EP4026010A1

EP4026010A1 - Method and computing device for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe

Info

Publication number: EP4026010A1
Application number: EP20746927.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tobias-Gerhard Zobel; Bernhard Ledermann; Florian Mezger; Thorsten TREFFON; Andreas Kneer; Yannick Chauvet; Axel Aue
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-09-04
Filing date: 2020-07-23
Publication date: 2022-07-13
Also published as: KR20220054636A; JP2022547486A; CN114341470A; US20220290626A1; DE102019213411A1; WO2021043500A1

Abstract

Method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular for a wideband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine in particular of a motor vehicle, the control unit being designed to electrically control the exhaust gas probe, the control unit being implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, wherein the method comprises: allocating control data for operation of the control unit and/or the exhaust gas probe by means of a computing device, receiving operating data that characterize the operation of the control unit and/or the exhaust gas probe by means of the computing device.

Description

description

title

Method and computing device for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe

State of the art

The disclosure relates to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular for a broadband lambda probe.

The disclosure also relates to a computing device for carrying out such a method.

Disclosure of the invention

Preferred embodiments relate to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular for a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, the control unit being designed to electrically control the exhaust gas probe, the control unit in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, is implemented, wherein the method comprises: specification of control data for an operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe by means of a computing device, receiving operating data characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe by means of the computing device. This provides increased flexibility compared to conventional systems, which for example only provide an ASIC for operating the exhaust gas probe, because the computing device can, for example, execute different computer programs and / or - in contrast to the conventional ASIC - can be (re) programmed efficiently, to change the operation of the flue gas probe. For example, if the exhaust gas probe is to be operated by means of new control data, a corresponding computer program for the computing device, which for example generates the control data, can be changed to accommodate the To supply the control unit with the changed control data for the operation of the exhaust gas probe. Advantageously, for example, there is no need to change the control unit itself, which in the case of the design as an ASIC in conventional systems requires a comparatively large amount of effort (for example, changing the mask for the ASIC, new chip pattern).

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the computing device has at least one computing unit for executing at least one computer program, which is designed in particular to at least temporarily control an operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe and / or to generate the control data and / or the Receive operational data.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the computing device at least partially implements a sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe, in particular the sequence control being specified at least partially by means of at least one computer program or by means of the at least one computer program. Thus, at least those parts of the sequence control that are implemented by means of software, e.g. the computer program mentioned, can be changed comparatively easily - compared to a modification of an existing ASIC.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the computing device at least partially implements a primary sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe, in particular a secondary sequence control of the control unit being controlled by means of the primary sequence control. As a result, the sequence control can advantageously be distributed to the computing device and the control unit, such parts of the sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe that are to be easily changeable being implemented by means of the computing device, e.g. in the form of a computer program, and such parts, for example the sequence control for an operation of the exhaust gas probe, which have special timing requirements and should be changed comparatively seldom, can be implemented by means of the control unit, which is designed, for example, as an ASIC.

