Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a polyswitch and a switching device. The polyswitch includes a first resistance. The switching device is in parallel with the polyswitch. The switching device includes a second resistance that is less than the first resistance. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough when the vehicle is in an active mode. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough to power all electrical loads of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an active mode. The first resistance of the polyswitch is configured to enable a second current that is less than the first current to flow to a portion of the loads when the vehicle is in a sleep mode.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a polyswitch and a switching device. The polyswitch includes a first resistance. The switching device is in parallel with the polyswitch. The switching device includes a second resistance that is less than the first resistance. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough when the vehicle is in an active mode. The switching device is configured to enable a first current to flow therethrough to power all electrical loads of the vehicle when the vehicle is in an active mode. The first resistance of the polyswitch is configured to enable a second current that is less than the first current to flow to a portion of the loads when the vehicle is in a sleep mode.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided with an input pin, an interface unit and a microcontroller. The input pin connects to an external power source or ground through an external switch. The interface unit is adapted to connect to the input pin in a test configuration, and in a normal configuration for providing a wetting current to the external switch, and in a test configuration. The microcontroller is programed to: configure the interface unit in the normal configuration in response to input pin characteristics, reconfigure the interface unit in the test configuration, measure a test voltage of the interface unit, and generate output indicative of a status of the external switch based on a comparison of the test voltage to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A loss of ground detection system includes a reference voltage source that provides a reference voltage, a primary ground connection that is adapted to be connected to a primary ground, a secondary ground connection that is adapted to be connected to a secondary ground, and an internal ground. The system also includes a combined ground integrity monitoring unit that outputs a multistage signal to control electronics. The multistage signal includes a first and a second output voltage. A first switch is interposed between the primary ground connection and the internal ground such that the first switch opens in response to loss of connection to the primary ground as indicated by a change of status in multistage signal, a diode system is interposed between the secondary ground connection and the internal ground, the diode system oriented to allow flow from the internal ground to secondary ground connection under forward bias.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring a power feed from a plurality of batteries in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a controller. The controller includes a first circuit portion and a microprocessor. The first circuit portion is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a first power feed for a first battery and a second signal indicative of a second power feed for a second battery. The first circuit portion is further configured to transmit an interrupt signal indicative of each of the first power feed and the second power feed being equal to or below a minimum voltage threshold. The microprocessor includes an interrupt input and is configured to enter into an emergency operation mode to store data corresponding to at least one vehicle operation for a predetermined amount of time in response to receiving the interrupt signal at the interrupt input.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided with an input pin, an interface unit and a microcontroller. The input pin connects to an external power source or ground through an external switch. The interface unit is adapted to connect to the input pin in a test configuration, and in a normal configuration for providing a wetting current to the external switch, and in a test configuration. The microcontroller is programed to: configure the interface unit in the normal configuration in response to input pin characteristics, reconfigure the interface unit in the test configuration, measure a test voltage of the interface unit, and generate output indicative of a status of the external switch based on a comparison of the test voltage to a reference voltage.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring a power feed from a plurality of batteries in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a controller. The controller includes a first circuit portion and a microprocessor. The first circuit portion is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a first power feed for a first battery and a second signal indicative of a second power feed for a second battery. The first circuit portion is further configured to transmit an interrupt signal indicative of each of the first power feed and the second power feed being equal to or below a minimum voltage threshold. The microprocessor includes an interrupt input and is configured to enter into an emergency operation mode to store data corresponding to at least one vehicle operation for a predetermined amount of time in response to receiving the interrupt signal at the interrupt input.

Abstract: A loss of ground detection system includes a reference voltage source that provides a reference voltage, a primary ground connection that is adapted to be connected to a primary ground, a secondary ground connection that is adapted to be connected to a secondary ground, and an internal ground. The system also includes a combined ground integrity monitoring unit that outputs a multistage signal to control electronics. The multistage signal includes a first and a second output voltage. A first switch is interposed between the primary ground connection and the internal ground such that the first switch opens in response to loss of connection to the primary ground as indicated by a change of status in multistage signal, a diode system is interposed between the secondary ground connection and the internal ground, the diode system oriented to allow flow from the internal ground to secondary ground connection under forward bias.

Abstract: A junction box having a number of relays for switching power from a power bus to a number of elements connected thereto. The junction box including a converter to control energy transfer from the power bus to a relay bus of the relays. The converter being controllable to provide power consumption and heat generation control.