초록 ▼

A control circuit (52) for controlling power supplied to an igniter element (54), includes a first input (70) for receiving an encoded input signal generated in response to the initiation of a firing mode and a diagnostic mode. The encoded input signal comprises a code portion (100) having at least

A control circuit (52) for controlling power supplied to an igniter element (54), includes a first input (70) for receiving an encoded input signal generated in response to the initiation of a firing mode and a diagnostic mode. The encoded input signal comprises a code portion (100) having at least two pulses, and a power portion (102). Logic circuitry (74) determines whether the code portion (100) is valid, the code portion (100) being determined valid when it meets predefined conditions within a predetermined time window, and provides an unlocking signal (Sfire) at an output (76) when the code portion (100) is determined to be valid. A switch (78), which has a control input coupled to the output (76) of the logic circuitry (74), is enabled on receipt of the unlocking signal so that power at the first input (70) of the control circuit (52) is supplied to the output of the switch for energizing the igniter element (54). In the firing mode, the power supplied via the enabled switch is sufficient to fire the igniter element (54). In the diagnostic mode, the power portion supplied via the enabled switch energizes but does not fire the igniter element (54) such that diagnostics can be performed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A control circuit for controlling power supplied to an igniter element, the control circuit comprising:a first input for receiving an encoded input signal generated in response to the initiation of a firing mode and a diagnostic mode, the encoded input signal comprising a code port

[ We claim:] [1.] A control circuit for controlling power supplied to an igniter element, the control circuit comprising:a first input for receiving an encoded input signal generated in response to the initiation of a firing mode and a diagnostic mode, the encoded input signal comprising a code portion and a power portion, the code portion comprising n pulses having substantially a predetermined frequency, where n is at least two;logic means for determining whether the code portion of the received encoded input signal is valid, the code portion being determined valid when the code portion meets predefined conditions within a predetermined time window and for providing an unlocking signal at an output when the code portion is determined to be valid; anda switch having a control input coupled to the output of the logic means, an input coupled to the first input of the control circuit, and an output for coupling to the igniter element, wherein the switch is enabled on receipt of the unlocking signal such that in the firing mode power, including the power portion of the received encoded input signal, at the first input of the control circuit is supplied to the output of the switch for firing the igniter element and in the diagnostic mode the power portion of the received encoded input signal is supplied to the output of the switch for energizing the igniter element.