The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 04, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 29, 1997
Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, DE;
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring at least one sensor which has at least two terminals comprises first switching means and switchable means. A voltage can be applied to the first terminal of the sensor by actuation of the first switching means and a current can be established through the sensor by actuation of the first switching means and the switchable means. The apparatus also includes an analysis circuit with which at least peak voltage values can be determined from the signals generated by the sensor and conveyed to a calculation unit. Also connected to the sensor is a voltage divider which generates a signal which is also conveyed to the calculation unit. As a function of the actuation of the first switching means and switchable means, it is possible in the calculation unit, based on the peak voltage values conveyed to it, to identify a first faulty behavior of the sensor and to determine the resistance of the sensor. A determination is also made in the calculation unit, based on the signal generated with the aid of the voltage divider, as to whether a shunt or short circuit exists between the sensor and a further sensor or, for example, a supply line.