Abstract: A triggering device for a safety apparatus includes first and second deceleration detecting sensors located within first and second doors of a vehicle respectively or located at positions near the first and second doors respectively. Each of the first and second deceleration detecting sensors is operative for detecting a deceleration. A first signal processing section includes first and second signal processors for processing a detection signal of the first deceleration detecting sensor, and for implementing signal processing with two different processing levels respectively. A second signal processing section includes third and fourth signal processors for processing a detection signal of the second deceleration detecting sensor, and for implementing signal processing with two different processing levels respectively. A first safety device located at the first door is operative for protecting an occupant in the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical device (1), especially a CD changer, is proposed, which offers protection against theft. An electrical device (1) is connected by a connecting cable (35) to a second electrical device (5), especially to a car radio. The connection has a first pole (95) for a first reference potential (15) and a second pole (100) for a second reference potential (25). In the second electrical device (5), the first reference potential (15) is connected to the second reference potential (25). A third pole (55) contains a supply voltage feed for the first electrical device (1). In the first electrical device (1), a control unit (40) is provided for controlling the first electrical device (1). When the connection between the first and second poles (95, 100) is cut, the residual charge remaining in the first electrical device (1) produces a voltage difference between these two poles (95, 100), as a result of which a security procedure is initiated in control unit (40).

Abstract: A control circuit comprises a plurality of amplifier and filter stages for detecting ignition noise present on the battery line of a vehicle. It applies the filtered and amplified ignition noise signal to a hysteresis latch circuit for providing a control output signal for a solid-state switch coupled between the vehicle battery conductor and a load. Such a circuit provides accurate detection of only ignition noise to provide operating power from a battery line to a circuit to be powered thereby and is immune from extraneous noise frequencies and voltage levels.

Abstract: An electronic device, in particular a safety device, for occupants of a vehicle has a push-pull output element controlled by an astable flip-flop with outputs via decoupling elements. The astable flip-flop and the decoupling elements receive operating voltage over a switching element that switches at a given acceleration threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling adaptive vehicle occupant restraint devices use a processor for receiving input signals from a plurality of sensors, for generating control parameters using a predetermined program, and for generating control signals from the control parameters to adaptively control the restraint devices during an accident.

Abstract: Novel gear shift knob flashes randomly utilizing a battery, motion responsive switch, a timing and illumination circuit.

Abstract: The collision detection device for appropriately actuating two or more types of passenger safety devices (5,6,7,8) which are installed on a vehicle and respectively have different performances depending on collision types such as a front collision and a side collision, and comprising two acceleration sensors (S1,S2) installed respectively in different directions and a controller for selecting appropriate passenger safety devices to be actuated from said plurality of passenger safety devices in accordance with a direction of a collision when recognizing the collision on the basis of accelerations detected by the two acceleration sensors, and for actuating them, said controller (4) having collision detecting axes related with said passenger safety devices respectively, said collision detecting axes preset in directions assumed as directions for detecting the collision which are front, right and left directions and further at least one additional directions which are different from said front, right and left dir

Abstract: A central locking system of a motor vehicle is provided with communication between the transmitter of the remote actuation unit and the receiver of the central locking system in a frequency-hopping spread spectrum mode where M channels are used of a total of N channels of the spread spectrum frequency band chosen, for example, an I/S/M band of 433 MHz to 435 MHz. Switching is effected from one channel to another channel of the N channels in accordance with a timing pattern in which the timing interval I.sub.zs is greater than the duration .DELTA.t of the communication protocol.

Abstract: A crash sensor for automobiles of the type including a ball moving against viscous damping in a closed tube has a much smaller hall than known designs and a power transistor to switch power in the firing circuit. A resistance sensing circuit enables the crash sensor to monitor the firing circuit and indicate a change in the resistance of the fining circuit. In two embodiments simple message patterns allow communication of diagnostic information through existing wiring. A latching circuit maintains the switch in its closed state after initial closing. The small size of the ball enables use of a plastic or aluminum tube. The tube may have fluted walls that form air ducts that viscously conduct much of the air displaced when the ball moves. Routing most of the air through the ducts eliminates the uncertainty in the viscous resistance resulting when all of the air flows between the ball and the inner diameter of the tube. The movable element may be a sensing mass having a nonspherical shape.

