Patent · US Expired

Wake-up interface and method for awakening an automotive electronics module

US5621250A · kind A · utility

238Cited by
13References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 31, 1995
Grant dateApr 15, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 31, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R16/0315
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A low quiescent current wake-up interface and method for awakening an automotive electronics module from its inactive state. In one particular aspect of the invention, the wake-up interface comprises at least one wake-up input switch (28A-I, 38A-I); wake-up input switch interface circuitry (30A-I, 36A-I) for generating a first current transient when one of the input switches (28A-I, 38A-I) is closed; and wake-up sense circuitry (40) responsive to the first current transient for providing a wake-up command signal. Preferably the wake-up sense circuitry (40) includes a first latch (102) for detecting the first current transient, a second latch (172) responsive to the first latch (102) for providing the wake-up command signal, and timing circuitry (128) for providing a time delay. In another aspect of the invention, a method for awakening an automotive electronics module having a microcontroller (32) and at least one wake-up input switch (38A-I) coupled thereto comprises the steps of: generating a first current transient when one of the input switches is closed; sensing the first current transient; and generating a wake-up command signal in response to the first current transient.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.