Conti Temic Microelectronic Gmbh

Robert Boschgmbh

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Holger Wulff

Ewald Mauritz

Bernd Pfaffeneder

Heiko Buehring

Klaus-Dieter Meier

Thomas Goernig

Werner Nitschke

Knut Balzer

Hans Bogenrieder

Hans-Georg Bogenrieder

A bus station for connection to a bus system for a restraining device and/or sensor is used for muting a defective bus station or to have automatic error management carried out in the bus station, to enable the bus station to transmit properly again. For this purpose, the transmitting current and/or the power consumption of the bus station is monitored. The transmitting stage is triggered and, if appropriate, isolated from the bus station as a function of this monitoring. In a refinement a backup transmitting stage may be connected as a replacement for the defective transmitting stage.

Bus station connection to a bus system for restraining means and/or sensors

The error-free function of modules in a bus system with a central unit is tested. First, all (error-free) modules are set into a silent operating mode in response to an agreed silence-command, and then in this silent operating mode it is tested whether all modules still remain silent, i.e. do not transmit data, in response to an agreed data request allocated to these modules. A module that nonetheless transmits data is recognized as faulty and is deactivated. Subsequently, all modules except for a module to be tested are set into the silent operating mode, and then it is tested whether this test module transmits its data in response to the agreed data requests allocated to it and remains silent in response to the data requests not allocated to it. Additionally, the position of the return-transmitted data can be determined and compared with a nominal position.

Method and device for checking the error-free function of modules in a bus system comprising a central unit

A sensor adapted for connection to a bus and a method for supplying power to a sensor connected to a bus are described, which serve to minimize the power consumption of a sensor connected to the bus. To this end, power for a sensor is stored in an energy storage device in a first time period and is discharged in a second time period, that is, the measurement time, in order to supply the sensor element with power. A capacitor is used as the energy storage device, and the charging of the capacitor is monitored by a voltage monitoring device.

Sensor adapted for connection to a bus and method for supplying power to a sensor connected to a bus

A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

Pyrotechnic igniter arrangement with integrated mechanically decoupled electronic assembly

An igniter element and an ignition electronics assembly are mounted and electrically interconnected on a circuit carrier for igniting a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for deploying an airbag in a motor vehicle. The igniter element (e.g. a layer of ignitable material) is arranged on a carrier body of heat-resistant, thermally insulating material, which is mounted on the circuit carrier. An electrical contact on the carrier body electrically connects the igniter element with the circuit carrier. The carrier body has a standardized configuration, contact arrangement, and dimensions, to be mounted on the circuit carrier like any standardized electronic component using automated equipment. Relative to the contact on the bottom surface, the igniter element can be arranged on a side surface of the carrier body so as to face in a longitudinal direction away from the ignition electronics assembly and toward and into contact with the pyrotechnic charge.

Igniter element for a pyrotechnic charge on a circuit carrier arrangement with an ignitior electronics assembly

An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.

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Ingolstadt, Germany

Holger Wulff