Abstract: An electrical assembly is provided with a housing cast from an aluminum material to shield from electromagnetic interference, with a cavity sized to retain electrical components, an opening, and a series of receptacles formed about a perimeter of the opening. A seal is oriented about the perimeter of the opening. A cover is formed from an aluminum sheet material to shield from electromagnetic interference and is sized to enclose the opening. A plurality of mechanical retainers is formed about a perimeter of the cover and sized to align with the series of receptacles, to be mechanically deformed into the series of receptacles to affix the cover to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for at least partially removing the oscillations occurring at the end of a current discharge through the structural diodes for a switching structure supplying power to an inductive load in the form of an H-bridge and including two controlled high or low power switches forming part of a high circuit or a low circuit, respectively, between a respective output and a power source or a ground, the switching structure having one of its outputs below the ground potential and the other above the potential of the power source during the current discharge through the structural diodes. A detection or anticipation of the end of discharge and a forced preservation of a freewheel after the detection of the end of discharge are carried out, the forced preservation of the freewheel after the detection of the end of discharge taking place for a predetermined preservation time.

Abstract: A motor control system comprises: a motor comprising motor windings; and electric control units connected with the motor, each of the electric control units comprising an inverter. One of the electric control units comprises: a direct current (DC) bus; first switches, each of the first switches connected with a respective one of the motor windings; second switches, each of the second switches connected with the DC bus and a respective one of the motor windings; a first switch driver generating drive signals to drive the first and second switches; pull up resistors, each of the pull up resistors connected between the DC bus and a respective one of the second switches. The voltage pulled up by the pull up resistors can force the second switches to be turned on to short the motor windings in a state that the first switch driver does not generate the drive signals.

Abstract: An opening/closing body drive device includes: a motor which opens or closes an opening/closing body; a drive unit which rotates the motor; and a control unit which controls the drive unit. The drive unit includes a first and second integrated circuits having first and second switching elements and third and fourth switching elements which are connected to each other in series with respect to a power source and connection points of which are connected to one and the other terminals of the motor, respectively. The control unit turn-on drives the first and fourth switching elements or the second and third switching elements when driving the motor to be rotated forward or reversely. The control unit turn-on drives any one of the second and third switching elements when braking the motor during the forward rotation of the motor.

Abstract: Blood pump for percutaneous insertion into a heart's ventricle comprising an electrical motor for driving the blood pump, the electrical motor comprising at least tree motor winding units, wherein each motor winding unit is individually connectable to a power supply via two separate phase supply lines connected to the respective motor winding unit terminals. Motor controller for driving and controlling the electrical motor of the blood pump, wherein the motor controller comprises corresponding phase supply line driving units for each motor winding units of the electrical motor of the blood pump which phase supply line driving units are connected via the corresponding two phase supply lines with the corresponding motor winding unit. Blood pump system comprising the blood pump and the motor controller.

Abstract: An H-bridge device and an associated method for controlling an H-bridge, driving a load such as a DC current electric motor, configured to prevent any reversal of polarity in the load in an unloading phase of said load, without having to limit use of the pulse generator supplying said H-bridge in terms of duty cycle. The H-bridge device includes independent comparators and independent slope control at each of the switches of the H-bridge. Furthermore, according to one aspect, the device includes ‘push-pull’ drivers imposing the potential VBAT/2 at the connection points OUT0, OUT1, on either side of the load, in order to limit electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a three-phase motor control circuit including an inverter circuit configured to convert input power into three-phase power, a relay switch configured to determine whether the three-phase power is input to a three-phase motor on the basis of a control signal of an operational level, an operation circuit configured to calculate the three-phase power and the input power to generate the operational level, and an amplification circuit configured to amplify a control signal of an initial level, which is generated by a controller for operating the relay switch, to be a control signal of the operational level on the basis of the generated operational level.

Abstract: A method for operating a circuit system having at least three control stages for at least three phases, each of the control stages having a high-side switch and a low-side switch, each of the high-side switches and each of the low-side switches being capable of being brought into an electrically conductive state and into an electrically non-conductive state, a quantity being determined that influences the temperature of the high-side switches and/or of the low-side switches, either the high-side switches or the low-side switches being selected in a group as a function of the quantity influencing the temperature, and the selected high-side switches or low-side switches being controlled in a freewheeling phase in such a way that the selected high-side switches or low-side switches form a freewheel during the freewheeling phase.

