Signaling output stage for generating digital voltage signals on a bus system

US6823020B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH · DE
• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Guenter Fendt · Schrobenhausen, DE
• Norbert Mueller · Ostseebad Nienhagen, DE
• Michael Bischoff · Brentwood, US
• Johannes Rinkens · Ingolstadt, DE
• Stefan Schaeffer · Ingolstadt, DE
• Werner Nitschke · Ditzingen, DE
• Otto Karl · Leonberg, DE
• Joachim Bauer · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 8, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2004
• Expiry date: Aug 8, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L2012/40273
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An arrangement for generating digital signals on first and second bus lines is tolerant of most line faults, and includes modules connected to both lines, an upper switch between a first potential and the first line, a middle switch between the two lines, and a lower switch between the second line and a second potential lower than the first potential. The switches are controlled to generate digital signals as the potential difference between the two lines. If a fault potential (e.g. a short to ground or other potential) arises on one line, then the switches drive the non-faulty line to provide the required signals relative to the fault potential on the faulty line. Closing the middle switch ensures that the two lines are at the same potential for a low signal. This arrangement is for is signaling in various bus systems, e.g. in vehicle occupant protection systems in motor vehicles.