Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Magna Electronics Inc.

Qi Tao

Vyacheslav B Birman

Werner Eckardt

Roger Thomas Douglas

Marcus Moell

A sensing system includes circuitry having a diagnostic interface for a powered sensor. Responsive to sensing signals, the circuitry is operable to produce a DC level that is defined by operating or fault conditions. The fault conditions include an open voltage supply, an open sensor power return signal, open communication signal(s), series resistance in a communication signal, fault resistance to ground on the communication signal and fault resistance to a voltage source on the communication signal. The circuitry includes a fault tolerant interface between a wire harness at an output of the powered sensor and a digital input port of a microprocessor for the purpose of un-ambiguous fault detection when distortion of sensor information occurs or when loss of sensor information occurs, and wherein the microprocessor diagnoses a fault as defined by the DC level of the analog signal monitored at the communication signal input to the microprocessor.

Diagnositc circuitry for powered sensor multiple unique faults diagnostics and resistive fault tolerant interface to microprocessor

An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Bright pointer for instrument cluster

A single-sided circuit board uses two types a conventional, conductive ink and an enhanced conductive ink having to form cross-over connections. The conductive ink, enhanced ink, and an insulating overcoat layer are arranged in various configurations to minimize moisture and/or a positive electric field in the conductive ink that could cause migration of particles in the conductive ink.

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Qi Tao