Patent ID: 6466028
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: B60D,G01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting whether an electrical connection exists between a first vehicle portion and a second vehicle portion of a multi-portion vehicle, comprising:a first chassis electrical ground in the first vehicle portion; a first electrical conductor coupled to the first chassis electrical ground; a second electrical conductor operable to electrically connect to and disconnect from the first electrical conductor; a second vehicle chassis ground disposed in the second vehicle portion; and a detection circuit for providing an indication based upon whether an electrical connection exists between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor, comprising: a diode having: an anode electrically connected to the second electrical conductor and having an anode voltage thereon, and a cathode electrically coupled to the second vehicle chassis ground; a biasing-current source for providing a forward biasing current to the anode of the diode; and a comparison circuit for providing an output signal indicative of a voltage level at the anode of the diode, where the voltage level at the anode of the diode is dependent at least in part upon whether an electrical connection exists between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.