Abstract: A radio transceiver (100) has both a radio frequency power amplifier (102) and a relatively high output audio power amplifier (110). The RFPA amplifies a linearly modulated signal. A shared power regulator (108) provides supply voltage to both amplifiers at the same time. However, usually only one is active at any given time, and hence the supply voltage is controlled so as to follow the envelope of the signal being amplified, whether it is the transmit signal or the audio signal. When both amplifiers are active, the supply voltage can be set to a fixed level, or it can follow the higher of the two envelopes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a telecommunication terminal (2) comprising means to be accessed by a telecommunication network and means to be accessed by a micro-computer type processing unit (1), said terminal comprising a chip card (3) for implementing at least one application and logic means (I) for the card to be accessed by the network, said terminal further comprising logic means (I) to access the card (3) from the microcomputer (1) and means for managing (20) accesses coming from the telecommunication network and/or the microcomputer.

Abstract: This invention provides a auxiliary material for use with a superconductive material, which auxiliary material is characterized in that MgO alone or MgO and NiO are dispersed in Ag material by internal oxidation. Here, it is preferred that a weight ratio of Ag and MgO or a weight ratio of Ag, MgO and NiO is such that MgO is 0.03 to 3.3 wt % and a balance is Ag. Alternatively, Mgo is 0.01 to 1.7 wt %, NiO is 0.02 to 1.3 wt % and a balance is Ag. The auxiliary material of the present invention is manufactured by a process in which after a base material consisting of either and Ag—Mg composition or an Ag—Mg—Ni composition has been dissolved and cast, the base material, when in a process of being formed into a predetermined thickness, is subjected to an internal oxidation which is carried out at a temperature of 650 to 850° C. and continued for 20 to 80 hours in an oxygen atmosphere having a pressure of 3 to 10 atm, followed by being further processed.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor is constructed using ribbon cable as a substrate for component mounting and interconnection as well as for forming a patient cable connector. The ribbon cable is constructed of multiple conductors spaced apart within an insulation layer and is advantageously cut to length to form a substrate for a particular type of sensor, such as a neonatal, pediatric or adult sensor. A detector is attached to a pair of conductors at a component end of the substrate, after insulation is stripped from the conductor tips. Another pair of conductors is cut to a length between the substrate ends. An emitter is attached to the shortened conductors after insulation is stripped from the conductor tips. Insulation is also stripped from the conductor tips at a connector end of the substrate. Pins are attached to each of these tips, and the pins are used to form a patient cable connector.

Abstract: A system for detecting ventilation instability includes a pulse oximeter for generating a time series of oxygen saturation values and a processor programmed to detect the occurrence of patterns along the time series of clustered variations indicative of ventilation instability. An output is provided in response to the detection of the occurrence.

Abstract: A method for determining an arterial blood oxygen saturation level according to this invention includes measuring the light transmittance through tissue of light of a first wavelength and a second wavelength. A steady-state component of the measured light transmission is used to select an appropriate calibration curve. A pulsatile component of the measured light transmission is used to determine the arterial blood oxygen saturation level using the selected calibration curve. An oximetry system is also provided. An improved oximetry system is further provided wherein a plurality of light transmission measurements are used to determine a blood oxygen saturation level.

Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of physiological parameters in the blood, including at least one measuring apparatus and a digital sensor signal processor which is arranged in the sensor, and which is connected in a signal conducting manner to the measuring apparatus. The sensor may output a digital output signal, which may be transmitted to a signal evaluation device using a connection cable.

