Diagnostic monitoring and fault detection in vehicle dc power interfaces

Abstract

A vehicle power system and electrical connector system are disclosed, incorporating a multi-pin connector, a DC power source, and diagnostic circuitry for voltage modulation and measurement. The system designates one pin as a common potential reference, with adjacent pins capable of toggling between this reference potential and a reduced value. Additionally, the mounting tab's potential may be dynamically adjusted in coordination with circuit lines incorporating resistors. The system uses switches to pull down voltage levels for diagnostic purposes, influencing the surrounding electric field. The connector's pin arrangement includes grounded or signal pins positioned around toggling pins. In some embodiments, a designated corner pin interacts with adjacent pins, which are linked to the DC power source through resistors, for voltage control and tracking.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.