Method and apparatus for checking an electric circuit, in particular an ignition circuit of a motor vehicle occupant protection system

US6495930B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Stefan Hermann · Neutraubling, DE
• Michael Köppl · Sinzing, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 20, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/0173
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method test an electric circuit. During the testing of the switches connected in series with the ignition pellet, the maximum current flowing through the respective switch to be tested is limited to a value that is insufficient for igniting the ignition pellet even in the event of a leak occurring. This current limiting is preferably achieved by reducing the switch gate voltage while the switch test is being accomplished.