System and method for analog control of directional motors and other loads
First Claim
1. A directional load driver, comprising:
- a controller capable of identifying a function associated with a state-encoded input signal;
a plurality of transistors capable of generating a plurality of output signals and providing the output signals to a directional load, the directional load capable of operating in a plurality of directions, the output signals causing the directional load to operate in one of the directions to perform the identified function;
an input sampling circuit capable of providing an analog sample of the state-encoded input signal; and
a plurality of comparators capable of comparing the analog sample to a plurality of references, the references defining a plurality of ranges, the ranges associated with a plurality of functions including the identified function.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A directional load is capable of operating in multiple directions. For example, a directional motor may rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A directional load driver generates output signals causing the directional load to operate in one of the directions, thereby providing a requested function. The requested function is identified using an input signal, such as a state-encoded input signal. The state-encoded input signal could be received by the directional load driver over a single wire or through a single input pin. Under the control of the directional load driver, the directional load could perform any of a wide variety of functions. In automotive applications, the directional load could open or close a window, lock or unlock a door, or open or close a door. In other applications, the directional load could be used with a residential door lock, a home automation system, or an industrial control.
13 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A directional load driver, comprising:
-
a controller capable of identifying a function associated with a state-encoded input signal; a plurality of transistors capable of generating a plurality of output signals and providing the output signals to a directional load, the directional load capable of operating in a plurality of directions, the output signals causing the directional load to operate in one of the directions to perform the identified function; an input sampling circuit capable of providing an analog sample of the state-encoded input signal; and a plurality of comparators capable of comparing the analog sample to a plurality of references, the references defining a plurality of ranges, the ranges associated with a plurality of functions including the identified function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A system, comprising:
-
a directional load capable of operating in a plurality of directions to perform a plurality of functions; an input signal generator capable of generating a state-encoded input signal identifying one of the functions; and a directional load driver capable of identifying the function associated with the state-encoded input signal, generating a plurality of output signals, and providing the output signals to the directional load, the output signals causing the directional load to operate in one of the directions to perform the identified function, wherein the directional load driver includes an input sampling circuit capable of providing an analog sample of the state-encoded input signal and a plurality of comparators capable of comparing the analog sample to a plurality of references, the references defining a plurality of ranges, the ranges associated with a plurality of functions. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A method, comprising:
-
receiving a state-encoded input signal identifying a function associated with a directional load over a single wire, the directional load capable of operating in a plurality of directions; generating a plurality of output signals associated with the function, wherein generating the plurality of output signals includes providing an analog sample of the state-encoded input signal, comparing the analog sample to a plurality of references, and identifying a range in which the analog sample falls based on the comparisons, the range associated with the function; and providing the output signals to the directional load, the output signals causing the directional load to operate in one of the directions to perform the function. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
-
Specification