Patent ID: 6014091
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: G01L,G01R

Abstract:
A sensor device with fault detection means, said sensor device comprisingan integrated circuit (IC) including a first terminal (A1), a second terminal (A2), a third terminal (A3), a fourth terminal (A4), a sensor element (S) comprising means for generating a binary output signal and connected with said first terminal to receive a supply voltage and a signal preparation means for preparing said binary output signal, said signal preparation means including at least one operational amplifier (OP) for amplifying said binary output signal from said sensor element (S) to produce an amplified output signal and a transistor (T) having a base, a collector and a source, said base of said transistor being connected with said at least one operational amplifier to receive said amplified output signal therefrom and said collector being directly connected to said fourth terminal (A4) at which a processed signal voltage (US) is detected and said collector being connected to said second terminal (A2) of said integrated circuit (IC) via a resistor (RC); anda fault detection circuit means (A) including means for applying a plurality of respective input voltages (U1,U2,U3) to said first, second and third terminals of said integrated circuit and means for analyzing a change of said processed signal voltage (US) at said fourth terminal (A4) in response to said respective input voltages.