Robert T Kirchhoff

US Patent:

8150671, Apr 3, 2012

Filed:

Apr 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/432886

Inventors:

Juan M. Quezada - Lerma, MX
Robert F. Kirchhoff - Macomb MI, US
Robert A. De Stefano - Macomb MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G06F 17/50

US Classification:

703 13, 307 105, 307 106

Abstract:

A simulation tool includes a printed circuit board assembly or PCBA having a built-in USB communication port and a microcontroller. A host computer transmits user-selected configuration data to the microcontroller, which transforms the data into solid-state signals. These are provided to a power master module in an electrical bench or a test vehicle. A method of simulating a low-current ignition switch that is usable with the PMM includes transmitting user-selectable configuration data from a host computer to a PCBA having a microcontroller, transforming the configuration data into a set of solid-state signals simulating a desired set of power mode parameters, and transmitting the solid-state signals to the PMM to thereby simulate an operation of the low-current ignition switch.

US Patent:

20140058620, Feb 27, 2014

Filed:

Aug 27, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/595280

Inventors:

TIMOTHY D. JULSON - ROCHESTER HILLS MI, US
ROBERT F. KIRCHHOFF - MACOMB MI, US
GARY W. TARASKI - OXFORD MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

G01R 31/02
G06F 7/00

US Classification:

701 327, 324503

Abstract:

Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a fault in a communication system. The system includes a diagnostic module. The diagnostic module has first through fifth control logics. The first control logic is configured to determine a topology of the communication system. The second control logic is configured to request a response from at least one module that is in electronic communication with the communication system. The third control logic is configured to receive the response. The fourth control logic is configured to analyze a characteristic of the response. The fifth control logic is configured to determine a characteristic of the fault based on the characteristic of the response.