Abstract: A conduit bender having a unitary frame is mounted to a wheeled base which provides for transportation of the bender. A braking assembly provides for simplified locking of the wheels to secure the bender in a location. The bender is mounted to the base through a pivoting assembly which allows for bending of conduit in either a horizontal or vertical plane. A circuit is provided for controlling the bending operation. An auto-sensing portion of the circuit receives information regarding the characteristics of the conduit to be bent upon placement of the conduit in the bender. A feedback portion of the circuit is used to provide a precise bending operation.

Abstract: Electrical energy produced by an energy harvester is stored on a temporary basis in an interim energy storage module before transferring it to a load. The current fed to the load is controlled so that a voltage limit of, for example, a capacitor in the interim storage module is not reached. By at least partially synchronizing the current consumed with the power produced, the capacity of the interim energy storage can be minimized, while still beneficially reducing fluctuations in the current. Current consumed may be determined by the use of a voltage to current look-up table, so that minimal communication overhead between the load and the power source is needed.

Abstract: The circuit for controlling a rotating three-phase motor of the type having three interconnected motor coils each corresponding to one of three phases employs a plurality of switching circuit components, each connected to the motor to supply current to one of the coils. A signal generator circuit produces in synchronism with the rotation of the motor a variable duty cycle pulse-width modulated signal for each of the switching circuit components. A logic gating circuit is coupled to the signal generator circuit and to the switching components. The logic gating circuit is operative to cause the switching circuit components to selectively place pairs of motor coils in current conducting states such that when the variable duty cycle pulse-width modulated signals are each concurrently in the same logical on-off state, the logic gating circuit supplies a logical off state to each of the switching circuit components.

Abstract: A fan motor power-off automatic braking circuit includes an energy storage unit, a motor drive circuit, a control unit and a resistance unit connected with an input power. The energy storage unit is electrically connected with the motor drive circuit for receiving and storing an operation voltage. The motor drive circuit has multiple upper arm switch components, multiple lower arm switch components, a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The control unit is respectively electrically connected with the lower arm switch components and the first and second drive units. When the fan is powered off, the energy storage unit provides the operation voltage to the upper arm switch components to switch on the same, whereby the upper arm switch components and the motor winding form a closed loop to achieve braking effect.

Abstract: A rotary electrical machine incorporating an electronic module that includes a printed circuit mounted with a plurality of surface mounted electronic components and a plurality of pin-through-hole electronic components; the electrical machine includes a dissipator for dispersing the heat generated by the electronic module; the surface mounted electronic components and the pin-through-hole electronic components are mounted between the printed circuit and the dissipator; the electronic module also includes a transferring element, also mounted between the printed circuit and the dissipator, in thermal contact with at least one of the surface mounted electronic components; the transferring element is designed to disperse the heat generated by the surface mounted electronic components towards the dissipator with the aid of a thermally conductive and electrically isolating filler material inserted between the transferring element and the dissipator.

Abstract: A method for starting a multiphase, sensorless commutated, brushless electric motor. The method has three operating phases. A start-up phase in which the motor is operated from a standstill with specified commutation times. An acceleration phase in which the motor is accelerated up to a nominal speed, wherein the commutation times are determined on the basis of the zero crossings of the BEMF voltage of the non-energized stator phase windings. And a stationary operating phase in which the nominal speed is kept constant. The transition from the start-up phase into the acceleration phase takes place when, during the start-up phase, a predetermined number of successive zero crossings of the BEMF voltage in the expected order in the expected motor phases have been identified. The transition from the acceleration phase into the stationary phase takes place once the nominal speed has been reached.

Abstract: A dual-mode driver includes a transition stage and a static stage. The transition stage switches a bias voltage or an RF ground potential to an output pad to change the state of an RF actuator device connected at the output pad. After waiting a predetermined period of time for the RF actuator device to change state, the transition stage of the driver is disabled. A high-side or low-side static stage transistor maintains the driver output state through an isolation resistor. The isolation resistor and a capacitor formed at the driver output pad form an RC low-pass filter to block spurious noise generated at the driver. The RC filter also blocks RF energy that might otherwise enter the actuator driver from the actuator. Some embodiments also include a second RC filter located proximate to the output pad to prevent RF energy generated in the RF actuator from entering the driver.

