, the bypass region being situated before an end region of the exit opening in relation to the main flow direction of the first volume flow.

Abstract: A control unit and a method for triggering an occupant protection arrangement for a vehicle are described, at least two semiconductor modules being provided for actuating the triggering of the occupant protection arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules are provided for actuating the control of the personal protective arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules provide the power supply voltage for the control unit. The at least two semiconductor modules also monitor these power supply voltages and monitor each other in at least one direction relative to these power supply voltages. The at least two semiconductor modules jointly execute a reset for the control unit, depending on the monitoring of the power supply voltages.

Abstract: The invention creates a control and evaluation apparatus for different sensor units, having: a stabilized supply unit for supplying the sensor unit with electrical energy; an amplifier device for amplifying a sensor signal generated by the sensor unit, which signal is delivered to the amplifier device as an input signal, and for outputting a measured signal dependent on the sensor signal; and an output unit for outputting the amplified sensor signal as an output signal. The amplifier device contains an integrated measuring resistor for measuring a voltage drop produced by the sensor signal, the voltage drop being delivered to the amplifier device as the input signal. In addition, in a comparator unit downstream from the amplifier device, the measured signal is compared with a definable threshold value, the threshold value being adjustable as a function of the sensor unit being used.

Abstract: A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for adapting a monitoring device of a control unit for a restraint system of a motor vehicle, having a redundant detection device and a triggering unit, having the method steps of: providing a first definable threshold value as a timing pattern for the monitoring device in a first operating range of the motor vehicle; detecting at least a second operating range of the motor vehicle by way of the redundant detection device at a first point in time; and transferring data from the redundant detection device to the monitoring device in order to adapt the monitoring device by utilizing at least one second definable threshold value in the second operating range of the motor vehicle, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A control unit and a method for triggering an occupant protection arrangement for a vehicle are described, at least two semiconductor modules being provided for actuating the triggering of the occupant protection arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules are provided for actuating the control of the personal protective arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules provide the power supply voltage for the control unit. The at least two semiconductor modules also monitor these power supply voltages and monitor each other in at least one direction relative to these power supply voltages. The at least two semiconductor modules jointly execute a reset for the control unit, depending on the monitoring of the power supply voltages.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a process execution of a plurality of sequentially executed processes starts one of a plurality of timers in cyclic permutation when one of the processes is started, and outputs a first error signal when a period of time recorded by one of the timers exceeds a predefined maximum period of time.

Abstract: A safety system for vehicle occupants includes at least one sensor, at least one actuator, and at least one control unit having output stages for controlling the at least one actuator. The safety system includes an arrangement for the activation of actuators not activated during an accident.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a process execution of a plurality of sequentially executed processes starts one of a plurality of timers in cyclic permutation when one of the processes is started, and outputs a first error signal when a period of time recorded by one of the timers exceeds a predefined maximum period of time.

Abstract: The invention creates a control and evaluation apparatus for different sensor units, having: a stabilized supply unit for supplying the sensor unit with electrical energy; an amplifier device for amplifying a sensor signal generated by the sensor unit, which signal is delivered to the amplifier device as an input signal, and for outputting a measured signal dependent on the sensor signal; and an output unit for outputting the amplified sensor signal as an output signal. The amplifier device contains an integrated measuring resistor for measuring a voltage drop produced by the sensor signal, the voltage drop being delivered to the amplifier device as the input signal. In addition, in a comparator unit downstream from the amplifier device, the measured signal is compared with a definable threshold value, the threshold value being adjustable as a function of the sensor unit being used.

Abstract: A method for adapting a monitoring device of a control unit for a restraint system of a motor vehicle, having a redundant detection device and a triggering unit, having the method steps of: providing a first definable threshold value as a timing pattern for the monitoring device in a first operating range of the motor vehicle; detecting at least a second operating range of the motor vehicle by way of the redundant detection device at a first point in time; and transferring data from the redundant detection device to the monitoring device in order to adapt the monitoring device by utilizing at least one second definable threshold value in the second operating range of the motor vehicle, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A safety system for vehicle occupants includes at least one sensor, at least one actuator, and at least one control unit having output stages for controlling the at least one actuator. The safety system includes an arrangement for the activation of actuators not activated during an accident.

Abstract: A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level.