In further preferred embodiments, the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas probe can also be referred to as a “sequencer” or “sequencer”, whereby according to further preferred embodiments a high-level sequencer, for example in the form of the primary ones described above by way of example Sequence control is implemented by means of the computing device, and wherein, according to further preferred embodiments, a low-level sequencer, for example in the form of the secondary sequence control described above by way of example, is implemented by means of the control unit, for example in the form of an ASIC.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the sequence control and / or the primary sequence control at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) definition of time intervals between measurements, b) transmission of default values for switch positions to the control unit, c) transmission of, in particular measured values that can be determined by the control unit to the computing device, d) identification and / or plausibility check of measured values received by the control unit, in particular with respect to a respective expected measured value, e) retrieval of status information, in particular error information, from the control unit, f) activation ("triggering") ") a pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular after receiving a new Nernstvoltage measured value, g) setting switches of the control unit, in particular so that no short circuits and / or power interruptions occur, h) starting measurements by means of or the analog digita I converter, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock, i) resetting (resetting) an input filter of an analog-to-digital converter, j) data transfer, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, k) generation of operational information, which in particular signals that a measurement has been completed, I) generation of error information.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that in particular the above-mentioned processes a) to f) can be carried out by means of the primary process control (high-level sequencer), and that in particular the above-mentioned processes g) to I) by means of the secondary process control (low -Level-Sequencer) are executable.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computing device for executing the method according to the embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the computing device has at least one computing unit, at least one of the Storage unit assigned to a computing unit for at least temporary storage of a computer program and / or data (e.g. data for sequence control of the operation of the exhaust gas probe), the computer program being designed in particular to carry out one or more steps of the method according to the embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing unit has at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic module (e.g. FPGA, field programmable gate array), at least one computing core. Combinations of these are also conceivable in further preferred embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the memory unit has at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory, in particular a working memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory, in particular flash EEPROM.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer program (product), comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, for example the aforementioned computing unit, cause the computer to execute the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium, comprising instructions, in particular in the form of a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal that characterizes and / or transmits the computer program according to the embodiments. For example, the computing device can have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface for receiving the data carrier signal. In further preferred embodiments, the computing device can, by means of the optional data interface, also receive input signals that can be used for its operation, for example from the exhaust gas probe and / or the control unit, and / or output signals, for example control data for output an operation of the exhaust gas probe and / or the control unit to the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the computing device has an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, and at least temporarily digitizes at least one analog signal from the exhaust gas probe and / or an analog signal derived from the analog signal of the exhaust gas probe by means of the control unit. In further preferred embodiments, the ADC can also be part of the data interface, for example.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular for a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, the control unit being designed to electrically control the exhaust gas probe, the control unit being implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC is, wherein the control unit is designed to carry out the following steps: receiving control data for an operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe from a computing device, wherein the computing device is designed in particular according to the embodiments, sending the operation of the control unit and / or the Operating data characterizing the exhaust gas probe to the computing device.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the control unit at least partially implements a sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe, the sequence control of the control unit at least temporarily controlling at least one of the following sequences: G) setting switches of the control unit, in particular so that no short circuits and / or current interruptions occur, H) starting measurements by means of an analog-digital converter, preferably integrated into the control unit, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock, I)

Resetting an input filter of an analog-to-digital converter, J) data transfer, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, K) formation of operating information which in particular signals that a measurement has been completed , L) Formation of error information.

Further features, possible applications and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. All of the features described or illustrated form the subject matter of the invention individually or in any combination, regardless of their summary in the patent claims or their back-reference and regardless of their formulation or representation in the description or in the drawing.

In the drawing shows:

1 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a

Internal combustion engine in which the method according to preferred embodiments can be used,

2 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a computing device according to further preferred embodiments,

3 schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to further preferred embodiments,

4 schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to further preferred embodiments,

5A schematically shows a simplified flow diagram of a method according to further preferred embodiments,

5B schematically shows a simplified flow diagram of a method according to further preferred embodiments, and

6 schematically shows a simplified flow diagram of a method according to further preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows schematically, using an example of a gasoline engine, the technical environment in which the method can be used in accordance with preferred embodiments. Air is supplied to an internal combustion engine 10 via an air supply 11 and its mass is determined with an air mass meter 12. The air mass meter 12 can be designed as a hot film air mass meter. The exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine 10 is discharged via an exhaust gas duct 16, with the exhaust gas downstream in the direction of flow Internal combustion engine 10 an exhaust gas purification system 17 is provided. To control the internal combustion engine 10, an engine controller 14 is provided which, on the one hand, controls the amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine 10 via a fuel metering device 13 and, on the other hand, controls the signals from the air mass meter 12 and an exhaust gas probe 15 arranged in the exhaust gas duct 16, e.g. upstream of the exhaust gas cleaning system 17 are fed. The exhaust gas probe 15 determines an actual lambda value of a fuel-air mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine 10 and can, for example, form part of a lambda control circuit assigned to the internal combustion engine 10. The exhaust gas probe 15 can be designed, for example, as a broadband lambda probe.

For the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15, in preferred embodiments a control unit 100 is provided which is designed in particular for the electrical control a1 of the exhaust gas probe 15 or of components of the exhaust gas probe 15. For example, the control unit 100 can be designed in the form of an ASIC and, for example, can be integrated into the engine controller 14.

