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

Abstract

A method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit is designed for electrical control of the exhaust gas probe, wherein the control unit is in particular implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, i.e., an ASIC, wherein the method comprises: allocating control data for operating 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular a control unit for a broadband lambda probe.

[0002] The invention also relates to a computing device for implementing such a method. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A preferred embodiment relates to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit is designed for electrical control of the exhaust gas probe, wherein the control unit is implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The method comprises: prescribing control data for operating the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe by means of a computing device; and 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, are provided solely with an ASIC for operating the exhaust gas probe, because the computing device can, for example, execute different computer programs and / or—in contrast to conventional ASICs—can be efficiently (re)programmed to change the operation of the exhaust gas probe. For example, when the exhaust gas probe is to be operated with new control data, the corresponding computer program of the computing device, which generates the control data, can be modified to supply the control unit with the modified control data for operating the exhaust gas probe. Advantageously, for example, no changes to the control unit itself are required, which, in conventional systems designed as ASICs, would entail relatively high complexity (e.g., mask changes, new chip types).

[0004] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the computing device has at least one computing unit for executing at least one computer program, which is particularly designed to at least temporarily control the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe and / or to generate control data and / or to receive operating data.

[0005] In another preferred embodiment, the computing device at least partially implements a sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe, wherein the sequence control is at least partially predetermined by at least one computer program or by the at least one computer program. Thus, at least those parts of the sequence control that are implemented by software, such as the aforementioned computer program, can be modified relatively easily compared to modifications to an existing ASIC.

[0006] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device at least partially implements a main process control for operating the exhaust gas probe, wherein in particular, a secondary process control of the control unit is controlled by means of this main process control. The process control can thus preferably be distributed between the computing device and the control unit, wherein, for example, the part for operating the process control for the exhaust gas probe that should be easily changed is implemented by means of the computing device, for example, in the form of a computer program, and wherein, for example, the part for operating the process control for the exhaust gas probe that has special timing requirements and should be changed relatively infrequently is implemented by means of the control unit, for example, which is designed as an ASIC.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment, the process control for operating the exhaust gas probe may also be referred to as a "sequencer", wherein, according to a further preferred embodiment, a high-level sequencer (High-Level Sequencer) is implemented by means of a computing device, for example in the form of the main process control described previously by way of example, and wherein, according to a further preferred embodiment, a low-level sequencer (Low-Level Sequencer) is implemented by means of a control unit (e.g. an ASIC), for example in the form of the secondary process control described previously by way of example.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the process control and / or main process control at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) determining the time interval between measurements; b) transmitting a predetermined value for the switch position to a control unit; c) transmitting a measured value which can be determined in particular with the aid of the control unit to a computing device; d) identifying and / or checking the plausibility of the measured value received from the control unit, in particular with respect to a corresponding expected measured value; e) extracting status information of the control unit, in particular fault information; f) controlling ("triggering") a pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular when new energy is obtained. g) setting the switches of the control unit, in particular so that no short circuit and / or current interruption occurs; h) starting the measurement with the aid of the analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter, in particular synchronizing with a reference signal or a reference clock; i) resetting (restoring) the input filter of the analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter; j) data transmission, in particular from the control unit to a computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface; k) generating operating information, which in particular signals the end of the measurement; l) generating fault information.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the aforementioned processes a) to f) can be carried out in particular by means of a main process control (high-level sequencer), and the aforementioned processes g) to i) can be carried out in particular by means of a secondary process control (low-level sequencer).

[0010] Further preferred embodiments relate to a computing device for carrying out the method according to the described embodiments.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the computing device has at least one computing unit, at least one memory unit assigned to the computing unit for at least temporarily storing a computer program and / or data (e.g. data for a process control of an exhaust gas probe), wherein the computer program is particularly designed to carry out one or more steps of the method according to the described embodiment.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the computing unit comprises at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic module (e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array)), and at least one computing core. Combinations of these elements are also contemplated in other preferred embodiments.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage unit comprises at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory, in particular a working memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory, in particular a Flash EEPROM.

