Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120043956 | LOOK-UP TABLE BASED CONFIGURATION OF A DC-DC CONVERTER - RF PA circuitry and a DC-DC converter, which includes an RF PA envelope power supply and DC-DC control circuitry, are disclosed. The PA envelope power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry. The DC-DC control circuitry has a DC-DC look-up table (LUT) structure, which has at least a first DC-DC LUT. The DC-DC control circuitry uses DC-DC LUT index information as an index to the DC-DC LUT structure to obtain DC-DC converter operational control parameters. The DC-DC control circuitry then configures the PA envelope power supply using the DC-DC converter operational control parameters. Using the DC-DC LUT structure provides flexibility in configuring the DC-DC converter for different applications, for multiple static operating conditions, for multiple dynamic operating conditions, or any combination thereof. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044022 | DYNAMIC DEVICE SWITCHING (DDS) OF AN IN-PHASE RF PA STAGE AND A QUADRATURE-PHASE RF PA STAGE - An in-phase radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) stage and a quadrature-phase RF PA stage are disclosed. The in-phase RF PA stage includes a first group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements and the quadrature-phase RF PA stage includes a second group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements. A group of array bias signals is based on a selected one of a group of DDS operating modes. Each of the group of array bias signals is a current signal. The in-phase RF PA stage biases at least one of the first group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. Similarly, the quadrature-phase RF PA stage biases at least one of the second group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044606 | ESD PROTECTION OF AN RF PA SEMICONDUCTOR DIE USING A PA CONTROLLER SEMICONDUCTOR DIE - A power amplifier (PA) controller semiconductor die and a first radio frequency (RF) PA semiconductor die are disclosed. The PA controller semiconductor die includes a first electro-static discharge (ESD) protection circuit, which ESD protects and provides a first ESD protected signal. The RF PA semiconductor die receives the first ESD protected signal. In one embodiment of the PA controller semiconductor die, the first ESD protected signal is an envelope power supply signal. The PA controller semiconductor die may be a Silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) semiconductor die and the RF PA semiconductor die may be a Gallium Arsenide semiconductor die. | 02-23-2012 |
20120056679 | SPLIT CURRENT CURRENT DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (IDAC) FOR DYNAMIC DEVICE SWITCHING (DDS) OF AN RF PA STAGE - A split current current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) and a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) stage are disclosed. The split current IDAC operates in a selected one of a group of DDS operating modes and provides a group of array bias signals based on the selected one of the group of DDS operating modes. Each of the group of array bias signals is a current signal. The RF PA stage includes a group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements. The RF PA stage biases at least one of the group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. Further, the RF PA stage receives and amplifies an RF stage input signal to provide an RF stage output signal using at least one of the group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements that is biased. | 03-08-2012 |
20120062205 | VOLTAGE COMPATIBLE CHARGE PUMP BUCK AND BUCK POWER SUPPLIES - The present disclosure relates to a flexible direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a charge pump buck power supply and a buck power supply. The charge pump buck power supply and the buck power supply are voltage compatible with one another at respective output inductance nodes to provide flexibility. In one embodiment of the DC-DC converter, capacitances at the output inductance nodes are at least partially isolated from one another by using at least an isolating inductive element between the output inductance nodes to increase efficiency. In an alternate embodiment of the DC-DC converter, the output inductance nodes are coupled to one another, such that the charge pump buck power supply and the buck power supply share a first inductive element, thereby eliminating the isolating inductive element, which reduces size and cost but may also reduce efficiency. | 03-15-2012 |
20120117284 | CONFIGURABLE 2-WIRE/3-WIRE SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE - A configurable 2-wire/3-wire serial communications interface (C23SCI), which includes start-of-sequence (SOS) detection circuitry and sequence processing circuitry, is disclosed. When the SOS detection circuitry is coupled to a 2-wire serial communications bus, the SOS detection circuitry detects an SOS of a received sequence based on a serial data signal and a serial clock signal. When the SOS detection circuitry is coupled to a 3-wire serial communications bus, the SOS detection circuitry detects the SOS of the received sequence based on a chip select (CS) signal. In response to detecting the SOS, the SOS detection circuitry provides an SOS detection signal to the sequence processing circuitry, which initiates processing of the received sequence using the serial data signal and the serial clock signal. The received sequence is associated with one of multiple serial communications protocols. | 05-10-2012 |
