Level converter and a method for converting level values in vehicle control devices

A level converter for a vehicle control device, comprising:

• a first voltage terminal;
• a second voltage terminal;
• at least one output terminal;
• an input terminal;
• a first switch for switching a first current path between the first voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or one of the output terminals;
• and
• a second switch for switching a second current path between the second voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or another of the output terminals;
• wherein the first switch and the second switch are switchable in response to different levels at the input terminal so that when a first level is present at the input terminal, the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, and so that when a second level is present, the first switch is open and the second switch is closed.

A control device of a vehicle, comprising:

• a level converter, including:
• a first voltage terminal;
• a second voltage terminal;
• at least one output terminal;
• an input terminal;
• a first switch for switching a first current path between the first voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or one of the output terminals;
• and
• a second switch for switching a second current path between the second voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or another of the output terminals;
• wherein the first switch and the second switch are switchable in response to different levels at the input terminal so that when a first level is present at the input terminal, the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, and so that when a second level is present, the first switch is open and the second switch is closed.

A utility vehicle, comprising:

• a control device of a vehicle, including a level converter;
• wherein the level converter includes:
• a first voltage terminal;
• a second voltage terminal;
• at least one output terminal;
• an input terminal;
• a first switch for switching a first current path between the first voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or one of the output terminals;
• and
• a second switch for switching a second current path between the second voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or another of the output terminals;
• wherein the first switch and the second switch are switchable in response to different levels at the input terminal so that when a first level is present at the input terminal, the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, and so that when a second level is present, the first switch is open and the second switch is closed.

A method for converting level values in a vehicle control device, the method comprising:

• switching, by a first switch, a first current path between a first voltage terminal and at least one output terminal or one of the output terminals;
• and
• switching, by a second switch, a second current path between the second voltage terminal and the at least one output terminal or another of the output terminals;
• wherein the first switch and the second switch are switched in response to different levels at the input terminal so that when a first level is present at the input terminal, the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, and so that when a second level is present, the first switch is open and the second switch is closed.