Restraint system ignition circuit output stage

US5929535A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Temic Telefunken Microelectronik · DE

Inventors

• Gunter Fendt · Schrobenhausen, DE
• Peter Hora · Schrobenhausen, DE
• Norbert Muller · Tamm, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 1997
• Grant date: Jul 27, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/017
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An ignition circuit output stage which is driven by one or several microprocessors. Up to now different modes of operation each required their own different ignition circuit output stage. The ignition circuit output stage according to the invention is programmable - that is, using one and the same output stage, different modes of operation can be selected such as, for example, the unregulated or output stage mode as well as the regulated and limited output current mode. The circuit essentially consists of a down converter which, when activated, will regulate and limit the discharge current. The down converter can be activated and deactivated by means of an appropriate signal. When the down converter is in its deactivated state, an unregulated discharge takes place; this is the output stage mode. With the programmable output stage it is possible to select the best mode of operation for the relevant application case--such as, for example, operation without inductance as well as energy supplied directly from the onboard battery--without different output stage ICs being required.