20120161877 | PA BIAS POWER SUPPLY EFFICIENCY OPTIMIZATION - A charge pump of a PA bias power supply, PA bias circuitry, and a process to optimize efficiency of the PA bias power supply are disclosed. The charge pump operates in one of multiple bias supply pump operating modes, which include at least a bias supply pump-up operating mode and a bias supply bypass operating mode. The process prevents selection of the bias supply bypass operating mode unless a DC power supply voltage is adequate to allow the PA bias circuitry to provide minimum output regulation voltage at a specified current. Otherwise, the bias supply pump-up operating mode is selected. The charge pump operates more efficiently in the bias supply bypass operating mode than in the bias supply pump-up operating mode; therefore, selection of the bias supply bypass operating mode, when possible, increases efficiency. | 06-28-2012 |
20120184233 | COMBINED RF DETECTOR AND RF ATTENUATOR WITH CONCURRENT OUTPUTS - Radio Frequency (RF) signal conditioning circuitry, which includes RF detection circuitry and RF attenuation circuitry is disclosed. The RF detection circuitry receives and detects an RF sample signal to provide an RF detection signal. The RF attenuation circuitry has an attenuation circuitry input, and receives and attenuates the RF sample signal via the attenuation circuitry input to provide an attenuated RF signal. The RF attenuation circuitry presents an attenuation circuitry input impedance at the attenuation circuitry input. The attenuated RF signal and the RF detection signal are provided concurrently. | 07-19-2012 |
20120223773 | LINEAR MODE AND NON-LINEAR MODE QUADRATURE PA CIRCUITRY - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to multi-mode multi-band radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) circuitry, which includes a multi-mode multi-band quadrature RF PA coupled to multi-mode multi-band switching circuitry via a single output. The switching circuitry provides at least one non-linear mode output and multiple linear mode outputs. The non-linear mode output may be associated with at least one non-linear mode RF communications band and each linear mode output may be associated with a corresponding linear mode RF communications band. The outputs from the switching circuitry may be coupled to an antenna port via front-end aggregation circuitry. The quadrature nature of the quadrature PA path may provide tolerance for changes in antenna loading conditions. | 09-06-2012 |
20120223774 | LOOK-UP TABLE BASED CONFIGURATION OF MULTI-MODE MULTI-BAND RADIO FREQUENCY POWER AMPLIFIER CIRCUITRY - Circuitry, which includes multi-mode multi-band radio frequency (RF) power amplification circuitry, power amplifier (PA) control circuitry, and a PA-digital communications interface (DCI) is disclosed according to one embodiment of the circuitry. The PA control circuitry is coupled between the amplification circuitry and the PA-DCI, which is coupled to a digital communications bus, and configures the amplification circuitry. The amplification circuitry includes at least a first RF input and multiple RF outputs, such that at least some of the RF outputs are associated with multiple communications modes and at least some of the RF outputs are associated with multiple frequency bands. Configuration of the amplification circuitry associates one RF input with one RF output, and is correlated with configuration information defined by at least a first defined parameter set. The PA control circuitry stores at least a first look-up table (LUT), which provides the configuration information. | 09-06-2012 |
20120229210 | OVERLAY CLASS F CHOKE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an overlay class F choke of a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) stage and an RF PA amplifying transistor of the RF PA stage. The overlay class F choke includes a pair of mutually coupled class F inductive elements, which are coupled in series between a PA envelope power supply and a collector of the RF PA amplifying transistor. In one embodiment of the RF PA stage, the RF PA stage receives and amplifies an RF stage input signal to provide an RF stage output signal using the RF PA amplifying transistor. The collector of the RF PA amplifying transistor provides the RF stage output signal. The PA envelope power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the overlay class F choke. The envelope power supply signal provides power for amplification. | 09-13-2012 |
20120235736 | CHARGE PUMP BASED POWER AMPLIFIER ENVELOPE POWER SUPPLY AND BIAS POWER SUPPLY - The present disclosure relates to a direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a charge pump based radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) envelope power supply and a charge pump based PA bias power supply. The DC-DC converter is coupled between RF PA circuitry and a DC power supply, such as a battery. As such, the PA envelope power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry and the PA bias power supply provides a bias power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry. Both the PA envelope power supply and the PA bias power supply receive power via a DC power supply signal from the DC power supply. The PA envelope power supply includes a charge pump buck converter and the PA bias power supply includes a charge pump. | 09-20-2012 |
