Method and device for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas sensor

Abstract

A method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas sensor, in particular a wideband lambda sensor for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the control unit being configured for electrical control of the exhaust gas sensor, the control unit being configured in particular in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the method comprising the steps of setting control data for the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor by a computing device, and receiving operating data characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor by the computing device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Background technology The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas sensor, in particular for a wideband lambda sensor.

[0002] The present disclosure further relates to a computing device for carrying out such a method.

[0003] Disclosure of the Invention A preferred embodiment relates to a method for operating a control unit for an exhaust gas sensor, in particular a wideband lambda sensor for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the control unit being configured for electronic control of the exhaust gas sensor, the control unit being configured in particular in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the method comprising the steps of: configuring control data for operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor by a computing device; and receiving operating data characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor by the computing device. This allows the computing device to, for example, execute various computer programs and / or, unlike conventional ASICs, can be effectively (newly) programmed to change the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, thereby providing increased flexibility over conventional systems in which, for example, only an ASIC is provided for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor. For example, if the exhaust gas sensor is to be operated with new control data, a corresponding computer program for the computing device, which generates the control data, can be changed to provide the control unit with the changed control data for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor. Preferably, for example, no modifications of the control unit itself are required, which would require a relatively large effort (e.g., mask changes for the ASIC, new chip masters) if it were configured as an ASIC in a conventional system.

[0004] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the computing device has at least one computing unit for executing at least one computer program, the computer program being configured in particular to at least temporarily control the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor and / or to generate control data and / or to receive operating data.

[0005] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device at least partially constitutes a sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, and in particular it is envisaged that the sequence control device is at least partially configured by at least one computer program or by said at least one computer program, so that at least the software part of the sequence control, i.e., implemented by the computer program, for example, can be modified relatively easily compared to modifying an existing ASIC.

[0006] In a further preferred embodiment, the processor at least partially constitutes a primary sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, and in particular it is envisaged that a secondary sequence control of the control unit is controlled by the primary sequence control, whereby the sequence control can be preferably divided between the processor and the control unit, in which case, for example, a part of the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, which is preferably easily modifiable, is implemented by the processor, for example in the form of a computer program, and a part of the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, which has, for example, special timing requirements and is preferably modified relatively infrequently, is implemented by the control unit, for example, configured as an ASIC.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment, the sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor may be described as a "sequencer", in which case, according to a further preferred embodiment, the high-level sequencer is realized by a computing device, for example in the form of the primary sequence control device described above as an example, and according to a further preferred embodiment, the low-level sequencer is realized by a control unit, for example in the form of an ASIC, for example in the form of the secondary sequence control device described above as an example.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, the sequence control device and / or the primary sequence control device are intended to at least temporarily control at least one of the following sequences: a) determining the time intervals for measurements, b) transmitting setpoints for the switch positions to the control unit, c) transmitting measured values, in particular calculable by the control unit, to the computing device, d) identifying and / or validating measured values ​​received by the control unit, in particular with respect to the respectively expected measured values, e) obtaining status information of the control unit, in particular error information, f) controlling ("triggering") the pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular after receiving a new Nernst voltage measured value, g) adjusting the switches of the control unit, in particular to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions, h) starting measurements by the analog-digital converter, in particular synchronized to a reference signal or reference clock, i) resetting (resetting) the input filters of the analog-digital converter, j) transferring data, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface, k) generating activation information, in particular indicating that the measurement has ended, l) generating error information.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that in particular a) to f) of the above sequences can be executed by a primary sequence control device (high-level sequencer), and in particular g) to l) of the above sequences can be executed by a secondary sequence control device (low-level sequencer).

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

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device has at least one computing unit and a memory unit assigned to this computing unit for at least temporarily storing a computer program and / or data (e.g., data for a sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor), in which case it is envisaged that the computer program is configured in particular to perform one or more steps of the method according to the embodiment.

[0012] In further preferred embodiments, the computing unit comprises at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic circuit (e.g., an FPGA, field programmable gate array), at least one calculator, and in further preferred embodiments, combinations thereof are also contemplated.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the memory 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 the computer program is executed by a computer, for example a computing unit as described above, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiment.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment relates to a computer-readable memory medium comprising instructions, in particular in the form of a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiment.