[0014] A further preferred embodiment relates to a computer program (product) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, for example the aforementioned computing unit, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the described embodiment.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment relates 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 described embodiment.

[0016] Another preferred embodiment relates to a data carrier signal representing and / or transmitting a computer program according to the described embodiment. The computing device can, for example, have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface for receiving data carrier signals. In another preferred embodiment, the computing device can also, for example, use the optional data interface to receive input signals for its operation, for example from an exhaust gas probe and / or a control unit, and / or output output signals, for example, control data for the operation of the exhaust gas probe and / or control unit, to the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device includes an analog-to-digital converter, or ADC, and at least temporarily digitizes at least one analog signal of 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 a further preferred embodiment, the ADC can also be part of a data interface, for example.

[0018] A further preferred embodiment relates to a control unit for an exhaust gas probe, in particular a control unit for a broadband lambda probe, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit is designed for electrical control of the exhaust gas probe, wherein the control unit is implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, i.e., an ASIC, wherein the control unit is designed to carry out the following steps: receiving control data for operating the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe from a computing device, wherein the computing device is designed in particular according to the embodiment; and sending operating data characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe to the computing device.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the control unit at least partially implements a process control for operating the exhaust gas probe, wherein the process control of the control unit at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: G) setting switches of the control unit, in particular so that no short circuit and / or current interruption occurs; H) starting a measurement with the aid of an analog-to-digital converter which is preferably integrated in the control unit, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or a reference clock; I) resetting the analog-to-digital converter or an input filter of the analog-to-digital converter; J) data transmission, in particular from the control unit to a computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface; K) forming operating information, which in particular signals the termination of the measurement; L) forming fault information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features, possible applications, and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings. All features described or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their inclusion or reference in the claims, or their description or representation in the description or drawings.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 : schematically shows a simplified block diagram of an internal combustion engine, in which the method according to the preferred embodiment can be applied;

[0023] Figure 2 : schematically illustrates a simplified block diagram of a computing device according to another preferred embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 : schematically illustrates a simplified block diagram according to another preferred embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 : schematically illustrates a simplified block diagram according to another preferred embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5A : schematically shows a simplified flow chart of the method according to another preferred embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5B : schematically shows a simplified flow chart of the method according to another preferred embodiment, and

[0028] Figure 6 : Schematically shows a simplified flow chart of the method according to another preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A gasoline engine is used as an example to schematically illustrate a technical area in which the method according to the preferred embodiment can be used. Air is supplied to an internal combustion engine 10 via an air duct 11, and the air mass is determined using an air mass meter 12. Air mass meter 12 can be implemented as a hot-film air mass meter. Exhaust gas from internal combustion engine 10 is discharged via an exhaust duct 16, with an exhaust gas purification system 17 located downstream of internal combustion engine 10 in the direction of exhaust gas flow. An engine control unit 14 is provided to control internal combustion engine 10. This control unit controls the amount of fuel supplied to internal combustion engine 10 via a fuel metering device 13 and transmits signals from air mass meter 12 and an exhaust gas probe 15 located in exhaust duct 16, for example, upstream of exhaust gas purification system 17. Exhaust gas probe 15 determines the actual lambda value of the fuel-air mixture supplied to internal combustion engine 10 and can, for example, form part of a lambda control loop associated with internal combustion engine 10. Exhaust gas probe 15 can, for example, be implemented as a broadband lambda probe.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, a control unit 100 is provided for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 , which is designed in particular for electrically controlling the exhaust gas probe 15 or components of the exhaust gas probe 15 . For example, the control unit 100 can be designed in the form of an ASIC and can be integrated into the engine control unit 14 .