Abstract: A fuse apparatus for a vehicle has a greatly reduced number of wire harnesses, particularly around a steering column where operational switches are concentrated and a fuse box where circuits are concentrated, for lowering the cost of the electrical system, making the electrical system small and light and mitigating assembling work thereof. The fuse apparatus comprises a fuse box provided on the steering column and having a fuse to be connected with an operational switch on the steering column, and a coupling terminal provided on the fuse box, connected with the fuse. The operational switch is directly attached to the fuse box with a coupling terminal of the switch coupled to the coupling switch on the fuse box whereby a wire harness conventionally provided between the fuse box and the operational switch is eliminated.

Abstract: An automotive racing simulation apparatus has an electronic controller which controls a series of Christmas lights each of which is separately activatable. In addition, the electronic controller controls a sound generator, which can be modularly electrically connected to the electronic controller and is activated immediately prior to the activation of the Christmas lights to more realistically simulate automotive racing conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in a vehicle (14) comprises at least one control device (140) carried by the vehicle (14), a vehicle seat (12) and at least one electrical device (180) carried by the vehicle seat (12). A latching mechanism (60) is provided for mounting the vehicle seat (12) to the vehicle (14). A first antenna, such as a pair of coils (110, 150) transmits an electrical power signal from a power source (118) on the vehicle (14) to at least one electrical device (180) carried by the vehicle seat (12). A second antenna such as a pair of antennas (120, 160) transmits communication signals between the electrical device (180) carried by the vehicle seat (12) and the control device (140) carried by the vehicle (14).

Abstract: An automotive internal combustion engine demagnetizer that can improve engine performance by reducing the magnetic drag associated with the operation of the engine. By demagnetizing the engine block while the engine is running contributes to improved efficiency and performance. The demagnetizer is designed to be retrofitted onto a standard automobile having a conventional engine. A high current short duration repetitive rectangular pulse passing through the engine block serves to demagnetize it. It also allows metal particles both large and micro in size to stick to the engine block and other moving parts. This collection of particles contributes to engine failure and to the ultimate life of the engine. When the engine is not running, the present invention eliminates or reduces all magnetism in the engine block, causing almost all metal particles to fall into the crankcase that contains the oil. When the oil is drained, these particles are removed and discarded with the oil.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag. The sensor system employs sensor fusion, a process of combining information provided by two or more sensors (24, 26), each of which "sees" the world in a unique sense. In a preferred embodiment, infrared sensor inputs (78) and ultrasonic sensor inputs (79) are combined in a microprocessor by a sensor fusion algorithm (80) to produce an occupancy state output signal (85) to the air bag controller.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic apparatus (1) includes an electronic control section (2) received in an accommodation cavity (23) in an instrument panel (22) in a vehicle for effecting an electronic function in the vehicle, a switch section (3) detachably attached to the electronic control section (2) for controlling the electronic control section (2), and a cover panel (4) to be fitted in the accommodating cavity (23) in the instrument panel (22) to cover the switch section (3) at the front side. It is possible to use in common the electronic section (2) which is an expensive electronic element and also to design the cover panel (4) with flexibility. The switch section (3) can be produced in compliance with the designed cover panel (4). A common use of electronic parts will achieve a reduction of cost and enhance a flexibility in design of an interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power supply system for a car in which a first group of loads is selected by a key switch and fed power via a fuse, while a second parallel connected group of loads is fed power without a fuse via respective ones of control units coupled to transmission lines for controlling each of the second group of loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a meter module to be installed in an instrument panel of a car and a structure for assembling the meter module and to provide a meter module wherein the designs of the meters and switches can easily be modified and the functions thereof can be changed in accordance with a model and grade of the motor vehicle for installing them in the instrument panel in an easier and preferable manner. The meter module consists of an independent meter display unit and cluster unit having a guide protrusion respectively, both guide protrusions can be inserted into the same introducing guides of a module accommodation portion.