[0016] Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal characterizing and / or conveying a computer program according to the embodiment. For example, the computing device may have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface for receiving the data carrier signal. In further preferred embodiments, the computing device may also receive, via the optional data interface, e.g., input signals from, e.g., exhaust gas sensors and / or a control unit, which can be used for the operation of the computing device, and / or transmit output signals, e.g., control data for the operation of the exhaust gas sensors and / or control unit, to the control unit and / or exhaust gas sensors.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the computing device has an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for at least temporarily digitising at least one analog signal of the exhaust gas sensor and / or an analog signal derived therefrom by the control unit, which in a further preferred embodiment may for example be part of the data interface.

[0018] A further preferred embodiment relates to a control unit for an exhaust gas sensor, in particular for a wideband lambda sensor, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which control unit is configured for the electrical control of the exhaust gas sensor, and which control unit is configured in particular in the form of an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, and which is configured to perform the following steps: receiving control data for the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor from a computing device, which computing device is configured in particular according to the embodiment; and transmitting operating data characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor to the computing device.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the control unit at least partially constitutes a sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor, and it is envisaged that the sequence control device of the control unit at least temporarily controls at least one of the following sequences: G) adjustment of the switches of the control unit, in particular to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions; H) start of measurement by an analog-to-digital converter, preferably integrated in the control unit, in particular synchronized with a reference signal or reference clock; I) resetting of the input filter of the 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 operation information, in particular indicating that the measurement has been completed; L) generation of error information.

[0020] Further features, possibilities for use and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, in which all features described or shown, either alone or in any combination, are the subject of the invention, regardless of whether they are summarized in the claims or dependent on the claims, and regardless of whether they are described or shown in the specification or drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified block diagram of an internal combustion engine in which the method according to the preferred embodiment may be utilized; [Figure 2] 10 shows a simplified block diagram of a computing device according to a further preferred embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a simplified block diagram according to a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a simplified block diagram according to a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 shows a simplified flow chart of a method according to a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 shows a simplified flow chart of a method according to a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a simplified flow chart of a method according to a further preferred embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a technical environment in which the method according to the preferred embodiment can be used, for example, in the case of a gasoline engine. An internal combustion engine 10 is supplied with air via an intake system 11, and the mass of the air is determined by an air mass sensor 12, which may be configured as a hot-film air mass sensor. The exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine 10 are discharged via an exhaust gas duct 16, and an exhaust gas purification device 17 is located downstream of the internal combustion engine 10 in the direction of exhaust gas flow. An engine control 14 is provided to control the internal combustion engine 10. The engine control 14 controls the amount of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine 10 via a fuel metering unit 13. A signal from the air mass sensor 12 is supplied to the engine control 14 and then to an exhaust gas sensor 15, which is arranged in the exhaust gas duct 16, for example, upstream of the exhaust gas purification device 17. The exhaust gas sensor 15 determines the actual lambda value of the fuel-air mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine 10 and can, for example, be part of a lambda control circuit assigned to the internal combustion engine 10. The exhaust gas sensor 15 can, for example, be designed as a wideband lambda sensor.

[0023] For the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15, in a preferred embodiment a control unit 100 is provided, which is designed in particular for the electrical control a1 of the exhaust gas sensor 15 or of the components of the exhaust gas sensor 15. For example, the control unit 100 may be designed in the form of an ASIC and may be integrated, for example, in the engine control 14.

[0024] A preferred embodiment relates to a method for operating a control unit 100 for an exhaust gas sensor 15, in particular for a wideband lambda sensor for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which method comprises the following steps (see flowchart in FIG. 5A): step 205, in which a computing device 300 (FIG. 1) sets control data SD for the operation of the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas sensor 15; and step 210 (FIG. 5A), in which the computing device 300 receives operation data BD characterizing the operation of the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas sensor 15. This allows the computing device 300 to execute, for example, different computer programs and / or to be (newly) programmed in order to change the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 or the control unit 100, thereby providing increased flexibility compared to conventional systems in which, for example, only an ASIC is provided for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15. For example, if the exhaust gas sensor 15 is to be operated with new control data SD, then a corresponding computer program for the computing device 300, which generates the control data SD, can be modified, for example, in order to provide the control unit 100 with the modified control data SD for operating the exhaust gas sensor 15. Advantageously, for example, no modification of the control unit 100 itself is necessary, which would require a relatively large effort (e.g., a mask modification for the ASIC, a new chip master) if the control unit 100 is configured as an ASIC.

