Charles M Powers

US Patent:

57604894, Jun 2, 1998

Filed:

Oct 4, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/726023

Inventors:

Benjamin R. Davis - Chandler AZ
John M. Pigott - Phoenix AZ
Kevin S. Anderson - Noblesville IN
Charles R. Powers - Austin TX

Assignee:

Motorola, Inc. - Schaumburg IL

International Classification:

B60R 2100

US Classification:

307 101

Abstract:

A control module (11) in an airbag system (10) supplies electrical energy to and communicates with remote modules (20A-20N) through a two-wire connection. The supplied electrical energy is partially used to operate the remote modules (20A-20N) and partially stored within the remote modules (20A-20N) for deploying squibs (22A-22N). The control module (11) sends command signals to the remote modules 20A-20N) via voltage excursions between a high and an intermediate voltage levels. The remote modules (20A-20N) send signals to the control module (11) via current excursions. When an accident situation is detected, the voltage across the two-wire connection is lowered to a low voltage level, thereby interrupting a normal operation of the airbag system (10). The control module (11) then sends out firing signals via voltage excursion between the intermediate and low voltage levels. The remote modules (20A-20N) decode the firing signals and deploy the squibs (22A-22N) to inflate airbags.