Abstract: A plurality of time-series NMR signal groups are obtained before and after administration of a contrast agent, on an individual image basis, for the same region of the object. One of the obtained NMR signal group obtained before the administration is defined as standard data, a plurality of subtracted NMR signal groups are produced by performing subtraction between the standard NMR signal group and each of the other NMR signal groups obtained after the administration. The subtracted NMR signal groups are subjected to weighted-addition or cumulative addition to obtain an MR angiographic image excellent in contrast throughout the image, in which processes through which an optimal concentration portion of the contrast agent moves are joined into a single image.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting lymphoid tissues containing shed tumor antigen in an individual. A detector molecule, with binding specificity for shed tumor antigen, is administered to an individual, and detected in the individual is the presence of lymphoid tissue which contains shed tumor antigen, as detected by the signal emitted by the detector molecule bound to shed tumor antigen. The lymphoid tissue, detected as containing shed tumor antigen, may then be surgically removed, thereby removing B cells, shed tumor antigen, and follicular dendritic cells involved in a pro-tumor immune response that are contained in the removed lymphoid tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: To enhance the ability to visualize P-waves in surface ECG data, an algorithm is presented in which the ECG data is selectively passed through first and second signal processing channels where one of the channels includes signal processing elements for enhancing P-waves and the other channel provides a delayed version of the original data. Upon detection of an atrial pace event, the filtered or filtered and amplified data is inserted into the data stream in place of the raw input signal for a predetermined time interval sufficiently long to ensure the occurrence of an atrial depolarization signal.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) are adapted for developing a vectorcardiograph (VCG) from signals across pairs of electrodes. Sense amplifiers of the IMD are calibrated to correlate the signals to reference sagittal, horizontal and frontal planes of the body. Polar coordinate data is plotted over the time of occurrence of the sensed PQRST electrogram as at least one of an x-axis vector projected into the reference sagittal plane as a sagittal VCG, a y-axis vector projected into the reference horizontal plane as a horizontal VCG, a z-axis vector projected into the reference frontal plane as a frontal VCG, and an xyz-vector in 3-D space. The VCG loops plotted by each of the vectors can also be derived. Thresholding and template matching techniques determine one or more of the maximum vector magnitude and orientation, average axis vector magnitude and orientation, the loop shape, and the loop area representing a particular heart rhythm.

Abstract: A method and system for discriminating tissue types, controlling the level of therapy to tissue, and determining the health of a known tissue by measuring the characteristics an electrical signal applied to conductive element located within or by the tissue. Additionally, the method and system may be used for determining whether the conductive tip of a pedicle probe or pedicle screw is located in one of cortical bone, cancellous bone, and cortical bone near a boundary with soft tissue, whether the conductive tip of a cannula is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and annulus tissue, and whether the conductive tip of a cathode is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and prostate gland tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assessing tissue oedema, in particular lymphoedema, by measuring bioelectrical impedance at a single frequency. Comparison of a single frequency bioelectrical impedance measurement taken at an anatomical region affected by tissue oedema to that taken at an anatomical region unaffected by tissue oedema is a reliable indicator of the presence or possible presence of lymphoedema. The present invention further provides an apparatus for determining the presence of tissue oedema.

Abstract: An iontophoresis system comprises a power supply apparatus having a chargeable battery, a positive output terminal, a negative output terminal and a positive charge terminal, and a preparation having input terminals connected to output terminals of the power supply apparatus. The negative output terminal of the power supply apparatus also serves as a negative charge terminal for charging the battery. During charging, the preparation is removed, and terminals of a charger are connected to terminals of the power supply apparatus, respectively. The power supply apparatus comprises a power supply monitoring portion which gives a warning when a battery voltage becomes a predetermined value or lower and a control portion for controlling a power supply state from the output terminal.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation system senses electrical activity of all four chambers of the heart and delivers pacing and defibrillation pulses to all four chambers of the heart. The system includes a lead system consisting of first and second leads. The first lead includes a right ventricular pacing electrode, a right ventricular defibrillation electrode, and a right atrial defibrillation lead. The second lead is implantable in the coronary sinus of the heart and includes a left ventricular pacing electrode, a left ventricular defibrillation electrode, a left atrial pacing electrode, and a left atrial defibrillation electrode. A right atrial pacing electrode is carried by one of the first and second leads.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for localizing and/or treating arrhythmias of a patient's heart, which are particularly useful for localizing focal atrial fibrillation, allow locating arrhythmogenic regions of a chamber of the heart using heart cycle signals measured from a body surface of the patient. Non-invasive localization of the ectopic origin or exit site allows focal, circular, and/or perimeter treatment to be directed so as to inhibit complex arrhythmias without having to rely on wide-spread and time consuming sequential searches and/or on massively invasive simultaneous electrocardial sensors. The invention recognizes that effective localization of these complex arrhythmias can be significantly enhanced by techniques and structures which separate heart cycle signals originating from differing chambers and/or regions of the heart tissue.

Abstract: A method of reducing the likelihood of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) after defibrillation in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with fibrillation a first treatment waveform, the first treatment waveform insufficient to defibrillate the heart; and then administering to the subject a second treatment waveform that defibrillates the heart and restores organized electrical activity in the heart. The first treatment waveform reduces the likelihood of onset of PEA following the second treatment waveform, as compared to that likelihood which would be present in the absence of the first treatment waveform.

