Output circuit for an engine control device, and monitoring method for such a circuit

An engine control device (2) of a motor vehicle, the engine control device (2) comprising:

• a control device (6) with means for generating a control signal and a test signal, the control signal and the test signal being provided at a first output (10) of the control device (6);
• at least one output circuit (8) comprising:
• i) an input (14) connected to the first output (10) of the control device (6), the input (14) of the at least one output circuit (8) receiving the control signal generated by the control device (6) from the first output (10) of the control device (6), and
• ii) an output (16) connected to a component (4) and equipped with switching means (18);
• and
• a monitoring device (20) comprising:
• i) a first input (24) connected to the first input (14) of the at least one output circuit (8) so that both the input (14) of the at least one output circuit (8) and the first input (24) of the monitoring device (20) directly receive from the first output (10) of the control device (6), as a same direct input signal, the control signal when generated by the control device (6) and the test signal when generated by the control device (6),
• ii) a second input (22) connected to the output (16) of the output circuit (8), the second input (22) receiving the output (16) of the at least one output circuit (8) for monitoring the output signal at the output (16) of the at least one output circuit (8), and
• iii) a connection control means associated with time delay means for interrupting a connection between the output (16) of the at least one output circuit (8) and the component (4), wherein a time delay is started upon detection of the output signal from the output (16) of the at least one output circuit (8) to the first input (24) of the monitoring device (20), said time delay defining a time interval of predetermined length, and wherein when during said time interval no test signal is received, the connection control means actuates the switching means (18) to open the connection between the output (16) of the at least one output circuit (8) and the component (4).