Abstract: A simple discrete component logic circuit with transistors selectively connected through seat and belt switches to the battery. The transistors operate in either an off mode or a current saturation mode. The circuit includes a plurality of identical resistors and transistors for ease of assembly and reduced cost and can operate over a wide range of voltages without need for power regulation or filters. The circuit recognizes the proper logic sequence with the key switch in either the on or off position but an improper sequence warning signal is provided only after the key switch is turned on. The circuit prevents intermittent warnings or interruptions caused by the operator temporarily bouncing from the seat, but the proper sequence of operations must be preformed and the switches must be operational to prevent a warning signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an impact on a vehicle operates a restraint system by detecting an acceleration of the vehicle. A method for detecting an impact on the vehicle includes the steps of obtaining an acceleration value from an acceleration signal, detecting a signal peak of the acceleration value from the acceleration value, judging a peak time between a first peak time and a second peak time of the acceleration values, comparing the peak time with a predetermined time, adding weight to the acceleration value so as to reduce the acceleration value when the peak time is longer than the predetermined time, integrating after a weight added value and the acceleration value are multiplied for a predetermined time and operating a restraint system when an integrated value is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A tap-resistant security circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit including an electrically conductive wire surrounded by a gas-filled, gas impermeable sheath. At one end of the conduit is a pressure switch which is normally open but is maintained closed by the pressure in the gas-filled conduit. The other end of the conduit is sealed. If the gas-filled conduit is disturbed, for example, if an attempt is made to cut the wire, the gas within the conduit escapes, the pressure holding the switch closed drops and the circuit is opened. As a result, any attempt to by-pass or "tap" the wire results in the current through the wire being interrupted.

Abstract: A sequencing system is provided for varying the output of an inflator in a vehicle safety restraint system. The inflator has a housing including at least one combustion chamber. Gas generant for producing an inflation gas is disposed in the housing. Ignition material for igniting the gas generating means is disposed in the at least one combustion chamber. A first electric squib is disposed in the inflator housing for initially igniting the ignition material. At least one additional electric squib is disposed in the inflator housing for further igniting the ignition material. A delay sequencing unit is disposed outside of the inflator housing for activating the at least one additional electric squib after a predetermined time from the activation of the first electric squib. Upon activation of the first electric squib by an electrical pulse, an initial amount of inflation gas is generated and the electrical pulse is also received by the delay sequencing unit.

Abstract: An annunciator control circuit adaptable for responding to a plurality of types of fault indicative inputs is provided. The control circuit includes a signal conditioning circuit portion having an input line and an output line. The signal conditioning circuit also includes switch means adjustable for selectively configuring the signal conditioning circuit portion to receive each of the plurality of types of fault indicative inputs at the input line thereof and to provide a conditioned fault indicative output signal in response thereto at the output line. The control circuit further includes a first latching circuit portion connected to the output line of the signal conditioning circuit portion and having a first output line. A first switching transistor of the control circuit includes a base, collector, and emitter, the base connected to the first output line of the first latching circuit portion.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a drive shaft driven by the engine, a generator for converting kinetic energy of the drive shaft to electrical energy to generate electric power, and an electrical storage device for storing electrical energy output from the generator. Deceleration of the engine is detected. Supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted during the deceleration of the engine. An amount of intake air supplied to the engine is controlled such that the amount of intake air supplied to the engine is increased when the generator regenerates electrical energy during the deceleration of the engine. Calculation is made of an amount of electrical energy to be regenerated by the generator during the deceleration of the engine. An output from the generator is controlled based on the amount of electrical energy calculated.

Abstract: A fuse device for a cable in vehicles, includes a current strength sensor having an evaluation circuit connected downstream, and a severing device for the cable. The severing device disconnecting the cable when a current strength exceeds a limiting value. The sensor, evaluation circuit, and severing device are located in a housing in which a section of the cable also runs.

