Patent ID: 6438462
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B60R,G06F

Abstract:
A semiconductor circuit for an electronic control unit having at least one microcontroller, comprising:first means for providing, from a first supply voltage, at least one second, fixed supply voltage for the least one microcontroller and for circuits of the control unit which cooperate with the at least one microcontroller; and a transceiver unit having transmitting and receiving means for coupling the at least one microcontroller, which cooperates with the semiconductor circuit, to a two-wire bus; and further comprising in monolithic form, means for realizing a watchdog function at least for resetting the microcontroller which cooperates with the transceiver unit of the circuit; and monitoring the proper functioning of the microcontroller which cooperates with the transceiver unit, for the purpose of monitoring a variable which is significant for the proper functioning or program execution of the said microcontroller; wherein the means for realizing a watchdog function is directly connected to the first means.