20120280746 | DC-DC CONVERTER SEMICONDUCTOR DIE STRUCTURE - A direct current (DC)-DC converter having a DC-DC converter semiconductor die and an alpha flying capacitive element is disclosed. The DC-DC converter semiconductor die includes a first series alpha switching element, a second series alpha switching element, a first alpha flying capacitor connection node, which is about over the second series alpha switching element, and a second alpha flying capacitor connection node, which is about over the first series alpha switching element. The alpha flying capacitive element is electrically coupled between the first alpha flying capacitor connection node and the second alpha flying capacitor connection node. By locating the first alpha flying capacitor connection node and the second alpha flying capacitor connection node about over the second series alpha switching element and the first series alpha switching element, respectively, lengths of transient current paths may be minimized, thereby reducing noise and potential interference. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280747 | FEEDBACK BASED BUCK TIMING OF A DIRECT CURRENT (DC)-DC CONVERTER - At least a first shunt switching element and switching control circuitry of a first switching power supply are disclosed. At least the first shunt switching element is coupled between a ground and an output inductance node of the first switching power supply. The first switching power supply provides a buck output signal from the output inductance node. The switching control circuitry selects one of an ON state and an OFF state of the first shunt switching element. When the buck output signal is above a first threshold, the switching control circuitry is inhibited from selecting the ON state. The first switching power supply provides a first switching power supply output signal based on the buck output signal. By using feedback based on the buck output signal, the switching control circuitry may refine the timing of switching between series switching elements and shunt switching elements to increase efficiency. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280752 | EMBEDDED RF PA TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING BIAS TRANSISTOR - A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) amplifying transistor of an RF PA stage and an RF PA temperature compensating bias transistor of the RF PA stage are disclosed. The RF PA amplifying transistor includes a first array of amplifying transistor elements and a second array of amplifying transistor elements. The RF PA temperature compensating bias transistor provides temperature compensation of bias of the RF PA amplifying transistor. Further, the RF PA temperature compensating bias transistor is located between the first array and the second array. As such, the RF PA temperature compensating bias transistor is thermally coupled to the first array and the second array. The RF PA stage receives and amplifies an RF stage input signal to provide an RF stage output signal using the RF PA amplifying transistor. | 11-08-2012 |
20120282869 | RF PA LINEARITY REQUIREMENTS BASED CONVERTER OPERATING MODE SELECTION - A power amplifier (PA) envelope power supply, radio frequency (RF) PA circuitry, and a process to select a converter operating mode of the PA envelope power supply based on linearity requirements of the RF PA circuitry is disclosed. The PA envelope power supply operates in one of a first converter operating mode and a second converter operating mode. The process for selecting the converter operating mode is based on a required degree of linearity of the RF PA circuitry. The PA envelope power supply provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry. Selection of the converter operating mode may provide efficient operation of the PA envelope power supply and the envelope power supply signal needed for proper operation of the RF PA circuitry. | 11-08-2012 |
20120299645 | TEMPERATURE CORRECTING AN ENVELOPE POWER SUPPLY SIGNAL FOR RF PA CIRCUITRY - A direct current (DC)-DC converter and radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) circuitry are disclosed. The DC-DC converter provides an envelope power supply signal to the RF PA circuitry based on a first power supply output control signal. As a temperature of the RF PA circuitry changes, the envelope power supply signal may need to be adjusted to meet temperature compensation requirements of the RF PA circuitry. With adequate thermal coupling between the DC-DC converter and the RF PA circuitry, adjustments to the envelope power supply signal may be based on temperature measurements of the DC-DC converter. A desired correction of the first power supply output control signal is determined based on a measured temperature of the DC-DC converter and the temperature compensation requirements of the RF PA circuitry. The first power supply output control signal is adjusted based on the desired correction. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299646 | SELECTING A CONVERTER OPERATING MODE OF A PA ENVELOPE POWER SUPPLY - A power amplifier (PA) envelope power supply and a process to select a converter operating mode of the PA envelope power supply are disclosed. The PA envelope power supply operates in one of a first converter operating mode and a second converter operating mode. The process for selecting the converter operating mode is based on a selected communications mode of a radio frequency (RF) communications system, a target output power from RF PA circuitry of the RF communications system, and a direct current (DC) power supply voltage. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299647 | PA ENVELOPE POWER SUPPLY UNDERSHOOT COMPENSATION - A power amplifier (PA) envelope power supply, which provides an envelope power supply signal to radio frequency (RF) PA circuitry, and a process to prevent undershoot of the PA envelope power supply is disclosed. The process includes determining if an envelope control signal to the PA envelope power supply has a step change from a high magnitude to a low magnitude that exceeds a step change limit. Such a step change may cause undershoot of the PA envelope power supply. As such, if the step change exceeds the step change limit, the envelope control signal is modified to use an intermediate magnitude for period of time. Otherwise, if the step change does not exceed the step change limit, the envelope control signal is not modified. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299660 | SELECTING PA BIAS LEVELS OF RF PA CIRCUITRY DURING A MULTISLOT BURST - Power amplifier (PA) control circuitry and PA bias circuitry are disclosed. During one slot of a multislot transmit burst from radio frequency (RF) PA circuitry, the PA control circuitry selects one PA bias level of the RF PA circuitry and the RF PA circuitry has one output power level. The RF PA circuitry has a next output power level during an adjacent next slot of the multislot transmit burst. If the one output power level exceeds the next output power level by more than a power drop limit, then the PA control circuitry maintains the one PA bias level during the adjacent next slot. If the one output power level significantly exceeds the next output power level, but by less than the power drop limit, then the PA control circuitry selects a next PA bias level, which is less than the one PA bias level, during the adjacent next slot. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299661 | PA BIAS POWER SUPPLY UNDERSHOOT COMPENSATION - A charge pump of a power amplifier (PA) bias power supply and a process to prevent undershoot disruption of a bias power supply signal of the PA bias power supply are disclosed. The charge pump operates in one of multiple bias supply pump operating modes, which include at least a bias supply pump-up operating mode and a bias supply bypass operating mode. The process prevents selection of the bias supply pump-up operating mode from the bias supply bypass operating mode before charge pump circuitry in the charge pump is capable of providing adequate voltage to prevent undershoot disruption of the bias power supply signal. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302186 | INDEPENDENT PA BIASING OF A DRIVER STAGE AND A FINAL STAGE - A radio frequency (RF) communications system, which includes power amplifier (PA) control circuitry and PA bias circuitry, is disclosed. The PA control circuitry identifies a selected communications mode of the RF communications system and a target output power from RF PA circuitry. The PA control circuitry selects a PA bias level of a driver stage of the RF PA circuitry and a PA bias level of a final stage of the RF PA circuitry based on the selected communications mode and the target output power. The PA bias circuitry establishes a PA bias level for the driver stage and a PA bias level for the final stage based on the selected PA bias levels of the driver stage and the final stage, respectively. | 11-29-2012 |
20130271221 | DIRECT CURRENT (DC)-DC CONVERTER HAVING A MULTI-STAGE OUTPUT FILTER - A direct current (DC)-DC converter that includes a first switching converter and a multi-stage filter is disclosed. The multi-stage filter includes at least a first inductance (L) capacitance (C) filter and a second LC filter coupled in series between the first switching converter and a DC-DC converter output. The first LC filter has a first LC time constant and the second LC filter has a second LC time constant, which is less than the first LC time constant. The first switching converter and the multi-stage filter form a feedback loop, which is used to regulate the first switching power supply output signal based on the setpoint. The first LC filter includes a first capacitive element having a first self-resonant frequency, which is about equal to a first notch frequency of the multi-stage filter. | 10-17-2013 |
20130271224 | MULTIBAND RF SWITCH GROUND ISOLATION - A radio frequency (RF) switch semiconductor die and an RF supporting structure are disclosed. The RF switch semiconductor die is attached to the RF supporting structure. The RF switch semiconductor die has a first edge and a second edge, which may be opposite from the first edge. The RF supporting structure has a group of alpha supporting structure connection nodes, which is adjacent to the first edge; a group of beta supporting structure connection nodes, which is adjacent to the second edge; and an alpha AC grounding supporting structure connection node, which is adjacent to the second edge. When the group of alpha supporting structure connection nodes and the alpha AC grounding supporting structure connection node are active, the group of beta supporting structure connection nodes are inactive. | 10-17-2013 |