[0031] A preferred embodiment relates to a method for operating a control unit 100 for an exhaust gas probe 15, in particular a broadband lambda probe for an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit is designed for electrical control of the exhaust gas probe, wherein: Figure 5AThe method comprises the following steps: presetting 205 control data SD ( Figure 1 ); receiving 210 ( Figure 5A ) operating data BD characterizing the operation of the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas probe 15. This provides increased flexibility compared to conventional systems that only provide, for example, an ASIC for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, since the computing device 300 can, for example, execute different computer programs and / or be (re)programmed to change the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 or the control unit 100. For example, if the exhaust gas probe 15 is to be operated with new control data SD, the corresponding computer program of the computing device 300, which generates the control data SD, can be modified to supply the control unit 100 with the modified control data SD for operating the exhaust gas probe 15. Advantageously, for example, no changes to the control unit 100 itself are required, which would result in relatively high complexity if the control unit 100 is designed as an ASIC (e.g., mask changes to the ASIC, new chip types).

[0032] By following Figure 5A The steps 205 and 210 advantageously provide an efficient and flexible process control 200 for the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or its control unit 100. In another preferred embodiment, the presetting 205 of the control data SD can include: generating 205a ( Figure 5A )control data SD.

[0033] See also Figure 2 In a further preferred embodiment, 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 designed in particular for at least temporarily controlling the control unit 100 ( Figure 1 ) and / or the operation of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or for generating (see Figure 5A Step 205a) of the process of receiving 210 control data SD and / or operating data BD.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 ( Figure 2 ) at least partially implements a process control 200 for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 ( Figure 5A ), wherein, in particular, at least partially with the aid of at least one computer program PRG1 ( Figure 2) to predefine the sequence control 200. Therefore, at least those parts of the sequence control 200 that are implemented by means of software, ie, for example, the aforementioned computer program PRG1, can be changed relatively easily compared to modifications to an existing ASIC 100.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the computing device 300 has at least one computing unit 302, and at least one storage unit 304 assigned to the computing unit 302 is used to at least temporarily store any computer program PRG1 or the computer program PRG1 and / or data DAT (for example, data of the process control 200 for operating the exhaust gas probe 15), wherein the computer program PRG1 is particularly constructed for implementing one or more steps of the method according to the described embodiment.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, computing unit 302 includes at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic module (e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array)), and at least one computing core. Combinations of these are also contemplated in other preferred embodiments. Computing device 300 is preferably configured, for example, as a microcontroller having one or more computing cores 302.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage unit 304 comprises at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 304 a , in particular a working memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 304 b , in particular a flash EEPROM.

[0038] A further preferred embodiment relates to a computer program (product) PRG1 which comprises instructions which, when the computer program PRG is executed by a computer 302 , cause the computer to carry out the method according to the described embodiment.

[0039] A further preferred embodiment relates to an optional computer-readable storage medium SM, which comprises instructions, in particular in the form of a computer program PRG2, which, when executed by the computer 302, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the described embodiment.

[0040] Another preferred embodiment relates to a data carrier signal DS representing and / or transmitting the computer programs PRG1, PRG2 according to the described embodiment. For example, the computing device 300 may have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface 306 for receiving the data carrier signal DS. In another preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 may, for example, have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface 306 for receiving the data carrier signal DS. In another preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 may also, for example, receive input signals BD for operating the exhaust gas probe and / or control unit 100 via the optional data interface 306 and / or output output signals, such as control data SD for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or control unit 100, to the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas probe 15.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the computing device 300 has an analog-to-digital converter, ADC 305, and at least temporarily digitizes at least one analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas probe 15 and / or an analog signal a2 derived from the analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of the control unit 100. In a further preferred embodiment, the ADC 305 can also be part of the data interface 306, for example. For example, Figure 5B Step 210a in FIG. 1 shows receiving an analog signal a2 from the exhaust gas probe 15 or the control unit 100, and Figure 5B Step 211 in FIG. 1 shows that the ADC 305 ( Figure 2 In a further preferred embodiment, the digitized data obtained in this way can be used for process control 200 , in particular also for regulating the operation of exhaust gas probe 15 or control unit 100 , in particular by means of computing device 300 .