Preferred embodiments relate to a method for operating the control unit 100 for the exhaust gas probe 15, in particular for a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, the method having the following steps, cf. the flowchart from FIG Control data SD for operating the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of a computing device 300 (FIG. 1), receiving 210 (FIG. 5A) from operating data BD characterizing the operation of the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of the computing device 300 This provides increased flexibility compared to conventional systems which, for example, only provide an ASIC for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, because the computing device 300 can, for example, execute different computer programs and / or can be (re) programmed to operate the exhaust gas probe 15 or the control unit 100 to change. For example, if the exhaust gas probe 15 is to be operated using new control data SD, a corresponding computer program for the computing device 300, which for example generates the control data SD, can be changed in order to provide the control unit 100 with the modified control data SD for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 supply. Advantageously, for example, no change to the control unit 100 itself is required, which, if the control unit 100 is designed as an ASIC, requires a comparatively large amount of effort (for example, changing the mask for the ASIC, new chip pattern). The steps 205, 210 according to FIG. 5A advantageously indicate an efficient and flexible sequence control 200 for the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or its control unit 100. In further preferred embodiments, the specification 205 of the control data SD can include a generation 205a (FIG. 5A) of the control data SD by means of the computing device 300, for example by a computer program.

In further preferred embodiments, see FIG. 2, it is provided that the computing device 300 has at least one computing unit 302 for executing at least one computer program PRG1, which is in particular designed to at least temporarily operate the control unit 100 (FIG. 1) and / or of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or to generate the control data SD (cf. step 205a from FIG. 5A) and / or to receive 210 the operating data BD.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the computing device 300 (FIG. 2) at least partially implements a sequence controller 200 (FIG. 5A) for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, with the sequence controller 200 in particular at least partially using the at least one computer program PRG1 (FIG. 2) is specified. Thus, at least those parts of the sequence control 200 that are implemented by means of software, that is to say, for example, the aforementioned computer program PRG1, can be changed comparatively easily - compared to a modification of an existing ASIC 100.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the computing device 300 has at least one computing unit 302, at least one memory unit 304 assigned to the computing unit 302 for at least temporary storage of a computer program PRG1 and / or data DAT (e.g. data for the operational sequence control 200 the exhaust gas probe 15), the computer program PRG1 being designed in particular to carry out one or more steps of the method according to the embodiments.

In further preferred embodiments, the computing unit 302 has at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic module (for example FPGA, field programmable gate array), at least one Calculation kernel. Combinations of these are also conceivable in further preferred embodiments. The computing device 300 is preferably designed, for example, as a microcontroller with one or more computing cores 302.

In further preferred embodiments, the memory unit 304 has at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 304a, in particular a main memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 304b, in particular flash EEPROM.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer program (product) PRG1, comprising instructions which, when the computer program PRG is executed by a computer 302, cause the latter to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to an optional computer-readable storage medium SM, comprising instructions, in particular in the form of a computer program PRG2, which, when executed by a computer 302, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal DS that characterizes and / or transmits the computer program PRG1, PRG2 according to the embodiments. For example, the computing device 300 can have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface 306 for receiving the data carrier signal DS. In further preferred embodiments, the computing device 300 can, by means of the optional data interface 306, for example also receive input signals BD that can be used for its operation, for example from the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or the control unit 100 and / or output signals, for example control data SD for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or of the control unit 100 to the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas probe 15.