20130293310 | DUAL INDUCTIVE ELEMENT CHARGE PUMP BUCK AND BUCK POWER SUPPLIES - A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes a charge pump buck power supply and a buck power supply is disclosed. The charge pump buck power supply includes a charge pump buck converter, a first inductive element, and an energy storage element. The charge pump buck converter and the first inductive element are coupled in series between a DC power supply, such as a battery, and the energy storage element. The buck power supply includes a buck converter, a second inductive element, and the energy storage element. The buck converter and the second inductive element are coupled in series between the DC power supply and the energy storage element. As such, the charge pump buck power supply and the buck power supply share the energy storage element. | 11-07-2013 |
20130307616 | SNUBBER FOR A DIRECT CURRENT (DC)-DC CONVERTER - Circuitry, which includes a direct current (DC)-DC converter having a first switching power supply is disclosed. The first switching power supply includes a first switching converter, an energy storage element, a first inductive element, which is coupled between the first switching converter and the energy storage element, and a first snubber circuit, which is coupled across the first inductive element. The first switching power supply receives and converts a DC power supply signal to provide a first switching power supply output signal based on a setpoint. | 11-21-2013 |
20150106541 | AUTO-CONFIGURATION OF DEVICES BASED UPON CONFIGURATION OF SERIAL INPUT PINS AND SUPPLY - A device includes a memory, at least two input/output (IO) pins, and slave identifier (ID) selection circuitry. The memory stores a slave ID, which identifies the device to other devices in a serial communication process. The slave ID selection circuitry changes the stored slave ID based on which one of the IO pins is coupled to a supply voltage. By changing the slave ID of the device based on which one of the IO pins is coupled to a supply voltage, a number of devices with otherwise identical slave IDs may change their slave IDs in order to participate in a serial communication process on the same bus. Further, the slave ID of the device may be changed without using an additional IO pin on the device. | 04-16-2015 |
20150194884 | DIRECT CURRENT (DC)-DC CONVERTER HAVING A MULTI-STAGE OUTPUT FILTER - A direct current (DC)-DC converter that includes a first switching converter and a multi-stage filter is disclosed. The multi-stage filter includes at least a first inductance (L) capacitance (C) filter and a second LC filter coupled in series between the first switching converter and a DC-DC converter output. The first LC filter has a first LC time constant and the second LC filter has a second LC time constant, which is less than the first LC time constant. The first LC filter includes a first capacitive element having a first self-resonant frequency, which is about equal to a first notch frequency of the multi-stage filter. | 07-09-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100211298 | METHOD FOR STARTING A VEHICLE ENGINE - A method for starting a vehicle engine includes determining a throttle angle command output based on a throttle adjustment parameter. The throttle angle command output may be further adjusted based on a learned compensation adder and may be based on a number of vehicle engine starts. A throttle angle corresponding to the throttle angle command output is provided. | 08-19-2010 |
20100250039 | Method And System For Initiating Starting Of An Engine In A Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A system and method is provided for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for a first time since a vehicle drive start request. Based on a predetermined fluid temperature and a powertrain fluid temperature from at least one of the powertrain elements in the HEV, it is determined whether energy from the engine is demanded. When the energy from the engine is demanded, the engine is started to provide energy for at least one of heating of a cabin compartment in the HEV and lubrication of a portion of powertrain elements in the HEV. | 09-30-2010 |
20110164993 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONSUMPTION OF A COMPRESSOR THEREIN - A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor. | 07-07-2011 |
20120091959 | VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM WITH INTERFACE - A vehicle guidance system is provided with a controller configured to receive input signals indicative of an instantaneous charging port position relative to an external charging pad and a charging status. The controller is further configured to transmit a vehicle status signal in response to the input signals. An interface communicates with the controller, and is configured to display a vehicle position indicator and a charging status message in response to the vehicle status signal. | 04-19-2012 |
20120262102 | Phase Delayed Active Motor Damping to Mitigate Electric Vehicle Driveline Oscillations - An active motor damping system and method for dampening oscillations of a driveline in a vehicle includes generating a commanded torque indicative of an actual torque which would counteract the oscillations if delivered by a motor to the driveline. The commanded torque is adjusted as a function of a phase lag between the commanded torque and an actual torque which the motor would deliver in response to the commanded torque such that in response to the adjusted commanded torque the motor delivers the actual torque which counteracts the oscillations. | 10-18-2012 |
