Patent ID: 7486080
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: F02D,H01F,H03K,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of verifying an electrical coupling state between an inductive load and a circuit configuration, the method comprises: coupling an inductive load to a circuit configuration via first and second coupling points; determining a first voltage value between the first and second coupling points; testing the first voltage value for an occurrence of a characteristic voltage pulse that can be triggered by a reduction of a magnetic flux in the inductive load by way of a steep-edged change in an amount of current flow through the inductive load; electrically coupling the first coupling point to a diagnosis potential via a diagnosis resistor, and setting the diagnosis potential between a ground potential and an activation potential of the inductive load; detecting a second voltage value between the first and second coupling points within a further time period, during which the inductive load is not activated and during which the voltage is substantially stationary; identifying an error in the coupling state, if the characteristic voltage pulse does not occur within a predefined time period; identifying an absence of an error in the coupling state, if the characteristic voltage pulse occurs; and identifying a short circuit to the ground potential, if the second voltage value is lower than a predefined lower voltage threshold value.