Abstract: An accessory channel expander for a vehicle alarm that includes a scrolling mechanism that scrolls through the possible accessory channels until a channel is selected by the user with the remote control activated single auxiliary or accessory channel output of the alarm system. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory channel expander for a vehicle alarm includes an inverting input buffer, a ring counter, a channel expander oscillator, a channel expander reset timer, a channel activation register, a channel activation register reset network, a first number of channel indicator LFDs, and a channel activation decoding and channel relay drive circuit.

Abstract: A modular wiring harness is provided for a vehicle including a frame and an electrical system with electrical source devices, operating devices and switching. The wiring harness includes a wiring network connected to the electrical system devices and switching and to system and power module thereof. The system module connects electrical control components at a compact, direct-connection circuit board within the enclosure. The power relay also includes electrical control components, including a circuit breaker and a starter relay, which are connected to the wiring network. A mounting system is provided for mounting the wiring harness on various types of vehicles, including different models of motorcycles.

Abstract: A vehicle positioning switch such as a power seat switch is disclosed that combines two separate switch packages (seat switch and memory seat switch) into one switch package without significantly changing the seat switch package size. This simplifies wiring complexity, packaging and reduce costs to the customer and manufacturer. The switch is the integration of a memory seat switch into an eight way seat switch package. By mounting three tact switches to a memory PC board and attaching the PC board assembly to the front cover, separate memory functions are integrated into the seat switch package. The front cover now also serves as the guidance system for the memory buttons. The PC board is connected to the electrical distribution system by a wire harness that is routed around the actuator plate and circuit plate of the manual switch and connected directly to a motor control module.

Abstract: A key cylinder, upon receiving a valid key, inserted through the key cylinder, is disengaged from a cylinder lock enabling the key and the key cylinder to be rotated between two positions. During rotation, an arm on the key cylinder engages a contact carrier to switch a contactor mounted on the carrier between two positions breaking one contact and subsequently making another contact. The contacts provide output signals to a vehicle passenger restraint apparatus to selectively alternatively place the passenger restraint apparatus in an "on" or "off" state.

Abstract: A switching device which can reduce effectively noise that is generated from a charge pump used to generate a drive voltage for driving a plurality of semiconductor switches. In the switching device, the charge pump used to generate the drive voltage for operating the plurality of the semiconductor switches is shared in common by these semiconductor switches, and the plurality of the semiconductor switches can be driven by the drive voltage that is generated by the single charge pump. Due to this structure, the noise to be generated by the charge pump can be controlled to a minimum and the noise interfering into the power line can be removed by a single noise remove circuit, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the switching device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for controlling adjustment devices (12) which are operable to adjust an object such as a seat (14). Each of the adjustment devices (12) adjusts an adjustable aspect of the seat (14). A touch pad (22) has an array of manually touchable areas (24) and provides signals indicative of manual touches to the areas (24). A guide (44) is adjacent to the touch pad (22) and has surfaces (56, 60) which define a representation of the seat (14). The areas (24) of the touch pad (22) within the representation of the seat correspond to adjustment aspects of the seat (14). A matrix controller (28) receives the signals provided by the touch pad (22) and provides a touch indicating signal to a process controller (30). The process controller (30) processes information contained within the signal from the matrix controller (28) and generates control signals for controlling operation of the adjustment devices (12) responsive to manual touches to the areas (24) of the touch pad (22).

Abstract: An occupant crash protection device for a vehicle has: a current limiting circuit which receives a supply of a trigger signal generated when it is judged that a significant accident happens, and which controls a squib firing current to have a constant amount; a squib; and a mechanical acceleration switch, the current limiting circuit, the squib, and the acceleration switch being connected in series between terminals of a direct current power source.

Abstract: A key for storing a predetermined electronic code is provided independently from a vehicle, and a mechanism is provided for comparing the electronic code in the key with a built-in stored electronic code after an ignition switch is switched from an OFF position to an ON position. When the electronic codes do not correspond, the vehicle is prevented from starting, and it is prevented from starting even when the electronic codes do correspond if the number of non-correspondences reaches a predetermined value. In this way, the vehicle is prevented from starting when the electronic codes match by chance when unauthorized start-ups are attempted.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle that enables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the trunk and enables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The present invention can be retrofit to existing vehicles by connecting a prepared box and wiring harness to the vehicle power supply, trunk release solenoid, and taillights. The present invention has a ON/OFF switch which enables the circuit controlling the blinking of at least one tail light. A second switch activates the trunk release opening solenoid causing the trunk lock retract opening the trunk. The present invention is mounted in such a way as to be operable by an individual confined to the trunk and be concealed from the casual observer.

