Remote multiplexed diagnostic circuitry and a method of detecting faults in sequentially driven loads

摘要

A method to diagnose electrical failures of remotely driven inductive loads as well as the failures of electrical connections between a controller and a remotely located power module. Circuitry for diagnosing the fault condition of a plurality of remote inductive loads driven by a master module over a corresponding plurality of connection lines. Diagnostic information is mixed or intermodulated onto the connection line for a control signal of a sequential subsequent one of the loads and is transmitting over the connection line from the remote load to the master module for receipt by a controller in the master module. The control signal was not responsible for driving that particular load from which the diagnostic information was taken. The loads are sequentially driven so that the diagnostic information is multiplexed onto the connection lines which aids in helping the controller to recognize the fault condition.