[0025] 5A preferably describes an efficient and flexible sequence control device 200 for the operation of an exhaust gas sensor 15 and / or its control unit 100. In a further preferred embodiment, the step 205 of setting the control data SD may comprise a step 205a (FIG. 5A) of generating the control data SD by the computing device 300, for example by means of a computer program.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment (see FIG. 2), it is assumed that the computing device 300 has at least one computing unit 302 for executing at least one computer program PRG1, which computer program is configured in particular to at least temporarily control the operation of the control unit 100 (FIG. 1) and / or the exhaust gas sensor 15 and / or to generate control data SD (see step 205a in FIG. 5A) and / or to receive 210 operation data BD.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 (FIG. 2) at least partially constitutes a sequence control device 200 (FIG. 5A) for operating the exhaust gas sensor 15, and in this case it is particularly envisaged that the sequence control device 200 is configured at least partially by at least one computer program PRG1 (FIG. 2). Therefore, at least the part of the sequence control device 200 that is realized in software, i.e., for example, by the above-mentioned computer program PRG1, can be modified relatively easily compared to modifying an existing ASIC 100.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 has at least one computing unit 302 and at least one memory unit 304 assigned to this computing unit 302 for at least temporarily storing a computer program PRG1 and / or data DAT (e.g., data for the sequence control device 200 for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15), in which case it is assumed that the computer program PRG1 is configured in particular to perform one or more steps of the method according to the embodiment.

[0029] In further preferred embodiments, the computing unit 302 comprises at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic circuit (e.g., an FPGA, field programmable gate array), at least one calculator. In further preferred embodiments, a combination of these is also conceivable. Preferably, the computing device 300 is configured as, for example, a microcontroller with one or more calculators 302.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the memory unit 304 comprises at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory 304a, in particular a working memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory 304b, in particular a Flash-EEPROM.

[0031] A further preferred embodiment relates to a computer program (product) PRG1 comprising instructions that, when the computer program PRG is executed by a computer 302, cause the computer to carry out a method according to an embodiment.

[0032] A further preferred embodiment relates to an optional computer-readable memory medium SM containing 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 embodiment.

[0033] A further preferred embodiment relates to a data carrier signal DS that characterizes and / or conveys the computer programs PRG1, PRG2 according to the embodiments. For example, the computing device 300 may have an optional, preferably bidirectional, data interface 306 for receiving the data carrier signal DS. In a further preferred embodiment, the computing device 300 may also receive, via the optional data interface 306, for example, from the exhaust gas sensor 15 and / or the control unit 100, input signals BD that can be used for the operation of the computing device, and / or transmit output signals, for example control data SD for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 and / or the control unit 100, to the control unit 100 and / or the exhaust gas sensor 15.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the computing device 300 has an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 305 for at least temporarily digitizing at least one analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas sensor 15 and / or an analog signal a2 derived from the analog signal a2 of the exhaust gas sensor 15 by the control unit 100. The ADC 305 may, for example, be part of the data interface 306 in a further preferred embodiment. For example, the reception of the analog signal a2 from the exhaust gas sensor 15 or the control unit 100 is shown in step 210a of FIG. 5B, and the digitization by the ADC 305 (FIG. 2) is shown in step 211 of FIG. 5B. The digitized data thus obtained can, in a further preferred embodiment, be used in particular for the sequence control device 200, in particular for regulating the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 or the control unit 100 by the computing device 300.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a further preferred embodiment. A computing device 300a, which may have the same or similar configuration as the configuration 300 of FIG. 2, is provided with a sequence control device 303, particularly a complete sequence control device, for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 by the control unit 100a. For this purpose, the sequence control device 303 transmits control data A, B, and C (similar to the control data SD of FIG. 5A) to the control unit 100a, preferably via a bidirectional data connection DV (see also element 306 of FIG. 2). The control data A, B, and C of FIG. 3 each contain, for example, a switching position for controlling at least one multiplexer ("MUX") 106 included in the control unit 100a and energization information characterizing the energization of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 104a included in the control unit 100a. Reference numeral 102 denotes the electrical connection of the control unit 100a to the exhaust gas sensor 15 (FIG. 1). Exemplary details for the electrical connection 102 of the control unit 100a to the exhaust gas sensor 15 can be read, for example, from the data sheet of a control module of the type "CJ135" sold by the applicant.

[0036] Operating data BD, which can be calculated by the control unit 100a, are preferably transmitted from the control unit 100a to the computing device 300a via a data connection DV. The operating data BD include, for example, analog measured values ​​D, E. See also reference a2 (see also FIG. 2).

[0037] In the exemplary configuration described above with reference to FIG. 3, the computing device 300a preferably performs a relatively large proportion of the sequence control required for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 under the control of a corresponding computer program PRG1 (FIG. 2).

[0038] In particular, in a further preferred embodiment, all sequence control can also be performed via the sequencer 303 of the computing device 300a, which performs both the tasks of a high-level sequencer and a low-level sequencer. This can be used, for example, if the computing device 300a has an ADC 305 and the ADC 305 can be directly controlled, for example, by the computing unit 302 (FIG. 2) of the computing device 300a, particularly without communication between the control unit 100a and the computing device 300a. Furthermore, optionally, the switch structure 106 present in the control unit 100a can be used for switching the ADC input, for example, via the MUX switch 106. This allows, for example, various analog signals a2 of the exhaust gas sensor 15 to be connected to the input of the ADC 305 in time-division multiplexing mode. Therefore, preferably, short circuits, particularly due to different opening and closing times of the switch 106, as may occur in conventional control units, cannot occur. Therefore, the configuration of FIG. 3 preferably eliminates the need for a local sequencer in the control unit 100a, particularly a low-level sequencer, thereby reducing the complexity of the configuration of the control unit 100a.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of a further preferred embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the computing device 300b at least partially constitutes a primary sequence control device 303a for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15. It is assumed that the control unit 100b includes a secondary sequence control device 103 controlled by the primary sequence control device 303a of the computing device 300b. This allows the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 (FIG. 1) to be preferably divided between the computing device 300b and the control unit 100b. For example, the part of the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 that is preferably easily modifiable is implemented by the computing device 300b, for example, in the form of computer programs PRG1 and PRG2 (FIG. 2). The part of the sequence control for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15 that has special timing requirements (e.g., a continuous signal that changes rapidly over time) and that is preferably changed less frequently is implemented by the control unit 100b, for example, implemented as an ASIC.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor may be described as a "sequencer" as described above, in which case, according to a further preferred embodiment, the high-level sequencer is realized by the calculation device 300b, for example in the form of the primary sequence control device 303a described above as an example, and according to a further preferred embodiment, the low-level sequencer is realized by the control unit 100b (e.g., an ASIC), for example in the form of the secondary sequence control device 103 described above as an example.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the sequence control device 200 (FIG. 5A), 303 (FIG. 3) and / or the primary sequence control device 303a (FIG. 4) are provided for at least temporarily controlling at least one of the following sequences: a) determining the time intervals of measurements, b) transmitting setpoints for the switch positions to the control unit, c) transmitting measured values, in particular calculable by the control unit, to the computing device, d) identifying and / or validating the measured values ​​received by the control unit, in particular with respect to the respectively expected measured values, e) obtaining status information, in particular error information, of the control unit. f) controlling ("triggering") the pump current regulator of the control unit, in particular after receiving a new Nernst voltage measurement value; g) adjusting the switches of the control unit, in particular to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions; h) starting measurements by the analog-digital converter, in particular synchronized with a reference signal or reference clock; i) resetting (resetting) the input filters of the analog-digital converter; j) transferring data, in particular from the control unit to the computing device and / or vice versa, in particular via a serial data interface; k) generating operating information, in particular indicating that the measurement has ended; l) generating error information.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the above sequences a) to f) in particular can be executed by the primary sequence controller 303a (FIG. 4) (high-level sequencer), and the above sequences g) to l) in particular can be executed by the secondary sequence controller 103 (low-level sequencer). For example, in a further preferred embodiment, the definition of measurements in terms of switch positions, timings and power supplies can be executed in the high-level sequencer 303a in the computer program PRG1 of the computing device 300b. The precise timed switching of the switches 107, power supplies and ADC 104b for each individual measurement is performed in the low-level sequencer 103, which is located in the control unit 100b, which is preferably configured as an ASIC, for example.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the low-level sequencer 103 is synchronized with the high-level sequencer 303a by a reference signal (e.g., communicable via the data connection DV, FIG. 3) which may be provided by the computing device 300b or its high-level sequencer 303a.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the high level sequencer 303a is synchronized with a reference signal of the computing device 300b, for example with a chip select (“CS”) signal of the computing device 300b or its computing unit 302.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 3), the sequencer 303 is capable of at least temporarily executing several or all of the above sequences a) to l).