Abstract: A control signal generated as a result of the actuation of each of control switches of a control section is multiplexed by a multiplexing section, and the thus multiplexed signal is sent to a multiplex transmission line. Load control sections receive the multiplexed control signal sent over the multiplex transmission line. The load control sections then control the electric power fed to a corresponding one of loads on the basis of the received control signal. Control data, representing the form of output control of the corresponding load which is controlled as a result of the actuation of the control switch, are stored according to the control switches. Control means control the electric power fed to the load on the basis of the control signal using the control data.

Abstract: A plurality of electrical equipment units have a harness connecting connector, and an instrument panel has a plurality of mounting openings for the equipment units. An assembly housing is arranged in the instrument panel. A wiring harness for the instrument panel has a plurality of self-mating connectors for the equipment units, the self-mating connectors being respectively connected to a flexible flat circuit sheet. The assembly housing has a side wall with a harness receiving recess and has a plurality of connector holders. The harness receiving recess is fixedly mounted with the circuit sheet for the wiring harness, each of the connector holders supporting one of the self-mating connectors. Thus, the insertion of the electrical equipment unit into the mounting opening of the instrument panel causes the connection of the harness connecting connector and the self-mating connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, each communications device includes a second communications port connected to the remaining tractor/trailer turn circuit. If electrical power is being supplied to the first turn signal circuit, the two communications devices automatically switch communications to the remaining dormant turn signal circuit.

Abstract: An optical path degradation detecting device having a laser distance detector which uses a laser beam to detect the distance between two objects and which generates distance signals representative of the distance between the two objects. A first predetermined point signal is generated upon the distance signals being in a distance representative of a first predetermined distance or less, and a second predetermined point signal is generated upon the distance signals being in a distance representative of a second predetermined distance or less, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance. A fault signal is generated if the second predetermined point signal is generated within a predetermined time interval relative to the generation of the first predetermined point signal.

Abstract: A side air bag apparatus installed within a seat has an air bag unit containing an inflator and a folded air bag in an air bag unit housing which is connected to a firing control unit by way of a harness partly extending from the air bag unit within and along a lower transverse section of the seat from one side of the seat close to a door to the other side of the seat and partly extending under the seat to the firing control unit via a coupler secured to the underside of the seat.

Abstract: An SIR has an AND gate for selectively passing a deployment signal from a deployment circuit to a firing circuit. An arming circuit includes a logic circuit containing a small normally closed arming sensor which disables the AND gate until a prescribed acceleration level occurs to open the arming sensor. A pulse stretcher ensures that if the sensor opens only briefly, the AND gate will remain enabled long enough to complete deployment. The arming sensor comprises a plastic housing with a cylindrical cavity, terminals closing opposite ends of the cavity, and a spring biased mass in the cavity which electrically connects the terminals until an acceleration moves the mass to break the connection.

Abstract: A honk strip comprising an electrical power source, electrical leads, electrically conducting members and an alarm. The honkstrip being useful for detecting vehicular impact with other objects and signaling a vehicle operator that an impact has occurred.

Abstract: A method for recording the operation time of an air bag system and an apparatus for the recording the operation state and the operation time of each module of an air bag system at the moment of operation of an air bag system, are disclosed. Time is initialized, and then it is judged whether or not a collision sensing signal has been transmitted from a collision sensor. When the collision sensing signal has been transmitted, the collision sensing signal is compared with a preset point. When the collision sensing signal exceeds the preset point, a control circuit outputs a control signal to operate an air bag, and measuring the time. Next, whether or not the control signal has been normally transmitted is judged. When the control signal has not been normally transmitted, a first system error is recorded in a memory device. When the control signal has been normally transmitted, a transmission time of the control signal is recorded. Then, whether or not the air bag had normally expanded is judged.