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the computing device 300 has an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, 305 and at least temporarily at least one analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or one derived from the analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of the control unit 100 Analog signal a2 digitized. The ADC 305 can with further preferred embodiments can also be part of the data interface 306, for example. By way of example, the reception of the analog signal a2 from the exhaust gas probe 15 or the control unit 100 is shown in step 210a from FIG. 5B, and the digitization by means of the ADC 305 (FIG. 2) in step 211 from FIG. 5B. In further preferred embodiments, the digitized data obtained in this way can be used for the sequence control 200, in particular also for regulating an operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 or the control unit 100, in particular by the computing device 300.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to further preferred embodiments. In the computing device 300a, which, for example, can have a configuration identical or similar to the configuration 300 according to FIG. 2, in the present case a sequence controller 303, in particular a complete sequence controller, is implemented for the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of the control unit 100a. For this purpose, the sequence controller 303 sends control data A, B, C (analogous to the control data SD according to FIG. 5A) to the control unit 100a via the preferably bidirectional data connection DV (cf. also element 306 according to FIG. 2). The control data A, B, C according to FIG. 3 contain, for example, switch positions for controlling at least one multiplexer ("MUX") 106 contained in the control unit 100a and energizing a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 104a contained in the control unit 100a, characterizing current flow information . Reference numeral 102 symbolizes an electrical connection of the control unit 100a to the exhaust gas probe 15 (FIG. 1). Exemplary details for the electrical connection 102 of the control unit 100a to the exhaust gas probe 15 can be found, for example, in a data sheet of the "CJ135" control module sold by the applicant.

Operating data BD which can be determined by means of the control unit 100a are preferably transmitted from the control unit 100a to the computing device 300a via the data connection DV. The operating data BD can include, for example: analog measured values D, E, see also reference symbol a2 (see also FIG. 2).

In the configuration described above by way of example with reference to FIG. 3, the computing device 300a carries out a comparatively large proportion of the sequence control required for the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 off, preferably under the control of the corresponding computer program PRG1 (Fig. 2).

In particular, in further preferred embodiments, the entire sequence control can also be implemented via the sequencer 303 of the computing device 300a, which, for example, takes on the tasks of both a high-level sequencer and a low-level sequencer. This variant can be used, for example, if the computing device 300a has an ADC 305 so that the ADC 305 can be controlled directly, in particular without transmission between control unit 100a and computing device 300a, e.g. by computing unit 302 (Fig. 2) of computing device 300a. A switch structure 106 that may be present in the control unit 100a can also advantageously be used for switching over the ADC inputs and, for example, implemented via the MUX switch 106. In this way, for example, different analog signals a2 of the exhaust gas probe 15 can be switched to an input of the ADC 305 in time-division multiplex mode.

Thus, in particular, different opening and closing times of the switches 106 can advantageously not lead to short circuits, as is possible with conventional control units. Therefore, in the configuration according to FIG. 3, there is advantageously no need for a local sequencer (sequence control), in particular a low-level sequencer, in the control unit 100a, so that the control unit 100a can be designed to be less complex.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to further preferred embodiments. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, it is provided that the computing device 300b at least partially realizes a primary sequential control 303a for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, with a secondary sequential control 103 being provided in particular in the control unit 100b, which is controlled by the primary sequential control 303a of the computing device 303a is controlled. As a result, the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 (FIG. 1) can advantageously be distributed to the computing device 300b and the control unit 100b, whereby, for example, those parts of the sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 which are to be easily changeable by means of the computing device 300b , for example in the form of the computer program PRG1, PRG2 (FIG. 2), and where, for example, those parts of the sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 that have special timing requirements (for example that change rapidly over time Signal sequences) and should be changed comparatively rarely, can be implemented by means of the control unit 100b, which is designed, for example, as an ASIC.

In further preferred embodiments, the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas probe can, as already mentioned, also be referred to as a "sequencer" or "sequencer", whereby according to further preferred embodiments a high-level sequencer, for example in the form of the primary sequence control 303a described above by way of example, is implemented by means of the computing device 300b, and wherein, according to further preferred embodiments, a low-level sequencer, for example in the form of the secondary sequence control 103 described above by way of example, is implemented by means of the control unit 100b (eg ASIC).