[0046] The control data SD according to Fig. 4 correspond in a further preferred embodiment to measurement or control information for measurements to be performed by the ADC 104b of the control unit 100b, including, for example, switch positions for the switch structure 107 and energization for the DAC 104a of the control unit 100b. The operating data BD in Fig. 4 correspond in a further preferred embodiment to, for example, measurement values ​​D, E and status information F. The switch structure 107 can, in a further preferred embodiment, have, for example, several switches that can be switched independently of one another.

[0047] A further preferred embodiment relates to a control unit 100, 100a, 100b for an exhaust gas sensor 15, in particular for a wideband lambda sensor, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the control unit is configured for the electrical drive control a1 (Figure 1) of the exhaust gas sensor 15, in particular in the form of an application specific integrated circuit, ASIC, and is configured to perform the following steps (see Figure 6): step 400 of receiving control data SD for the operation of the control unit 100, 100a, 100b and / or the exhaust gas sensor 15 from a computing device 300, 300a, 300b configured in accordance with a particular embodiment, and step 410 (Figure 6) of transmitting operation data BD characterizing the operation of the control unit and / or the exhaust gas sensor to the computing device 300, 300a, 300b.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 4), the control unit 100b at least partially constitutes a sequence control device 103 for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor 15, and it is assumed that the sequence control device 103 (e.g. a low-level sequencer) of the control unit 100b controls, at least temporarily, at least one of the following sequences: G) adjustment of the switch 107 of the control unit 100b, in particular to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions; H) initiation of measurements by the analog-to-digital converter 104b, which is preferably integrated in the control unit 100b, in particular synchronously with a reference signal or reference clock (which can be set, for example, by the computing device 300b (FIG. 4) via the data connection DV (FIG. 3)); I) resetting of the input filter (not shown) of the analog-to-digital converter 104b; J) data transfer, in particular via the serial data interface DV, in particular from the control unit 100b to the computing device 300b and / or vice versa; K) generation of operation information BD, in particular indicating that the measurement has been completed; L) generation of error information.

[0049] The principle according to the preferred embodiment provides significantly increased flexibility compared to conventional approaches, particularly with regard to the definition of measurement sequences. The sequence control device 200 defines, for example, the regulation of the power supplies, the switching of the switch 107, and thus the operation sequence of the power supplies and measurements. The principle according to the preferred embodiment allows, for example, by changes in the software PRG1, PRG2, various measurement sequences and / or energizations to be flexibly adapted to the respective system requirements, in particular without changing the control units 100, 100a, 100b, which are preferably configured as ASICs. Other advantages, at least in part, achieved by at least some preferred embodiments are: a) freely programmable adaptation of the sequence control device 200 by software changes (PRG1, PRG2); b) the ability to drive and control the switches and power supplies of the control unit in the sub-microsecond range for efficient utilization of the sequence time and therefore for high-frequency measurement execution; c) resource saving in the ASICs 100, 100a, 100b; d) no computing mechanism is required in the ASICs 100, 100a, 100b, and the microcontroller resources (in particular the computing device 300) are used for calculations and / or triggering measurements; e) no memory is required in the ASICs 100, 100a, 100b if the measured values ​​are transmitted directly; f) the overall structure of the ASICs 100, 100a, 100b can be simplified; g) if the ADC 305 is located in the computing device 300a, only a small amount of data is transmitted between the ASIC 100a and the computing device 300a (Figure 3).