Abstract: A backup controller which is capable of suppressing an unintended operation performed by a motor which rotates in both of a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction is provided. The control unit of the backup controller activates the second relay and the backup circuit in a case where a state in which the motor is rotating in the first direction even though the first relay is not activated is transmitted from the monitoring unit. Further, the control unit activates the first relay and the backup circuit in a case where a state in which the motor is rotating in the second direction even though the second relay is not activated is transmitted from the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one electric machine and an inverter for selectively transmitting power to the electric machine. The inverter includes a power module. At least one controller controls the electric machine and the inverter. The controller at least temporarily disables the inverter during a power cycle such that power to the electric machine is inhibited. In response to the disabling of the inverter, the controller resets the duty cycle commands for the power module, and re-enables the inverter during the same power cycle.

Abstract: A method for the activation of a windscreen wiper motor is disclosed, in which the motor is connected to a wiper blade by a drive shaft, which moves the wiper blade between two reversal points of a wiping field in differing movement direction, where the rotation speed and direction of the motor, or the speed of the wiper blade, is detected by a sensor device and is supplied to a control device as an input value. The motor, before reaching the respective reversal point, is switched off, whereupon the drive shaft continues to rotate further by a castor angle up to a standstill, and the wiper blade moves further by a trailing distance. The actual speed of the wiper blade is compared at the switch-off time with a nominal speed, and the motor is operated further for a period of time when the comparison results in a difference in values.

Abstract: A driving circuit configured to control at least one switch element is disclosed in the present disclosure. The driving circuit includes a first voltage generating circuit, a second voltage generating circuit and a driving voltage generating circuit. The first voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a first voltage signal. The second voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a second voltage signal. The driving voltage generating circuit is electrically coupled with the first voltage generating circuit and the second voltage generating circuit. The driving voltage generating circuit outputs at least one driving voltage signal according to the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal. The at least one driving voltage signal comprises three levels. At least one level of the levels is lower than zero level.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reducing a time division multiple access noise of a portable terminal. The apparatus includes an interface unit to which an earphone is electrically connected, an audio processing unit including a virtual ground for transmitting and receiving an audio signal through the interface unit, a switch unit located electrically between the interface unit and the audio processing unit for electrically connecting a ground terminal of the interface unit with one of a real ground and the virtual ground of the audio processing unit, and a controller for controlling the switch unit to electrically connect the ground terminal of the interface unit with the virtual ground of the audio processing unit when a call function using the earphone is activated, and to electrically connect the ground terminal of the interface unit with the real ground when the call function using the earphone is deactivated.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is configured for controlling automobile door lock motors. The circuit includes half-bridge driver circuits, with each half-bridge driver circuit having an output node configured to be coupled to a door lock motor. A control circuit is configured to control driver operation of the half-bridge driver circuits. A current regulator circuit senses current sourced by or sunk by at least one of the half-bridge circuits. The control circuit responds to the current regulator circuit and the sensed current by controlling the driver operation to provide for a regulated current to be sourced by or sunk by said half-bridge circuit. The control circuit further controls the half-bridge driver circuits to enter a tri-state mode in order to support the making of BEMF measurements on the motor.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a load current through a coil is connected to an output port of a transistor H-bridge that includes two low side transistors and two high side transistors. A current sense circuit is coupled to the H-bridge and configured to provide a representation of the load current provided by the output port. A current regulator is configured to generate a modulated signal dependent on the representation of the load current and a current set-point. The modulated signal has a duty-cycle. A gate control logic drives the individual transistors of the H-bridge on and off in accordance with the modulated signal. A direction signal provides the load current to the coil. The direction signal determines the direction of the load current. An over current detection circuit is coupled to each individual transistor and is configured to signal an over-current by providing an active over-current failure signal when a transistor current through the respective transistor exceeds a respective maximum value.

Abstract: The preferred direction of a directional microphone of a hearing device and, in particular, a hearing aid should be selected automatically in a quick and reliable fashion. To this end, provision is made for a method for operating a hearing device with such a microphone which can be switched into at least a first and a second directional characteristic. Initially, respectively one signal-to-noise ratio is determined for the first and the second directional characteristic. Subsequently, the directional microphone is switched into that one of the two directional characteristics which leads to the higher signal-to-noise ratio. In particular, the total signal powers of different directional microphone signals can be determined to this end and the interference signal powers can be calculated in parallel thereto in a channel-specific fashion. Corresponding SNR values then result from the differences in the logarithmic power values.