Abstract: An implantable multi-chamber cardiac stimulation device and method are provided for accurately sensing cardiac activity from three or four heart chambers using passive sensing electrodes placed in each heart chamber. Multiple intra-chamber or inter-chamber sensing vectors are established between passive sensing electrodes. Sampled sensing vector signals are processed such that a cardiac depolarization may be accurately detected, as well as its origin and direction of propagation. Time intervals between detected depolarization signals may be used to determine conduction time or heart rate. Diagnostic indicators of heart failure condition normally obtained from a 12-lead surface ECG study, such as P-wave or R-wave duration, may also be determined from the sensing vectors. Based on precise and detailed evaluation of sensing vector signals, stimulation therapy may be provided immediately upon a detected change in heart rhythm or heart failure condition.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system for coordination therapy includes a pulse generator to generate pacing and discharging of recharge pulses. A pulse delivery controller coupled to the pulse generator, times the delivery of the pacing and discharging of recharge pulses in a desired sequence. A therapy circuit coupled to the pulse delivery controller, receives the timed pulses from the pulse delivery controller and delivers the timed pulses to one or more electrodes disposed in or around a heart to communicate the timed pacing and discharging of recharge pulses to different sites of a heart, to avoid any interactions resulting from the electric fields surrounding the electrodes during a multiple site pacing required by the coordination therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the lead impedance of a medical lead used with an implantable medical stimulator which relies upon a count of the number of switching cycles of a switching converter power supply to replenish the energy delivered from an pacing capacitor in delivering a stimulating pulse to tissue.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device, such as a pacemaker, provided with a carbon monofluoride (CFx) battery. The CFx battery enables replacement of the typical voltage tripler with a voltage doubler and eliminates the need for a bulky decoupling capacitor. The device includes a precision A/D and voltage monitor to enable more accurate prediction of impending battery end-of-life. Several methods of accurately determining a pending end-of-life of a battery with a flat voltage output throughout discharge, such as a CFx battery, are provided.

Abstract: System and method for neuromodulation therapy of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders comprises an implantable lead and pulse generator system for providing the appropriate electrical stimulation to a cranial nerve such as the vagus nerve. The implantable pulse generator having prepackaged/predetermined programs stored in the memory of the pulse generator, and means for accessing these with an external magnet. The pulse generator adapted to selectively activate predetermined programs with the external magnet, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer. The elimination of the external programmer resulting in significant cost reduction with essentially the same functionality.

Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus and method for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient, having means for providing two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus and method requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electromagnetic immune tissue invasive system includes a primary device housing. The primary device housing having a control circuit therein. A shielding is formed around the primary device housing to shield the primary device housing and any circuits therein from electromagnetic interference. A lead system transmits and receives signals between the primary device housing. The lead system is either a fiber optic system or an electrically shielded electrical lead system.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject. The device comprises an attachment mechanism that further comprises a main locating element for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes, and two secondary locating elements disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. A receiver is also provided for receiving a signal generated by a signal generator for generating at least one pulsed signal. A selector is also provided for selecting one or more of the electrodes through which a pulsed signal is to be applied.

Abstract: A software-implemented method and implementation is disclosed for commissioning an automated system. The implementation analyzes the configuration of one or more operational components in the automated system and generates one or more operator communication and monitoring masks for each of the operational components. An interface is provided with the at least one mask to parametize the at least one operational component.

Abstract: A multivariable control method and system suitable for manipulating process variables based on observed changes in controlled objectives without extensive data analysis or involved model development. The method includes operating the process at an initial set of process variables and an initial set of controlled objectives, monitoring the set of process variables and the set of controlled objectives while continuously operating the process, adjusting one or more members of the set of process variables based upon a non-linear optimization with respect to a desired set of controlled objectives, and utilizing the monitored set of process variables and the monitored set of controlled objectives in the non-linear optimization.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for business processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable business variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable business variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its business variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its business variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent business variable y.

Abstract: A method for predicting stability of a closed loop apparatus is disclosed. The closed loop apparatus has an open loop impedance and at least one inherent internal gain. The method comprises the steps of: (a) identifying an impedance scaling factor associated with the closed loop apparatus that may be expressed in terms including the open loop impedance, the at least one inherent internal gain, a gain variable and a phase variable; (b) vectorally establishing a first scaling value for the impedance scaling factor as a function of frequency while maintaining a first variable of the gain variable and the phase variable at a first working value to record the first scaling value for a plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing timely execution of periodic tasks in a redundant control system. A secondary controller in the redundant system receives a wakeup time array having at least one wakeup time element corresponding to a periodic task as well as a current time value from a primary controller, and schedules a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the wakeup time element and the current time value from the primary control module. The secondary controller may further receive a task instance corresponding to the periodic task from the primary control module, and schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the task instance. In addition, the secondary controller may schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on a default period associated with the periodic task, if no task instance and no wakeup time element were received corresponding to the periodic task.

