Apparatus multiplexing system

• US 6,226,305 B1
• Filed: 11/06/1997
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Chromera, Inc., Hanger Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: John E. Mcloughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Toh Kiam Meng
• Inventors: Meng, Toh Kiam, Athanasiades, Neocles G., McLoughlin, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGO, RICKY QUOC
• Application Number:
  US08/965,535
• Time in Patent Office: 1,272 Days
• Field of Search: 370/532, 370/539, 370/541, 370/534, 370/535, 370/537, 370/538, 370/540, 370/252, 307/29, 307/38, 340/518, 340/521, 340/459, 340/825.06
• US Class Current: 370/532
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/20 Information technology specific aspects, e.g. CAD, simulation, modelling, system security

Abstract

A multiplexing system is provided for controlling and monitoring all the electrical functions of a vehicle. The system includes a switch control unit which receives inputs from various sources and converts the inputs into digital signals which are decoded in a microprocessor. The decoded signals are then sent to a power distribution unit, which sends out, shuts off, increases or decreases the power to different parts of the vehicle as needed.

Claims

1. A multiplexing system for integrating electronic controls, the system comprising:

input receiving means for receiving inputs from a first set of electrical devices in an electronically controlled apparatus and converting the inputs into digital signals;

a microprocessor for decoding and monitoring the digital signals;

a pair of wires electronically coupled to the input receiving means and the microprocessor for transmitting input and output signals between the input receiving means and the microprocessor;

power distribution means for distributing power to a second set of electricl devices in the apparatus in response to the digital signals as decoded by the microprocessor; and

a pair of wires electronically coupled to the microprocessor and the power distribution means for transmitting input and output signals between the microprocessor and the power distribution means.

2. A multiplexing system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical devices in said first set are connected in parallel with one another.

3. A multiplexing system according to claim 2, wherein the input receiving means comprises:

a multiplexer; and

switch means connected in series with each of the electrical devices in said first set for selectively connecting each electrical device to the multiplexer.

4. A multiplexing system according to claim 3, wherein the switch means comprises a plurality of switches or relays, each of the switches or relays connected in series with a different one of the electrical devices in said first set.

5. A multiplexing system according to claim 4, further comprising noise reduction means located intermediate each of the switches or relays and the multiplexer.

6. A multiplexing system according to claim 5, wherein the noise reduction means comprises a plurality of capacitors, each capacitor being connected in parallel with a resistor in series with a different one of the switches or relays.

7. A multiplexing system according to claim 3, wherein the input receiving means further comprises an amplifier having an input end electrically connected to the multiplexer and an output end electrically coupled to the microprocessor.

8. A multiplexing system for integrating electronic controls, the system comprising:

input receiving means for receiving inputs from a plurality of electrical devices connected in parallel with one another in an electronically controlled apparatus and converting the inputs into digital signals, the input receiving means including

a multiplexer,

switch means connected in series with each of the electrical devices for selectively connecting each electrical device to the multiplexer, the switch means comprising a plurality of switches or relays, each of the switches or relays connected in series with a different one of the electrical devices, and

noise reduction means located intermediate each of the switches or relays and the multiplexer;

a microprocessor for decoding and monitoring the digital signals;

a pair of wires electronically coupled to the input receiving means and the microprocessor for transmitting input and output signals between the input receiving means and the microprocessor;

power distribution means for distributing power to various parts of the apparatus in response to the digital signals as decoded by the microprocessor; and

a pair of wires electronically coupled to the microprocessor and the power distribution means for transmitting input and output signals between the microprocessor and the power distribution means.

9. A method for monitoring electrical functions in a system including a plurality of circuits, the method including the steps of:

determining an acceptable current range for each circuit, the step of determining an acceptable current range comprising the substeps of

instructing a microprocessor to take an initial current reading for each circuit,

storing the initial current reading for each circuit in the memory of the microprocessor,

setting a maximum acceptable current equal to the initial current reading for each circuit plus a predetermined percentage, and

setting a minimum acceptable current equal to the initial current reading for each circuit minus a predetermined percentage;

multiplexing a voltage through each circuit in sequence;

measuring the current in each circuit;

determining whether the current in each circuit falls within the acceptable current range; and

activating an alarm if the current in any circuit falls outside the acceptable current range.

10. A method for monitoring electrical functions in a system including an input voltage and a plurality of circuits, each circuit including a load and an output current, the method including the steps of:

determining an acceptable current range for each circuit;

multiplexing a voltage through each circuit in sequence;

measuring the current in each circuit;

determining whether the current in each circuit falls within the acceptable current range;

activating an alarm if the current in any circuit falls outside the acceptable current range;

adding the output currents associated with each load to determine a total system current;

comparing the total system current to a predetermined maximum current; and

disengaging non-critical loads if the total system current exceeds the predetermined maximum current, wherein the non-critical loads are shed in a predetermined sequence depending on priorities set by the user.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

measuring the input voltage of the system;

determining whether the input voltage is sufficient; and

disengaging non-critical loads if the input voltage is determined to be insufficient, wherein the non-critical loads are shed in a predetermined sequence depending on priorities set by the user.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of increasing the input voltage simultaneously with disengaging the non-critical loads if the input voltage is determined to be insufficient.