In further preferred embodiments, it is provided that the sequence controller 200 (FIG. 5A), 303 (FIG. 3) and / or the primary sequence controller 303a (FIG. 4) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) Determination of time intervals of measurements, b) transmission of default values for switch positions to the control unit, c) transmission of measured values, in particular those which can be determined by means of the control unit, to the computing device, d) identification and / or plausibility check of measured values received by the control unit, in particular with respect to a respective expected measured value , e) retrieval of status information, in particular error information, from the control unit, f) activation ("triggering") of a pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular after receiving a new Nernst voltage measured value, g) setting switches of the control unit, in particular so that no short circuits and / or power interruptions occur, h) start measuring ngen by means of an or the analog-digital converter, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock, i) resetting (resetting) an input filter of an or the analog-digital converter, j) data transfer, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, k) formation of operating information, which in particular signals that a measurement has been completed, I) formation of error information.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that in particular the above-mentioned processes a) to f) can be executed by means of the primary process control 303a (FIG. 4) (high-level sequencer), and that in particular the above-mentioned processes g) to I) by means of the secondary Sequence control 103 (low-level sequencer) can be executed. For example, in further preferred embodiments, a definition of measurements via switch positions, timings and current sources can be carried out within the computer program PRG1 of the computing device 300b in the high level sequencer 303a. A timed switching of the switches 107, current sources and control of the ADC 104b for individual measurements takes place, for example, within the low-level sequencer 103, which is located in the control unit 100b, which is preferably designed as an ASIC.

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the low-level sequencer 103 is synchronized with the high-level sequencer 303a by means of a reference signal that can be provided by the computing device 300b or its high-level sequencer 303a (e.g., which can be transmitted via the data connection DV, FIG. 3).

In further preferred embodiments it is provided that the high-level sequencer 303a is synchronized with a reference signal from the computing device 300b, e.g. with a chip select ("CS") signal from the computing device 300b or its computing unit 302.

In further preferred embodiments, see e.g.

In further preferred embodiments, the control data SD according to FIG. 4 correspond, for example, to measurements or control information for measurements to be carried out by means of the ADC 104b of the control unit 100b, including switch positions for the switching structure 107 and energizations for the DAC 104a of the control unit 100b. In further preferred embodiments, the operating data BD according to FIG. 4 correspond, for example, to measured values D, E and status information F. In further preferred embodiments, the switching structure 107 can, for example, have several switches that can be switched independently of one another.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a control unit 100, 100a, 100b for an exhaust gas probe 15, in particular for a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, the control unit 15 for electrical control a1 (FIG. 1) of the Exhaust gas probe 15 is designed, the control unit being implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, the control unit being designed to carry out the following steps, cf. FIG. 6: Receiving 400 of control data SD for operating the control unit 100 , 100a, 100b and / or the exhaust gas probe 15 from a computing device 300, 300a, 300b, the computing device 300, 300a, 300b being designed in particular according to the embodiments, sending 410 (FIG. 6) of the operation of the control unit and / or the Operating data BD characterizing the exhaust gas probe to the computing device 300, 300a,

300b.

In further preferred embodiments, see, for example, FIG. 4, it is provided that the control unit 100b at least partially implements a sequence controller 103 for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, the sequence controller 103 (e.g. low-level sequencer) of the control unit 100b at least temporarily controls one of the following processes: G) setting switches 107 of control unit 100b, in particular so that no short circuits and / or power interruptions occur, H) starting measurements by means of an analog-to-digital converter 104b, preferably integrated into control unit 100b, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock (which can be specified, for example, via the data connection DV (FIG. 3) by the computing device 300b (FIG. 4)), I) resetting of an input filter (not shown) of one or the analog-digital Converter 104b, J) data transfer, in particular from the control unit 100b to the computing device 300b and / or vice versa, in particular via ei ne serial data interface DV, K) formation of operational information BD, which in particular signals that a measurement has been completed, L) formation of error information.

The principle according to preferred embodiments provides a greatly increased flexibility compared to conventional approaches, in particular with regard to the definition of the measurement sequence. The sequence control 200 defines, for example, the setting of current sources, the switching of switches 107 and thus the operating sequence of the current sources and measurements. The principle according to the preferred embodiments makes it possible, by changing the software PRG1, PRG2, to flexibly adapt, for example, different measurement sequences and / or currents to the respective system requirements, in particular without changing the control unit 100, 100a, 100b, which is preferably designed as an ASIC. Other advantages, at least in part with at least some preferred Embodiments that can be achieved are: a) freely programmable adaptation of the sequence control 200 via software change (PRG1, PRG2) possible, b) activation of the switches and power sources of the control unit in the sub-microsecond range for efficient use of the sequence time and thus high-frequency performance of the measurements possible, c) saving of