[0042] Figure 3 Schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to another preferred embodiment. In this article, for example, there may be Figure 2 In a computing device 300a configured identically or similarly to the configuration 300 of FIG. 1 , a sequence control 303 is implemented, in particular for the complete sequence control for operating the exhaust gas probe 15 by means of the control unit 100a. For this purpose, the sequence control 303 is implemented via a preferably bidirectional data connection DV (see also according to FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 306) controls the data A, B, C (similar to the Figure 5A The control data SD) is sent to the control unit 100a. Figure 3The control data A, B, and C respectively include, for example, a switch position for controlling at least one multiplexer ("MUX") 106 included in the control unit 100a and power-on information indicating power-on of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 104a included in the control unit 100a. Reference numeral 102 symbolizes the connection between the control unit 100a and the exhaust gas probe 15 ( Figure 1 ) Electrical connection. Example details of the electrical connection 102 of the control unit 100a to the exhaust gas probe 15 can be found, for example, in the data sheet of the control module model “CJ135” sold by the applicant.

[0043] The operating data BD which can be determined by means of the control unit 100a are preferably transmitted from the control unit 100a via a data connection DV to the computing device 300a. The operating data BD can include, for example: analog measured values ​​D, E, see also reference symbol a2 (see also Figure 2 ).

[0044] In the previous exemplary reference Figure 3 In the described configuration, the computing device 300a implements a relatively large part of the process control required for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, preferably in a corresponding computer program PRG1 ( Figure 2 ) is under the control of the State Council.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the entire sequence control can also be realized by the sequencer 303 of the computing device 300a, which, for example, takes on the tasks of both the high-level sequencer and the low-level sequencer. This variant can be used, for example, if the computing device 300a has an ADC 305, so that, for example, the processing can be performed by the computing unit 302 ( Figure 2 ) directly controls the ADC 305, in particular without requiring any transmission between the control unit 100a and the computing device 300a. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the switch structure 106 present in the control unit 100a for switching the ADC input can be used, if necessary, and can be implemented, for example, by a MUX switch 106. Thus, for example, different analog signals a2 from the exhaust gas probe 15 can be switched to the input of the ADC 305 in time-division multiplexing mode. This advantageously prevents short circuits, in particular due to different opening and closing times of the switch 106, which is possible in conventional control units. Thus, in accordance with Figure 3 The configuration advantageously dispenses with the need for a local sequencer (process control), in particular a low-level sequencer, in the control unit 100 a , so that the control unit 100 a can be constructed to be less complex.

[0046] Figure 4 Schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to another preferred embodiment. Figure 4In the configuration shown, it is provided that the computing device 300b at least partially implements a main process control 303a for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, wherein in particular a secondary process control 103 is provided in the control unit 100b, which is controlled by means of the main process control 303a of the computing device 300b. Figure 1 ) can preferably be distributed between the computing device 300b and the control unit 100b, wherein, for example, the part of the process control for the exhaust gas probe 15 that is to be easily changed is executed by means of the computing device 300b, for example in the form of computer programs PRG1, PRG2 ( Figure 2 ) and, for example, parts for operating a process control for the exhaust gas probe 15 that have special timing requirements (e.g. signal sequences that change rapidly in time) and that should change relatively rarely are implemented with the aid of a control unit 100b that is, for example, constructed as an ASIC.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the process control for operating the exhaust gas probe may also be referred to as a "sequencer", as already mentioned, wherein, according to a further preferred embodiment, a high-level sequencer is implemented with the aid of a computing device 300b, for example in the form of the main process control 303a described previously by way of example, and, according to a further preferred embodiment, a low-level sequencer is implemented with the aid of a control unit 100b (for example an ASIC), for example in the form of the secondary process control 103 described previously by way of example.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the process control 200 ( Figure 5A )、303( Figure 3 ) and / or main process control 303a( Figure 4 ) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) determining the time interval between measurements; b) transmitting a predetermined value for the switch position to a control unit; c) transmitting a measured value that can be determined, in particular, with the aid of the control unit, to a computing device; d) identifying and / or plausibility checking the measured value received from the control unit, in particular relative to a corresponding expected measured value; e) extracting status information of the control unit, in particular fault information; f) controlling ("triggering") a pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular after obtaining a new Nernst voltage measured value; g) setting a switch of the control unit, in particular so that a short circuit and / or current interruption does not occur; h) starting a measurement with the aid of an analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or a reference clock; i) resetting (restoring) an input filter of the analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter; j) transmitting data, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface; k) forming operating information, which in particular signals the end of the measurement; l) forming fault information.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that, in particular, the main process control 303a ( Figure 4 The aforementioned processes a) to f) can be implemented using a high-level sequencer (high-level sequencer), and the aforementioned processes g) to l) can be implemented in particular using a secondary process control 103 (low-level sequencer). For example, in another preferred embodiment, the definition of the measurements with respect to switch positions, timing, and power supply can be implemented in the high-level sequencer 303a within the computer program PRG1 of the computing device 300b. The precise switching on and off of the control of the switches 107, power supply, and ADC 104b for the individual measurements occurs within the low-level sequencer 103, which is preferably configured as an ASIC, for example.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the reference signal which can be provided by the computing device 300b or its high-level sequencer 303a (eg transmittable via a data connection DV) is used. Figure 3 ), synchronizing the low-level sequencer 103 with the high-level sequencer 303a.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the high-level sequencer 303 a is synchronized with a reference signal of the computing device 300 b , for example, a chip select (“CS”) signal of the computing device 300 b or its computing unit 302 .

