Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical power system includes a light source powered from an electrical power source. At key on the light source is tested to determine operational readiness and the type of the light source. At key on the switch is cycled to apply a pulse width modulated energization to the light source. A reference copy of the pulse width modulated signal is available. A comparator having first and second inputs provides a comparison of the pulse width modulated signal applied to the light source and reference. Variation in the rate of change of voltage across the light source may be compared with the reference to characterize the light source as a light emitting diode or another type of source, usually an incandescent bulb.

Abstract: A time-varying signal is applied to at least one coil in magnetic communication with at least a portion of a vehicle susceptible to deformation responsive to a crash. A sense resistor in series with the at least one coil provides for detecting a current therethrough responsive to a voltage thereacross. The current is responsive to a magnetic condition affecting the magnetic field generated by the at least one coil, responsive to the reluctance of a magnetic circuit with which the at least one coil is in magnetic communication, and responsive to associated eddy currents in proximal conductive elements, responsive to the magnetic field generated by the at least one coil.

Abstract: A magnetic field is generated by at least one coil in magnetic communication with at least a portion of a vehicle responsive to a first time-varying signal operatively coupled to the at least one coil in series with a sense resistor. A second signal is generated responsive to a voltage across the sense resistor and is response to a magnetic condition of the at least one coil, which is response to the magnetic communication of the at least one coil with the portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetic field generated by at least one coil operatively associated with a first portion of a vehicle responsive to a first signal from a signal source causes an eddy current in at least one conductive element operatively associated with or at least a part of a second portion of the vehicle. In one aspect, a circuit operatively coupled to the at least one coil generates a second signal responsive to a self-impedance of the at least one coil, wherein the second signal is at least partially in-phase with the first signal. In another aspect, a magnetic sensor is responsive to an eddy current in the at least one conductive element. In yet another aspect, the at least one conductive element comprises a metal sheet, film or coating of paramagnetic or diamagnetic material that is relatively highly conductive.

Abstract: A coil at a first location in magnetic communication with a door of a vehicle generates a magnetic field responsive to a time varying signal applied thereto. The first location and the coil are adapted so that the magnetic field is influenced by an opening state of the door, and by a crash involving the door. A signal is generated from the coil responsive to the time-varying signal and to the magnetic field, wherein the signal provides for sensing an opening state of the door and for sensing a crash involving the door.

Abstract: A coil is operatively associated with a magnetic circuit of a vehicle body, and is adapted to cooperate with a time-varying magnetic flux therein responsive to a condition of the vehicle body sensed by the magnetic sensor. A capacitance in series with the coil provides for reducing the reactance of the resulting series LC circuit, and provides for increasing the sensitivity of changes in impedance and impedance phase angle of the impedance thereof responsive to changes in the associated resistance or inductance thereof. A second inductance in the series LC circuit provides for independently selecting the associated capacitance value, and an associated adjustable inductance and/or capacitance in the series LC circuit provides for adapting to variation in the inductance of the coil.

Abstract: A coil at a first location in magnetic communication with a door of a vehicle generates a magnetic field responsive to a time varying signal applied thereto. The first location and the coil are adapted so that the magnetic field is influenced by an opening state of the door, and by a crash involving the door. A signal is generated from the coil responsive to the time-varying signal and to the magnetic field, wherein the signal provides for sensing an opening state of the door and for sensing a crash involving the door.

Abstract: A first magnetic field generated by a first coil operatively associated with a first portion of a vehicle interacts with at least one conductive element operatively associated with or at least a part of a second portion of the vehicle so as to generate an eddy current in the conductive element, which affects the magnetic field sensed by a magnetic sensor. A conductive element operatively coupled to a portion of the vehicle susceptible to a crash, e.g. a bumper or a door, provides for sensing a crash with the signal from the magnetic sensor. In another aspect, a second magnetic field is generated in the frame of a vehicle by a second coil wherein the frame is adapted so that the reluctance of the associated magnetic circuit is responsive to a crash. Signals from the first or second coils may be used to sense the associated magnetic fields.