Abstract: A controller for a power converter includes a current-sense device couplable in series with switched terminals of power switches of interleaved switching regulators and configured to produce a current-sense signal. The controller also includes an error amplifier configured to produce an error signal as a function of a characteristic of the power converter. The controller also includes a duty-cycle controller configured to sample the current-sense signal at mid-points of duty cycles of the power switches and regulate the characteristic as a function of the error signal and the current-sense signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a H-bridge inverter and a method for controlling a H-bridge converter. The H-bridge inverter (1) comprises first and second DC terminals (Tdc1, Tdc2), first and second AC terminals (Tac1, Tac2), a first switch (S1), a second switch (S2), a third switch (S3) and a fourth switch (S4). The inverter further comprises a control circuit for controlling the switching of the first, second, third and fourth switches (S11, S2, S3, S4).

Abstract: In a circuit board, a control pattern portion in which control circuit patterns are formed and a drive pattern portion in which drive circuit patterns are formed are formed in different regions. A recessed portion is formed in a base, and the drive pattern portion is fixed to the base such that insulation between a drive circuit and the base is maintained and the control pattern portion is arranged above the recessed portion. In this way, a space in which a circuit element is able to be mounted is formed between the control pattern portion and the recessed portion.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit includes a high-voltage circuit and a low-voltage circuit having different power supply voltages, respectively, a board on which a connecting terminal for connecting an external element outside of the hybrid circuit is mounted; and a hybrid integrated circuit mounted on the board. The low-voltage circuit includes a control unit for controlling an operation of the high-voltage circuit. The control unit and the high-voltage circuit are integrated in the hybrid integrated circuit.

Abstract: A control device is made more compact and an electric power steering apparatus achieving excellent ease of assembly and ease of mounting is provided by disposing the control device between a shaft of an electric motor and a gear shaft of a speed reduction structure. A control device (90) is disposed coaxially with an output shaft (11) of an electric motor (10) between the electric motor and a speed reducer, and has a heat sink (30), a power circuit board (40), a control circuit board (50), and a housing (70) in which to house the power circuit board and the control circuit board. An electronic relay circuit board (60) that passes and interrupts a motor current is housed in the housing between the power circuit board and the electric motor, so that heat generated in the electronic relay circuit board is released to the housing.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit operates in a first mode in which the output current flowing to a first output terminal from a second output terminal is increasing or in a second mode in which the output current flowing to the first output terminal from the second output terminal is decayed. In the first mode, a first voltage signal is output from the first signal terminal and the ground voltage output from the second signal terminal and, in the second mode, a ground voltage is output from the first signal terminal and a second voltage signal is output from the second signal terminal. The motor drive circuit compares the signals output from the first and second signal terminals and output comparison results to a control unit for controlling the output current through the motor coil.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cryocooler drive circuit for a cryocooler motor is provided that includes: a first switching power converter configured to track a first sinusoidal input voltage signal to provide a first sinusoidal output voltage signal at a first output node; and a second switching power converter configured to track a second sinusoidal input voltage signal to provide a second sinusoidal output voltage signal at a second output node, wherein the second sinusoidal input voltage signal is an inverted version of the first sinusoidal input voltage signal such that the cryocooler motor is driven by an alternating current flowing between the first and second output nodes.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a method and apparatus for a bipolar automotive electrical system. In the preferred “apparatus” embodiment, Applicant's bipolar electrical system comprises: two (e.g., 12 V) batteries of equal, but opposite voltage (e.g., +12 V, ?12 V), with bipolar outputs; an alternator, responsive to the batteries, which controls electrical charge to the batteries individually; an automotive DC motor connected by a single lead wire to the bipolar outputs from the batteries; and, wherein the reversible motor is run off the bipolar output without the need for any intervening devices between the bipolar command outputs and the motors. Alternatively, the alternator can inherently charge the batteries sequentially with the lowest voltage battery being addressed first. This approach allows heavy loads to be powered by 24 V or 48 V DC, yet the arc voltage to ground is still only 12 V or 24 V DC.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a power state diagnosis method and a power state diagnosis apparatus that pass and increase not only a d-axis current but also a q-axis current to a current value that a steering behavior does not occur to perform a diagnosis in the vector control of a motor, and determine that a power supply degraded, that the power supply is normal and that the diagnosis is not completed without giving an uncomfortable feeling to a driver, detecting a timing that there is not a driver, and needing to comprise a plurality of actuators.

