Importance

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Abstract

A control system, as for controlling automotive body functions, is powered by a limited capacity electrical power source and is structured and controlled in a manner to minimize consumption of electrical power. The control system conducts data transactions between a central control station and one or more remote controllers connected therewith, and the central control station includes a provision for electronic signal processing for controlling the data transactions with the remote controllers. A power FET is operatively connected to the power source and to a portion of the control system for selectively connecting or disconnecting power to that control system portion. The system employs a NMOS microprocessor. The portion of the control system from which power may be disconnected will typically include the processor. The level of system activity is monitored and a power-down, or 'sleep' control signal is automatically provided if a predetermined condition of inactivity occurs. That power-down control signal is operatively applied to certain control circuitry for in turn causing the power switch to disconnect power when the power-down control results. Correspondingly, a timer, which preferably is continuously powered, times a 'sleep' interval during which power is disconnected from the relevant control system portion and generates a power-up control signal at the end of some predetermined time. The control circuitry responds to this power-up control signal by causing the power switch to reapply power to the previously disconnected portions of the control system.

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First Claim