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, it is provided, see e.g. Figure 3 , the sequencer 303 can also execute, at least temporarily, several or all of the previously mentioned processes a) to 1).

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, according to Figure 4 The control data SD corresponds, for example, to a measurement or control information for a measurement to be performed by means of the ADC 104b of the control unit 100b, including the switch position of the switch structure 107 and the energization of the DAC 104a of the control unit 100b. Figure 4 The operating data BD correspond, for example, to the measured values ​​D, E and the status information F. In a further preferred embodiment, the switch structure 107 can have, for example, a plurality of switches that can be switched independently of one another.

[0054] A further preferred embodiment relates to a control unit 100, 100a, 100b for an exhaust gas probe 15, in particular a broadband lambda probe, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit 15 is designed for electrical control of the exhaust gas probe 15 ( Figure 1), wherein the control unit is implemented in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit, ie, an ASIC, wherein see Figure 6 , the control unit is 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 the computing device 300, 300a, 300b, wherein the computing device 300, 300a, 300b is designed in particular according to the embodiment described; sending 410 operating data BD characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas probe. Figure 6 ) to computing devices 300, 300a, 300b.

[0055] See e.g. Figure 4 In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the control unit 100b at least partially implements a sequence control 103 for operating the exhaust gas probe 15, wherein the sequence control 103 of the control unit 100b (e.g. a low-level sequencer) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following sequences: G) setting a switch 107 of the control unit 100b, in particular such that no short circuit and / or current interruption occurs; H) starting a measurement with the aid of an analog-to-digital converter 104b, which is preferably integrated in the control unit 100b, in particular with a digital signal (e.g., via a data connection DV( Figure 3 ) by the computing device 300b( Figure 4 ) predetermined) reference signal or reference clock synchronization; I) resetting the analog-to-digital converter or the input filter of the analog-to-digital converter 104b (not shown); J) data transmission, in particular from the control unit 100b to the computing device 300b and / or vice versa, in particular via the serial data interface DV; K) forming operating information BD, which in particular signals the termination of the measurement; L) forming fault information.