Abstract: An electric drive steering locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an electric motor, a motor driving control unit that allows the motor to perform locking actuation or unlocking actuation, a lower-level microcomputer that outputs an unlocking actuation signal and a locking actuation signal to the motor driving control unit, a first switching unit that electrically connects and disconnects a power supply route from the motor driving control unit to the motor, a checking power supply that applies a predetermined voltage to the electric motor; a switch unit that electrically connects and disconnects the checking power supply and the motor; a first diagnostic unit that outputs a voltage corresponding to an internal resistance of the electric motor; and a motor breakdown determination unit (lower-level microcomputer) that determines a breakdown of the electric motor by the voltage input from the first diagnostic unit.

Abstract: A drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil with a nonconducting period inserted between conducting periods. A driver unit generates a drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to a coil. An induced voltage detector detects an induced voltage occurring in the coil during the nonconducting period. A zero-cross detecting unit detects the zero cross of the induced voltage detected by the induced voltage detector. The drive signal generator estimates the eigen frequency of the linear vibration motor based on a detected position of the zero cross, and the frequency of the drive signal is brought close to the estimated eigen frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control circuit for speed and rotational direction of a fan, including a signal conversion unit, a processing unit, and a drive unit. The signal conversion unit converts the received input signal into a DC level signal. The processing unit determines to generate a plurality of control signals for the fan based on the received DC level signal and at least one preset voltage therein to drive the drive unit, further controlling the rotational speed or clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation of the fan, whereby to reduce the cost and increase the layout space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering control apparatus having a structure by which it is possible to efficiently dissipate high heat that may be generated, simplify a manufacturing process, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a multi-input range box driven by multiple electric drives. Range shifting involves momentarily increasing the current through all but a given motor, to a level that will carry the entire load, comprising specified constant power. Simultaneously, torque of the given motor is reduced to zero. The given motor is then disconnected from supplying power, is synchronized to the input speed of the new speed range, and is then engaged for the new range. The above sequence is then repeated for each remaining motors, in turn. The motor current is re-equalized for all of the motors, after all the motors have been connected to provide power at the new range. Thus, there is no interruption in power flow during a range shift, and the motors are always used to deliver power, rather than to serve as a brake.

Abstract: An electric motor and a control unit are juxtaposed in a speed reduction gear box. A terminal block is provided at an outer circumference of a flange proximate to a control unit of the electric motor. Terminal block surfaces of the terminal block are provided so that a plane direction faces a direction vertical to a shaft line of the electric motor. A motor side connecting terminal is held on the terminal block surface. The unit side connecting terminals provided at a position proximate to the electric motor of the control unit are arranged so as to overlap with the motor side connecting terminal on the terminal block surface to couple by a coupling portion (fixing screw).

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes: a drive circuit configured to drive a motor whose coil current decreases with increase in counter electromotive voltage of a motor coil; a detection circuit configured to detect whether or not a current value of the coil current is greater than a predetermined value; a first control circuit configured to control the drive circuit so that the current value of the coil current becomes smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, when it is detected that the current value of the coil current is greater than the predetermined value; and a second control circuit configured to control the first control circuit so that the first control circuit does not control the drive circuit based on a detection result of the detection circuit until a predetermined time has elapsed from a start of supply of the coil current.

Abstract: A drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil with a nonconducting period inserted between conducting periods. A driver unit generates a drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to a coil. An induced voltage detector detects an induced voltage occurring in the coil during the nonconducting period. A zero-cross detecting unit detects the zero cross of the induced voltage detected by the induced voltage detector. The drive signal generator estimates the eigen frequency of the linear vibration motor based on a detected position of the zero cross, and the frequency of the drive signal is brought close to the estimated eigen frequency.

Abstract: A drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil with a nonconducting period inserted between conducting periods. A driver unit generates a drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to a coil. The drive signal generating unit estimates the eigen frequency of a linear vibration motor based on a detected position of the zero cross occurring in the coil during the nonconducting period, and the frequency of the drive signal is brought close to the estimated eigen frequency. The zero-cross detecting unit sets a detection window for avoiding the detection of zero cross of voltages other than the induced voltage. The zero-cross detecting unit enables a zero cross detected within the detection window and disables a zero cross detected outside the detection window.

Abstract: A circuit board unit of an ECU has an upper surface on which semiconductor elements are installed, a lower surface that is on the opposite side of the circuit board unit from the upper surface, and a cutout portion that is formed below the upper surface. A power module includes a conductive protruding piece and an electrically insulating main portion that holds the protruding piece. The conductive protruding piece is inserted in the cutout portion to support the circuit board unit, and is electrically connected to the semiconductor elements.

Abstract: A DC motor including a stator which includes a shell, a main magnetic pole and an exciting coil; a rotator disposed inside the stator; a brush holder disposed at an end of the shell; first and second carbon brushes disposed on the brush holder and contacted with the rotator respectively; a current direction controller disposed on the brush holder and connected with the first and second carbon brushes and first and second ends of the exciting coil respectively so as to control a direction of a current supplied to the exciting coil; and a cover disposed at the end of the shell so as to enclose the brush holder. The motor according to the present invention is compact in structure, small in volume, and occupies a small mounting space, and the work load of sealing and insulating is reduced, thus reducing the cost and improving the manufacture efficiency.

Abstract: A power stage for driving an electric machine comprising at least two semiconductor switches designed as semiconductor chips, which are connected by at least one bridge conductor to form a half bridge. The semiconductor switches area contact with each one of their contact surfaces an electric conductor track. The conductor tracks and the at least one bridge conductor are connected to the electric connection terminals for the machine and/or the power supply. The at least one bridge conductor is designed as conductor element which is arranged in at least one plane which is partially disposed approximately parallel to the extension plane of at least one of the conductor tracks. The at least one bridge conductor area contacts the semiconductor switches at a second contact surface which is disposed opposite the first contact surface which is connected to one of the conductor tracks.

Abstract: An electrical full bridge circuit configuration having a bridge circuit, in the bridge branches of which electrical switch elements are situated, and having at least one bridge cross branch for connecting an electric motor that is switchable in its direction of rotation, in particular in an electrical system of a motor vehicle, and having a protective switch element for protecting against inadmissibly high electrical currents, in particular short circuit currents. For this purpose, the switch elements are provided as formed from switch contact elements of at least one relay.

Abstract: With an oscillator circuit with a frequency sweep function, a first counter counts a reference clock for a number of counts that corresponds to a digital first setting signal, and generates a first count completion signal which is asserted on completion of the count. A D/A converter converts a digital second setting signal into an analog control voltage. A VCO oscillates with a frequency according to the control voltage. When the first count completion signal is asserted, the VCO is reset. An output combining unit receives the output signal of the VCO, generates the output signal of the oscillator circuit, and generates the first setting signal and the second setting signal.

Abstract: An ECU of an electric power steering system includes a driving circuit configured as an H bridge circuit; a microcomputer that controls the driving circuit; a capacitor for stabilizing electric power that is supplied to the driving circuit; and a resistor that is interposed in a second power supply path that bypasses a first power supply path in which the relay contact is interposed. The microcomputer causes a relay circuit to be activated after the capacitor is charged via the resistor (second power supply path). The microcomputer determines whether a stuck-open fault has occurred on the basis of a voltage difference between terminals of the relay contact at the time when both FETs that are connected in series and that constitute the driving circuit are turned on to cause the discharge of the capacitor after the relay circuit is activated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a multi-input range box driven by multiple electric drives. Range shifting involves momentarily increasing the current through all but a given motor, to a level that will carry the entire load, comprising specified constant power. Simultaneously, torque of the given motor is reduced to zero. The given motor is then disconnected from supplying power, is synchronized to the input speed of the new speed range, and is then engaged for the new range. The above sequence is then repeated for each remaining motors, in turn. The motor current is re-equalized for all of the motors, after all the motors have been connected to provide power at the new range. Thus, there is no interruption in power flow during a range shift, and the motors are always used to deliver power, rather than to serve as a brake.

Abstract: A device for operating a closing part, driven by a drive, on a device of transportation contains a control apparatus which is assigned to the drive and is configured to actuate the drive in order to initiate a measure which is opposed to the movement of the closing part. The drive is embodied as an electric or electromechanical drive. The drive can be actuated by the control apparatus in such a way that the drive becomes active in a braking fashion with respect to the movement of the closing part.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a method and apparatus for a bipolar automotive electrical system. In the preferred “apparatus” embodiment, Applicant's bipolar electrical system comprises: two (e.g., 12 V) batteries of equal, but opposite voltage (e.g., +12 V, ?12 V), with bipolar outputs; an alternator, responsive to the batteries, which controls electrical charge to the batteries individually; an automotive DC motor connected by a single lead wire to the bipolar outputs from the batteries; and, wherein the reversible motor is run off the bipolar output without the need for any intervening devices between the bipolar command outputs and the motors. Alternatively, the alternator can inherently charge the batteries sequentially with the lowest voltage battery being addressed first. This approach allows heavy loads to be powered by 24 V or 48 V DC, yet the arc voltage to ground is still only 12 V or 24 V DC.