20130066525 | VEHICLE SHUT-DOWN FUNCTIONALITY FOR PEPS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES - A vehicle comprises a plurality of control module structures. A first control module structure is configured for determining a current motive mode of the vehicle. A second control module structure is configured for determining information indicating that a driver of the vehicle has left the vehicle unattended while the vehicle is in a motive-enabled mode. A third control module structure is configured for causing a secure idle mode to be implemented as a function of determining the information indicating that the driver of the vehicle has left the vehicle unattended while the vehicle is in the motive-enabled mode. Implementing the secure idle mode can include inhibiting the vehicle from being driveable until a driver access code is successfully received and authenticated by the vehicle. | 03-14-2013 |
20130187590 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE POWER MANAGEMENT - A power management system for a vehicle having wheels and an electric machine operable to provide torque to drive at least one of the wheels includes a first energy storage system capable of supplying power to operate the electric machine. The system also includes a second energy storage system capable of supplying power directly to at least one vehicle load at a lower voltage than the first energy storage system. A voltage conversion device is operable to reduce a voltage of the power supplied by the first energy storage system to the lower voltage to charge the second energy storage system when the vehicle is in a key-off state. | 07-25-2013 |
20130221741 | LIMITED OPERATING STRATEGY FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle is provided with a climate control system and a battery that is connected to the climate control system for supplying power. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a battery power limit and a battery state of charge (BSOC). The at least one controller is also configured to disable the climate control system and reduce the battery power limit to an intermediate power limit, when the BSOC is less than a discharge limit. | 08-29-2013 |
20130226377 | CONTROLLED SHUTDOWN OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle is provided with a motor that is configured to provide drive torque and to facilitate regenerative braking. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input that is indicative of a vehicle speed and a battery state of charge (BSOC), and to disable the drive torque when the BSOC is less than a maximum discharge limit. The controller is also configured to activate regenerative braking when the BSOC is less than the maximum discharge limit and the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed. | 08-29-2013 |
20130249470 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE CHARGE SYSTEM - A vehicle charging system includes a base plate having an inclined surface defining at least a portion of a recess, and an arm arrangement having a base end portion movably attached to the base plate, a vehicle end portion, a spring-loaded element attached to the base end portion and in contact with the base plate, and a primary charge pad attached to the vehicle end portion. The arm arrangement has a retracted position in which at least a portion of the primary charge pad is disposed within the recess and an extended position in which the primary charge pad is spaced away from the base plate. The spring-loaded element is arranged to move along the inclined surface as the arm arrangement moves between the retracted and extended positions. | 09-26-2013 |
20130268182 | ENGINE OPERATION FOR PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A method, comprising propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor starting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than an upper threshold level when a contaminant amount in the engine oil is greater than a threshold amount. In this way, it is possible to harmonize fuel degradation along with oil degradation, while still providing efficient vehicle and engine operation | 10-10-2013 |
20130289809 | REGENERATIVE BRAKING CONTROL TO MITIGATE POWERTRAIN OSCILLATION - A vehicle is provided with at least one wheel and a motor that is coupled to the wheel. The motor is configured to provide regenerative brake torque. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to predict future powertrain oscillation based on input indicative of a wheel speed and a total brake torque. The controller is also configured to control the motor to reduce the regenerative brake torque prior to the powertrain oscillation. | 10-31-2013 |
20140021913 | VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - In at least one embodiment, a vehicle includes a battery and an inductive charge plate electrically connected with the battery. The vehicle further includes at least one controller configured to, in response to detecting an authenticated charge system, cause an initiation signal to be transmitted such that the charge system initiates charging of the battery via the charge plate and cause an association signal to be intermittently or continuously transmitted such that charging of the battery via the charge plate is maintained. | 01-23-2014 |
