Method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of electrical loads in an automotive vehicle
US5337013A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a plurality of electrical loads in an automotive vehicle with a single current sensor. The current sensor detects the change in the total output current associated with the electrical loads and generates an output signal based on the current change. The apparatus also includes a controller which activates each electrical load at a given time to obtain a like plurality of timing signals so that each electrical load receives a portion of the output current. The controller processes the output signal and the timing signals to obtain a diagnostic signal related to an operating condition of at least one of the electrical loads. Finally, the controller controls an operating state of the at least one of the electrical loads based on the diagnostic signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.