Software controlled latched voltage regulator having wiper switch decoding
First Claim
1. A motor-operated wiper control system, comprising:
- switch means responsive to user actuation for selecting one of a plurality of wiper functions and for generating in response thereto a switch multiplexed signal corresponding to the selected wiper function;
wiper position detecting means for detecting a position of the wiper and generating a position signal indicative of the detected position;
a power latch and decoder circuit having an output node and including regulator means responsive to a direct current (DC) power source for generating a regulated voltage at said output node, said regulator means including means for generating a reference signal, said circuit further including decoder means responsive to said switch multiplexed signal and said reference signal for generating a wiper function signal indicative of the selected wiper function, said circuit further including latch means for enabling said regulator means to generate said regulated voltage when in an energized state and for discontinuing generation of said regulated voltage when in a deenergized state;
control means responsive to said position signal for controlling the motor to move the wiper in accordance with said wiper function signal, said control means being coupled to said output node for obtaining operating power therefrom.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A software-controlled latched voltage regulator includes three bipolar transistors responsive to a wiper switch multiplexed signal to place a latch formed by the transistors in an energized state, thereby supplying power to a microcontroller. One of the bipolar transistors is responsive to a deenergization signal supplied by the microcontroller, under software control, to place the latch in a deenergized state wherein regulated power is no longer supplied to the microcontroller. The voltage regulator further includes a zener diode that provides a reference voltage for use in connection with one of the transistors to implement a decoding function that is applied to the switch multiplexed signal to provide a pair of wiper switch position signals for use by the microcontroller during operation. While the latch remains in an energized state, the supplied regulated voltage enables the microcontroller to park a wiper arm of a wiper system, even though an ignition switch is an off position. Once the wiper arm is parked, as sensed by cam switches, the microcontroller deactivates the latch by generating the deenergization signal to power down the system in order to reduce current draw.
17 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A motor-operated wiper control system, comprising:
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switch means responsive to user actuation for selecting one of a plurality of wiper functions and for generating in response thereto a switch multiplexed signal corresponding to the selected wiper function; wiper position detecting means for detecting a position of the wiper and generating a position signal indicative of the detected position; a power latch and decoder circuit having an output node and including regulator means responsive to a direct current (DC) power source for generating a regulated voltage at said output node, said regulator means including means for generating a reference signal, said circuit further including decoder means responsive to said switch multiplexed signal and said reference signal for generating a wiper function signal indicative of the selected wiper function, said circuit further including latch means for enabling said regulator means to generate said regulated voltage when in an energized state and for discontinuing generation of said regulated voltage when in a deenergized state; control means responsive to said position signal for controlling the motor to move the wiper in accordance with said wiper function signal, said control means being coupled to said output node for obtaining operating power therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification