Reprogrammable controller containing multiple programs

• US 5,826,205 A
• Filed: 07/12/1995
• Issued: 10/20/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Schulz, Hans-Joerg, Koelle, Ulrich
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAN QUANG
• Application Number:
  US08/501,756
• Time in Patent Office: 1,196 Days
• Field of Search: 364/431.04, 364/431.12, 364/424.034, 364/424.038, 364/424.04, 364/926.9, 364/949, 395/430, 395/442, 395/375, 395/182.21, 395/183.22
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/2493 Resetting of data to a predefined set of values
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 5/1502 using one central computing unit
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23306 Load program from host, remote load, non volatile card to volatile, ram
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23332 Overide stored parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23345 Memory is eeprom
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25265 Flash memory
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/654 using techniques specially adapted for alterable solid state memories, e.g. for EEPROM or flash memories
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/24 Loading of the microprogram

Abstract

A controller has a microcomputer, an electrically erasable and programmable memory which has a control program (CONTROL), a read only memory and a serial interface. A serial data transmission line can be connected to the serial interface. A program (PROG) for reprogramming the electrically erasable and programmable memory is stored in the read only memory. For reprogramming the electrically erasable and programmable memory, the controller receives the data, which are to be programmed, via the serial data transmission line from an external communications apparatus.

Claims

1. A reprogrammable controller for a device, comprising:

an electrically erasable and programmable memory having a first program for controlling an operation of the device;

a read only memory for storing a second program and a third program, the second program for reprogramming the first program in the electrically erasable and programmable memory, and the third program for initiating the first program and the second program;

a serial interface;

a serial data transmission line coupled to the serial interface;

an external communications apparatus coupled to the serial data transmission line for providing data, to be used in reprogramming the first program by the second program, through the serial data transmission line; and

means for allowing initiation of one of the first program and the second program by the third program, wherein the third program starts program initiation, once the controller has been brought into use, based upon an interrogation which checks at least one input signal of at least one sensor of the object to determine whether a threshold value is present, wherein, when the threshold value is present, the second program controls the controller, and when the threshold value is not present, the first program controls the controller.

2. The reprogrammable controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller is for controlling an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

3. The reprogrammable controller according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit.

4. The reprogrammable controller according to claim 1, wherein the at least one input signal is coupled to at least one of a throttle valve potentiometer and a full-load switch, and wherein the threshold value is for a full-load operation of the device.

7. The reprogrammable controller according to claim 1, wherein the third program, checks for a programming enable code received from the external communications apparatus, wherein the second program controls the controller only when the received programming enable code corresponds to a calculated code or a stored code.

5. A reprogrammable controller for a device, comprising:

an electrically erasable and programmable memory having a first program for controlling an operation of the device;

a read only memory for storing a second program and a third program, the second program for reprogramming the first program in the electrically erasable and programmable memory, and the third program for initiating the first program and the second program;

a serial interface;

a serial data transmission line coupled to the serial interface;

an external communications apparatus coupled to the serial data transmission line for providing data, to be used in reprogramming the first program by the second program, through the serial data transmission line; and

means for allowing initiation of one of the first program and the second program by the third program;

wherein the second program includes a first part for exchanging data with the external communications apparatus, and a second part for erasing and reprogramming the first program in the electrically erasable and programmable memory, the second part being loaded from the external communications apparatus into a random access memory.

6. A reprogrammable controller for a device, comprising:

an electrically erasable and programmable memory having a first program for controlling an operation of the device;

a read only memory for storing a second program and a third program, the second program for reprogramming the first program in the electrically erasable and programmable memory, and the third program for initiating the first program and the second program;

a serial interface;

a serial data transmission line coupled to the serial interface;

an external communications apparatus coupled to the serial data transmission line for providing data, to be used in reprogramming the first program by the second program, through the serial data transmission line; and

means for allowing initiation of one of the first program and the second program by the third program;

wherein the third program checks a rotational speed sensor of the object to determine whether a rotational speed signal is present, wherein, when the signal is not present, the second program controls the controller, and when the signal is present, the first program controls the controller.