Abstract: Apparatus, article of manufacture, and method for automatic adjustment of sound reproduction settings on an audio or audio/visual system based on listener preference and/or experience is provided. In one embodiment, an audio system includes an apparatus for adjusting an output parameter of the audio system, the apparatus comprising: a memory for storing a stored output parameter setting associated with an audio program being played on the audio system; and a processor configured to: determine whether a stored output parameter setting is associated with an audio program being processed on the audio system; if the stored output parameter setting is associated with the audio program, compare the stored output parameter setting to a saved output parameter setting; and if the stored output parameter setting is greater than the saved output parameter setting, change the output parameter to the stored output parameter setting.

Abstract: A method extracts all “short” ambiguity from an input FST (i.e., ambiguities of one arc in length). The method factors the input FST into a first factor and a second factor such that the second factor contains all ambiguity that is one arc long, and the first factor contains all other parts of the input FST. The method a priori prevents the creation of some redundant intermediate symbols.

Abstract: A method capable of interconnecting modular computer system components includes attaching a secondary chassis to a primary chassis, attaching a motherboard to an interior portion of the primary chassis, and attaching an external device to an interior portion of the secondary chassis. The method further includes connecting a first electrical connector on a bridgeboard with an electrical connector on the motherboard, connecting a second electrical connector on the bridgeboard with an electrical connector on the external device, and attaching the bridgeboard to at least one of the primary chassis and the secondary chassis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resolving on a computer system overlaps in a layout including a plurality of possibly overlapping designs, each design including an image and a design mask defining the border of printing of the design. The method includes determining the regions of overlap in the layout and for each, deciding whether or not to modify the overlap and by what modification method. The deciding and selection may include user intervention.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for determining the effectiveness of production installations, significant fault events that bring about deviations from a desired effectiveness and the causes of fault events. The production installation is connected to a data acquisition device, which is set up for continuous acquisition and ready-to-call-up storage of installation and production-related data. A service device is connected to the data acquisition device and has an input device for the input of additional installation and production-related descriptive data that cannot be called up from the data acquisition device. An online system part is set up for calling up installation and production-related data from the data acquisition device, calculating the effectiveness, detecting fault events, determining significant fault events by fault event evaluation, and determining in each case the causes of faults. An offline system part is provided and contains a number of generic fault models and assessment models.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an automated manufacturing system and method for manufacturing photomasks wherein information provided by a customer at a remote location is interfaced, via a network, to a photomask manufacturer's computer system and automatically processes data for manufacturing a photomask and automatically formats and routes data to processing equipment. The present invention reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby avoiding costly delays and transcription errors associated therewith. The software of the present invention provides for automatic generation of data arrays, which can be used to process and monitor the status of a photomask during manufacture. Further, the software is capable of automatically modifying design data provided by a photomask user. Additionally, the software of the present invention includes an automatic messaging system which can notify users of the system, of status and errors in manufacture of photomasks.

Abstract: A lithography system and method for calculating an optimal discrete time trajectory for a movable device is described. A trajectory planner of the lithography system calculates an optimal discrete time trajectory subject to maximum velocity and maximum acceleration constraints. The trajectory planner begins by calculating a continuous time, three-segment trajectory for a reticle stage, a wafer stage or a framing blade, including a first phase for acceleration at the maximum acceleration to the maximum velocity, a second phase for travel at the maximum velocity and a third phase for deceleration at the negative maximum acceleration to a final velocity. Next, the trajectory planner converts continuous time, three-segment trajectory to a discrete time trajectory. The time of execution of the resulting trajectory is at most three quanta greater than the time of execution of the continuous time trajectory. One advantage of the system is the reduction of scanning times of a lithography system.

Abstract: A parts placement calculation system comprises parts selection means 18 for selecting parts with the highest parts point value, store selection means 20 for selecting a store with the highest store point value, and placement determination means 22 for determining whether or not parts can be placed in a store based on a predetermined constraint condition for placing the parts. When the placement determination means 22 determines that parts cannot be placed in a store, the store is deleted from a list of placement possible stores, and then the store selection means 20 is activated again. When the placement determination means 22 determines that parts can be placed in a store, a parts area for placing the target parts are determined within the store. Then, after the parts are deleted from the list of parts to be placed, the parts selection means 18 is reactivated.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of communication signals between a controller and a robotic device in a data storage library. The system and method include a substantially planar electrical insulator having opposed first and second sides, and first and second substantially planar oppositely charged electrical conductors on the first and second sides of the insulator for use in providing electrical power to the robotic device. The system and method also include circuitry for generating the communication signals for transmission between the controller and the robotic device on one of the first and second conductors. The width of the second conductor is less than the width of the first conductor and the second conductor is substantially centered on the second side of the insulator relative to the width of the first conductor to reduce fringing of an electromagnetic field resulting from a transmitted communication signal.

Abstract: A clicker-training technique developed for animal training is adapted for training robots, notably autonomous animal-like robots. In this robot-training method, a behaviour (for example, (DIG)) is broken down into smaller achievable responses ((SIT)-(HELLO)-(DIG)) that will eventually lead to the desired final behaviour. The robot is guided progressively to the correct behaviour through the use, normally the repeated use, of a secondary reinforcer. When the correct behaviour has been achieved, a primary reinforcer is applied so that the desired behaviour can be “captured”. This method can be used for training a robot to perform, on command, rare behaviours or a sequence of behaviours (typically actions). This method can also be used to ensure that a robot is focusing its attention upon a desired object.

Abstract: With a robot and a control method for it, information is read in from the outside, based on which a particular object is detected, and it is judged upon detecting the object whether or not the object satisfies given conditions, based on the judgment results of which a robot generates predetermined actions. Thus, a robot can be realized that acts naturally like a living thing. Consequently, its entertaining quality for human beings can be increased greatly.

Abstract: A robot that is capable of substantially autonomous movement includes a processing device, a memory, and a mobility structure controlled by the processing device. The processor directs the robot to move with any predetermined safe area having a boundary and a reference point. Optionally, the robot also exhibits features of social interactivity by accepting an input from a human, selecting dynamic content from a data base wherein the dynamic content is responsive to the input, and presenting the human with a response corresponding to the dynamic content selection.

Abstract: An articulated robot is controlled by dynamically modifying a combination of a hardware dependent middleware layer and a hardware independent application layer. A memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware dependent software programs and a memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware independent software programs are prepared. During execution of software programs, a software program compatible with a robot hardware configuration is introduced from the former memory device, and this software program is dynamically combined with the set of hardware independent software programs. The robot is thus appropriately controlled, meeting the needs of users.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a temperature of a bottom of a laptop computer housing depending on where the laptop computer is placed during operation. If the laptop computer is placed on a lap of a user, or alternatively on any surface that has direct contact with the bottom of the laptop computer housing, sensors on the bottom of the laptop computer housing are activated. The sensors produce a signal to initiate supplemental cooling measures to reduce the temperature of the bottom of the laptop computer housing. Cooling measures taken include decreasing an operating speed of logic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU) or increasing cooling fan output.

Abstract: In a communication system for downloading programs from a center to in-vehicle terminals, a center can check whether downloading has been completed normally or a program is operating normally in an in-vehicle terminal. According to the timing of activating a downloaded program, an in-vehicle terminal checks whether the program is activated to operate normally. The information is transmitted to the center. Based on the information, the center becomes aware of the fact that downloading has been completed without any problem and that the program is operating normally in the in-vehicle terminal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the service life of a ceramic brake disk, in which the load of the brake disk is computed by way of the actual sensed braking and driving dynamic characteristics and is compared with a definable reference value for the service life.

Abstract: An in-vehicle accessory system for an audio and navigation system includes a control device, a display, a TV tuner, a DVD player, a VCR, a GPS receiver and a switching circuit. The control device includes a ROM. The control device determines a region in which a vehicle is located based on a signal from the GPS receiver. Then, the control device determines whether outputting video signals to the display is permitted in the region based on information stored in the ROM. If the video display is prohibited in the region, the control device turns off the switching circuit to disable the video signal output from the TV tuner, DVD player or VCR.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system (10) for a vehicle comprises a steering gear (12) having a rack bar (26) and a housing (24). The rack bar (26) is movable linearly relative to the housing (24) for turning steerable wheels (34 and 36) of the vehicle. An electric motor (14) is coupled with the rack bar (26) of the steering gear (12). Energization of the electric motor (14) causes linear movement of the rack bar (26) relative to the housing (24). At least one vehicle condition sensor senses a vehicle condition and generates a signal indicative of the vehicle condition. A motor current sensor (22) senses an actual current of the electric motor (14) and generates a signal indicative of the actual motor current. A single integrated circuit (16) includes a main processor (64) and a monitoring processor (66). The main processor (64) controls the actual motor current delivered to the electric motor (14). The monitoring processor (66) determines if the main processor (64) is properly functioning.