Resources in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b, d) in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b no arithmetic unit is required, microcontroller resources (in particular the arithmetic unit 300) are used for calculations and / or the triggering of the measurements, e) with direct transmission of the measured values no memory requirement is necessary in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b, f) simpler ones

Overall structure of ASIC 100, 100a, 100b possible, g) Small amount of transmission data between ASIC 100a and computing device 300a (FIG. 3) if an ADC 305 is provided in computing device 300a.

Claims

Expectations

1. A method for operating a control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas probe (15), in particular for a broadband lambda probe (15) for an internal combustion engine (10), in particular a motor vehicle, the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is designed for electrical control (a1) of the exhaust gas probe (15), the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, the method comprising: presetting (205) control data (SD ) for operating the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) by means of a computing device (300; 300a; 300b), receiving (210; 210a) from the operation of the control unit (100;

100a; 100b) and / or the operating data (BD) characterizing the exhaust gas probe (15) by means of the computing device (300; 300a; 300b).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) has at least one computing unit (302) for executing at least one computer program (PRG1) which is designed in particular to at least temporarily operate the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) to control (205) and / or to generate the control data (SD) (205a) and / or to receive the operating data (BD) (210; 210a).

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially implements a sequence control (200) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15), in particular the sequence control (200) at least partially using at least one computer program (PRG1) or by means of the at least one computer program (PRG1) is specified.

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially realizes a primary sequential control (303a) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15), with in particular a secondary sequential control (103) of the control unit (100 ; 100a; 100b) is controlled by means of the primary sequence control (303a).

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sequence controller (200) and / or the primary sequence controller (303a) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) definition of time intervals between measurements, b) transmission of default values for switch positions the control unit (100; 100a; 100b), c)

Transmission of measured values that can be determined in particular by means of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b), d) identification and / or plausibility check by the control unit (100;

100a; 100b) received measured values, in particular compared to a respective expected measured value, e) retrieval of status information, in particular error information, of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b), f) activation of a pump current regulator of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b), in particular after receiving a new Nernst voltage measured value, g) setting switches of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b), in particular so that no short circuits and / or current interruptions occur, h) starting measurements by means of an analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b), in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock, i) resetting an input filter of an analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b), j) data transfer, in particular from the control unit (100;

100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, k) formation of control information, which in particular signals that a measurement has been completed, I) formation of error information.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device (300) has an analog-to-digital converter, ADC, (305) and at least temporarily at least one analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas probe (15) and / or by means of Control unit (100; 100a; 100b) from the analog signal of the exhaust gas probe (15) derived analog signal (a2) digitized (211).

7. Computing device (300; 300a; 300b) for carrying out the method according to at least one of the preceding claims.

8. A computer-readable storage medium (SM), comprising instructions (PRG2) which, when executed by a computer (302), cause the latter to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Computer program (PRG1), comprising instructions which, when the program (PRG1) is executed by a computer (302), cause the latter to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Data carrier signal (DS) which characterizes the computer program according to claim 9 and / or transmits.

11. Control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas probe (15), in particular for a broadband lambda probe (15) for an internal combustion engine (10), in particular of a motor vehicle, the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for electrical control ( a1) the exhaust gas probe (15) is designed, the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, the control unit being designed to carry out the following steps: receiving (400) control data (SD) for operating the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) from a computing device (300; 300a; 300b), the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) being designed in particular according to claim 7 Transmission (410) of operating data (BD) characterizing the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b).

12. Control unit (100; 100a; 100b) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least partially implements a sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe (15), the sequence control of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: G) setting switches of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b), in particular so that no short circuits and / or power interruptions occur, H) starting measurements by means of a, preferably integrated in the control unit, Analog-digital converter (104b), in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock, I) resetting an input filter of an analog-digital converter (104b), J) data transfer, in particular from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b ) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, K) Formation of operating information which in particular signals that a measurement is made Solution is complete, L) Formation of error information.