20140021914 | VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM - A vehicle is provided comprising a battery, a charge plate electrically connected to the battery, and a thermal sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a sensed temperature. The thermal sensor can be positioned to determine temperature in the area proximate to the charge plate. The vehicle further includes at least one controller configured to (a) cause an association signal to be repeatedly transmitted during a battery charge procedure such that charging of the battery via the charge plate is maintained, and (b) in response to the sensed temperature exceeding a primary threshold, cause the repeated transmission of the association signal to be interrupted such that charging of the battery ceases. | 01-23-2014 |
20140067237 | METHOD TO LIMIT TEMPERATURE INCREASE IN A CATALYST AND DETECT A RESTRICTED EXHAUST PATH IN A VEHICLE - A vehicle has an engine, an exhaust aftertreatment system, an electric machine, and a controller configured to, in response to an actual engine torque output being less than an inferred engine torque, shut down the engine. A vehicle has an engine, an exhaust aftertreatment system, an electric machine, and a controller configured to, in response to an actual engine torque output being less than a first threshold and a torque request to the engine being greater than a second threshold, set a diagnostic code. A method includes receiving an actual engine torque output, receiving an engine torque request, and shutting down the engine when the actual engine torque output is less than a first threshold and the engine torque request is greater than a second threshold for a predetermined time period to limit temperature increase of a catalyst. | 03-06-2014 |
20140109872 | PHEV Heating Modes to Provide Cabin Comfort - A vehicle is disclosed that has multiple coolant paths selected by control of a valve. A valve system is configured to direct coolant from an engine to a heat exchanger according to a difference between a temperature associated with the engine and a temperature associated with the heat exchanger. The valve system is also configured to direct coolant from the engine to an electric heater and to, in response to a heat demanded from the heat exchanger being greater than a heat capability of the electric heater, request the engine to run. A method is disclosed for controlling a valve to change from an isolation position in which the valve isolates coolant circulating through an electric heater and the valve from coolant circulating through an engine to a non-isolation position in which the valve directs coolant from the engine to the electric heater. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114511 | FUEL MAINTENANCE MONITOR FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle has an engine, a fuel tank, and a controller configured to selectively operate the engine, during one or more drive cycles, until a specified fraction of fuel from the tank has been consumed in response to expiration of a predefined time period to limit fuel degradation. A powertrain system has a traction battery, an engine, a fuel tank, and a controller configured to selectively operate the engine in response to a quality of fuel in the tank being below a threshold until a specified fraction of fuel has been consumed, thereby limiting fuel degradation. A method of controlling a vehicle includes, in response to expiration of a predefined time period, selectively operating an engine, during one or more vehicle drive cycles, such that state of charge of a traction battery is generally maintained until a specified fraction of fuel in a fuel tank has been consumed to limit degradation of the fuel. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114512 | USER OVERRIDE FOR ELECTRIC-ONLY OPERATION OF A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle controller is configured to (i) in response to the user interface receiving input selecting an electric-only operating (EV) mode, disable the engine such that the vehicle is propelled by the electric machine, (ii) in response to the user interface receiving input overriding EV mode, re-enabling the engine for a predetermined time period. A vehicle is provided with a controller. In response to input selecting an electric-only operating (EV) mode, an engine is disabled such that the vehicle is propelled by an electric machine. In response to user power demand being greater than power available during the EV mode, a prompt is generated inquiring whether to override the EV mode. In response to user confirmation to override the EV mode, the engine is re-enabled to satisfy the user power demand. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114513 | SYSTEM OVERRIDE FOR USER SELECTED ELECTRIC-ONLY OPERATION OF A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle, a control system for a vehicle having a user interface, and a method of controlling a vehicle are provided. In response to input selecting an electric-only operating mode, an engine is disabled such that the vehicle is propelled by an electric machine. In response to detecting a predefined vehicle state while the electric-only operating mode is selected, the engine is re-enabled such that the vehicle is propelled by at least one of the engine and electric machine. In response to detecting an absence of the predefined vehicle state while the electric-only operating mode is selected, the engine is disabled such that the vehicle is propelled by the electric machine. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114514 | DELAYED ELECTRIC-ONLY OPERATION OF A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle and a method for controlling the vehicle include a controller configured to, in response to a user command to delay electric-only operation of the vehicle, selectively operate an electric machine and an engine to propel the vehicle such that a state of charge of a traction battery electrically connected with the electric machine is generally maintained at a target value within a predefined range of states of charge. A vehicle includes a powertrain and a controller. The controller is configured to (i) operate the powertrain in a charge deplete mode and a charge sustain mode, and (ii) in response to a user request, operate the powertrain in the charge sustain mode if the state of charge is within a predefined range of states of charge when the request is received. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114515 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE HAVING AN ELECTRIC HEATER - A system and method for operating an electric heater to determine heater functionality is based on actual heater power consumption relative to expected heater power consumption during operating conditions where electrical power consumption by other system components can be accurately estimated. One or more components, including a second heating source, may be controlled based on the heater functionality. The system may include a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric heater and heater core, a valve positioned to route coolant through the engine and/or the electric heater, and a controller configured to store a diagnostic code and/or start the engine when the electric heater is commanded on and when the actual energy consumption of the electric heater is below a corresponding threshold. | 04-24-2014 |
20140350825 | VEHICLE SHUT-DOWN FUNCTIONALITY FOR PEPS-EQUIPPED VEHICLES - A vehicle comprises a plurality of control module structures. A first control module structure is configured for determining a current motive mode of the vehicle. A second control module structure is configured for determining information indicating that a driver of the vehicle has left the vehicle unattended while the vehicle is in a motive-enabled mode. A third control module structure is configured for causing a secure idle mode to be implemented as a function of determining the information indicating that the driver of the vehicle has left the vehicle unattended while the vehicle is in the motive-enabled mode. Implementing the secure idle mode can include inhibiting the vehicle from being driveable until a driver access code is successfully received and authenticated by the vehicle. | 11-27-2014 |
20150032307 | FUEL TANK ISOLATION VALVE CONTROL - Methods and systems for controlling a fuel tank isolation valve coupled to a fuel tank in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a refuel request, actuating a fuel tank isolation valve to vent a fuel tank for refueling; and, in response to a pressure in the fuel tank below a threshold pressure after a predetermined time duration, discontinuing actuation of the fuel tank isolation valve to seal the fuel tank. | 01-29-2015 |
20150285642 | REDUCED NETWORK FLOW AND COMPUTATIONAL LOAD USING A SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABLE SCHEDULER - A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to identify a current location of the vehicle, a destination location, and a distance between the current location and the destination location. The processing device is configured to identify a task, associate the task to the destination location, and schedule the task according to the distance from the destination location. | 10-08-2015 |
20160052409 | OFF-BOARD CHARGER FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY CHARGING - An off-board battery charger for a vehicle may include a high-voltage connector having first, second and power supply connector ports. The first connector port connects to a vehicle controller via a first cable. The second connector port connects to a vehicle battery via a second cable. And, the power supply connector port is electrically connected with the second port and receives power via a power supply cable from a separate and external power supply. | 02-25-2016 |
20160063771 | DISTANCE TO EMPTY ENERGY COMPENSATION - A method of estimating distance to empty (DTE) for a vehicle includes, in response to detecting an energy loss condition expected to be present during an initial portion of a drive cycle for a period of time needed for a current temperature or pressure associated with the vehicle to achieve a steady state, outputting a DTE. The DTE is based on an amount of drive energy available and an energy loss factor associated with the energy loss condition that accounts for conversion of some of the drive energy to heat as the current temperature or pressure increases to the steady state. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068168 | ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE OPERATING MODE PROMPT - An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode. | 03-10-2016 |
20160096438 | HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY OFF-BOARD CHARGERS - A vehicle charging system includes a charger configured to receive power form an external power source and a connector. The connector is configured to receive power from the charger and transmit the received power to a vehicle via a high-voltage cable. The cable is configured to connect the connector to a vehicle battery. Each of the charger and the connector includes a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL) configured to cause the charger to cease power transfer upon recognizing a predetermined voltage difference at a pair of ports of the HVIL. | 04-07-2016 |