Patent ID: 8471738
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: H03M

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting errors of an A/D converter which converts an analog input signal that represents one of a range of input values into a digital output signal that represents one of a range of numbers, the method comprising: in a first determination step, determining to which of a plurality of defined analog value subranges that, in combination, spans the range of input values, the input value of the input signal belongs, wherein a respective plurality of possible input values belongs to each of the defined analog value subranges; in a second determination step, determining to which of a plurality of defined digital subranges that, in combination, spans the range of numbers, the number which is ascertained by the A/D converter is associated of the output signal belongs, wherein a respective plurality of possible numbers belongs to each of the defined digital subranges and each of the defined digital subranges corresponds to a respective one of the defined analog value subranges; in a third determination step, determining whether the subrange, to which the input value of the input signal is determined to belong, corresponds to the subrange to which the number of the output signal is determined to belong; and detecting an error when the subrange to which the input value of the input signal is determined to belong and the subrange to which the number of the output signal is determined to belong are determined in the third determination step not to correspond to one another.