[0056] According to the principles of the preferred embodiment, significantly greater flexibility is provided compared to conventional solutions, particularly with regard to defining the measurement sequence. Sequence control 200 defines, for example, the power supply settings, the switching of switch 107, and thus the power supply and measurement process. By implementing the principles of the preferred embodiment, i.e., by making changes to the software PRG1, PRG2, such as different measurement sequences and / or power-on, flexible adaptation to the respective system requirements is possible, particularly without modifying control units 100, 100a, 100b, which are preferably designed as ASICs. Further advantages that can be achieved at least in part by some preferred embodiments are: a) the process control 200 can be freely programmable adapted by means of software changes (PRG1, PRG2); b) the switches and power supplies of the control unit are controlled in the sub-microsecond range in order to efficiently utilize the sequence time and thus perform measurements at a high frequency; c) resources are saved in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b; d) no computing tools are required in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b, the microcontroller resources (in particular the computing device 300) are used for calculations and / or triggering measurements; e) when the measured values ​​are directly transmitted, no memory requirements are necessary in the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b; f) a simpler overall structure of the ASIC 100, 100a, 100b can be achieved; g) if an ADC 305 is provided in the computing device 300a, then the ASIC 100a and the computing device 300a ( Figure 3 ) is less.

Claims

1. A method for operating a control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas probe (15), wherein: The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is designed for electrical control (a1) of the exhaust gas probe (15), wherein the method comprises: predetermining (205) control data (SD) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15) with the help of a computing device (300; 300a; 300b); receiving (210; 210a) operating data (BD) characterizing the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) with the help of the computing device (300; 300a; 300b), the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) being able to change a corresponding computer program for generating the control data (SD) in order to supply the changed control data (SD) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15) to the control unit (100; 100a; 100b).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is used for a broadband lambda probe (15) of an internal combustion engine (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The internal combustion engine (10) is an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit, or ASIC.

5. 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).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The computer program is designed to at least temporarily control (205) the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and / or the exhaust gas probe (15) and / or to generate (205a) the control data (SD) and / or to receive (210; 210a) the operating data (BD).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially implements a sequence control (200) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The sequence control (200) is predetermined at least partially by means of at least one computer program (PRG1) or by means of the at least one computer program (PRG1).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially implements a main process control (303a) for operating the exhaust gas probe (15).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The secondary flow control (103) of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is controlled by means of the primary flow control (303a).

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The process control (200) and / or the main process control (303a) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: a) determining the time interval between measurements; b) transmitting a predetermined value of a switch position to the control unit (100; 100a; 100b); c) transmitting a measured value to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b); d) identifying and / or checking the plausibility of the measured value received from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b); e) extracting status information of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b); f) controlling the control g) setting the switches of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) so that no short circuit and / or current interruption occurs; h) starting measurement with the aid of an analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b); i) resetting the input filter of the analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b); j) data transmission from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa; k) forming control information; l) forming fault information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The measured value can be ascertained by means of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b).

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The measured values ​​received from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) are identified and / or plausible checked against corresponding expected measured values.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The status information is fault information.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: After a new Nernst voltage measurement value has been obtained, a pump current regulator of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is activated.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The measurement is started by means of an analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b) being synchronized to a reference signal or a reference clock.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The data transmission is implemented via a serial data interface.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The control information signals the termination of the measurement.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The computing device (300) has an analog-to-digital converter, ADC (305), and at least temporarily digitizes (211) at least one analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas probe (15) and / or an analog signal (a2) derived from the at least one analog signal of the exhaust gas probe (15) with the aid of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b).

20. A computing device (300; 300a; 300b) for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A computer-readable storage medium (SM), comprising instructions (PRG2) which, when executed by a computer (302), cause the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas probe (15), wherein: The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) is constructed for electrically controlling (a1) the exhaust gas probe (15), wherein the control unit is constructed for carrying 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), wherein the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) is constructed according to the computing device of claim 20; and sending (410) 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).

23. The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) according to claim 22, wherein: The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least partially implements a process control for operating the exhaust gas probe (15), wherein the process control of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least temporarily controls at least one of the following processes: G) setting the switches of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) so that no short circuit and / or current interruption occurs; H) starting measurement with the aid of an analog-to-digital converter (104b); I) resetting the input filter of the analog-to-digital converter or the analog-to-digital converter (104b); J) data transmission from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa; K) forming operating information; L) forming fault information.

24. The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) according to claim 23, wherein: The analog-to-digital converter is integrated in the control unit.

Images