Abstract: In an arrangement of a vehicle auxiliary heater with an integrated regulating device in the region of the floor in the vehicle cab and a control unit remote from the auxiliary heater, e.g. in the region of the dashboard or on an inner wall of the vehicle, it is proposed that the control unit be operationally connected to the regulation device wirelessly via a bidirectional radio link in which use is made of an r.f. unit with a first r.f. module on the operating side with a transmission and reception section and a second r.f. module on the control device side with a second transmission and a reception section. This obviates the need for the complicated laying of prior art wired connections between the control unit and the regulating device of the auxiliary vehicle heater, making the heater particularly suitable for subsequent fitting in commercial vehicles.

Abstract: A switch operating unit 10 has operating switches for operating loads. A load control unit controls the corresponding loads in accordance with the operation of the operating switches according to information, which is stored in first storage device, as to the correlation between the operating switches and the loads. A total rated capacity computation device computes the total rated capacity of the loads to be driven under the control of the load control unit according to information, which is stored in second storage device, as to the rated capacity of each load. When the total rated capacity exceeds a predetermined allowable capacity, the load control unit operates to restrict the driving of the low-priority loads in the order of analog-controlled loads and on-off controlled loads according to the information stored in the second storage device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical component having an axial direction and two ends for making electrical contact with another component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive fibers in a matrix, the plurality of the fibers being oriented in the matrix in a direction substantially parallel in the axial direction of the component and being continuous from one end of the component to the other end to provide a plurality of electrical point contacts at each end of the component, wherein the component further includes magnetic particles.

Abstract: An EMI prevention circuit has a first ground pattern grounded to a car body and a second ground pattern connected to the first ground patter by way of an EMI condenser. A large-current ground line through which a large current flows is connected to the first ground pattern by way of an EMI condenser. A small-current ground line in which a small current flows is directly connected to the second ground pattern without using any EMI condenser in between. Because of this, even when a ground potential of the first ground pattern fluctuates by a noise due to driving a large-current load, since the second ground pattern is directly connected to a ground side of a car battery, the second ground pattern is maintained at a ground potential of the car battery and does not fluctuate.

Abstract: A power source system for a vehecle is disclosed. The system has a generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a control equipment for controlling the generator, a battery, a heater which is heated by the generated output of the temperature detecting means for detecting generator, and a temperature of the heater. The system has a switch between the heater and between the generator and the generator and the battery. The heater and the battery are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, a door movable on the body between a closed position and an open position, an electric power source mounted in the body, and a latch having interengageable parts on the vehicle body and on the door engageable in a latched position to retain the door in the closed position, and an electrical actuator energizable to put the latch in an unlatched position. A drive on the body connected to the door is energizable from the source for moving the door between the open and closed positions and a battery is provided in the door separate from the body-mounted power source. An electronic controller in the door powered by the battery is connected to the latch actuator for operating same to unlatch the door and to a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicating the position of the door and of the latch.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle electrical system has a plurality of electronic modules. The electrical power input of each module is coupled to the output of a switching power supply. Further, the electrical power input of each module is switchably coupled to vehicle system voltage. During "key-on", the switchable connection to vehicle system voltage is closed, thereby providing "key-on" power for the modules from system voltage. During "key-off", the switchable connection is opened, thereby providing "key-off" power for the modules from the switching power supply. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle electrical system has at least one electronic module with a normal power input and a "key-off" power input. The normal power input is coupled to vehicle system voltage, and the "key-off" power input is coupled to the output of a switching power supply. Systems embodying the present invention can reduce "key-off" current draw from the vehicle battery.

Abstract: An electrical arrangement is disclosed for use in supplying electrical power to the units in a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises a battery, and an inverter to receive power from the battery and to generate a high frequency signal at an intermediate voltage higher than the voltage of the battery. There is a distribution network to distribute the high frequency signal to the units in the vehicle. At least some of the units supplied with electrical power are provided with step-up transformers to step-up the intermediate voltage to a higher voltage, that higher voltage being used by the units.