Compact electronic control and power unit structure

Abstract

To reduce the overall size of the housing of an electronic control unit having power stages of substantial power, and hence high heat dissipation, in combination with its associated control stage having but little power and hence low heat dissipation, a printed circuit board is located in the structure having essentially rectangular cross section by placing the printed circuit board diagonally therein, holding it in fixed position at one end but loose at the other to permit relative movement with respect to the housing, and thermal dimensional changes, the printed circuit board dividing the chamber into one permitting high heat dissipation and one of low heat dissipation. The structure is particularly applicable for automotive electrical control systems such as, for example, ignition systems for placing in cramped locations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.