Claims

1. A method for operating a control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas sensor (15), the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being configured to electrically drive and control (a1) the exhaust gas sensor (15), the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being configured as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the method comprising: a step (205) of setting control data (SD) for the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and the exhaust gas sensor (15) by a computing device (300; 300a; 300b); receiving (210; 210a) by said computing device (300; 300a; 300b) operational data (BD) characterizing the operation of said control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and said exhaust gas sensor (15); It has the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) has at least one computing unit (302) for executing at least one computer program (PRG1), the computer program being configured to at least temporarily control (205) the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and the exhaust gas sensor (15), to generate (205a) the control data (SD) and to receive (210; 210a) the operation data (BD), the computing device (300) has an analog-to-digital converter (305) for at least temporarily digitizing at least one analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas sensor (15) and / or an analog signal (a2) derived from the analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas sensor (15) by the control unit (100; 100a; 100b); the digitized signal is used by the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) to regulate the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) or the exhaust gas sensor (15), The computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially constitutes a sequence control device (200) for operating the exhaust gas sensor (15), the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) at least partially constitutes a primary sequence control device (303a) for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor (15); The sequence control device (200) and / or the primary sequence control device (303a) at least temporarily: a) determining the time interval between measurements; b) transmitting setpoints for switch positions to said control unit (100; 100a; 100b); c) transmitting the measurements calculable by said control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to said computing device (300; 300a; 300b); d) identification and / or validation of the measured values ​​received by the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) with respect to the respectively expected measured values; e) obtaining status information of said control unit (100; 100a; 100b); f) driving the pump current regulator of said control unit (100; 100a; 100b) after receiving a new Nernst voltage measurement; g) adjusting the switches of said control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions; h) initiation of measurements by the analog-to-digital converter (305; 104b) synchronized with a reference signal or clock; i) resetting the input filter of one or said analog-to-digital converters (305; 104b); j) data transfer from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa via a serial data interface; k) generating control information to indicate that the measurement is complete; and l) generating error information; Controlling the sequence of method.

2. A computing device (300; 300a; 300b) for carrying out the method of claim 1.

3. A computer-readable memory medium (SM) comprising commands (PRG2) which, when executed by a computer (302), cause said computer to perform the method of claim 1.

4. A computer program (PRG1) comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer (302), cause the computer to carry out the method of claim 1.

5. A control unit (100; 100a; 100b) for an exhaust gas sensor (15), the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being configured for electrical drive control (a1) of the exhaust gas sensor (15), the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) being configured as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the control unit comprising: a step (400) of receiving control data (SD) for the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and the exhaust gas sensor (15) from a computing device (300; 300a; 300b), the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) being a computing device according to claim 2; a step (410) of transmitting operational data (BD) characterizing the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and the exhaust gas sensor (15) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b); is configured to run the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) has at least one computing unit (302) for executing at least one computer program (PRG1), the computer program being configured to at least temporarily control (205) the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) and the exhaust gas sensor (15), to generate (205a) the control data (SD) and to receive (210; 210a) the operation data (BD), the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) has an analog-to-digital converter (305) for at least temporarily digitizing at least one analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas sensor (15) and / or an analog signal (a2) derived from the analog signal (a2) of the exhaust gas sensor (15) by the control unit (100; 100a; 100b); the digitized signal is used by the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) to regulate the operation of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) or the exhaust gas sensor (15), Control unit (100; 100a; 100b).

6. The control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least partially constitutes a sequence control device for the operation of the exhaust gas sensor (15), the sequence control device of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) at least temporarily: G) adjusting the switches of the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to prevent short circuits and / or current interruptions; H) Initiation of measurements by an analog-to-digital converter (104b) synchronized with a reference signal or clock, preferably integrated in said control unit; I) resetting the input filter of one or said analog-to-digital converters (104b); J) data transfer from the control unit (100; 100a; 100b) to the computing device (300; 300a; 300b) and / or vice versa via a serial data interface; K) generating activation information indicating that the measurement has been completed; and L) generating error information; 6. A control unit (100; 100a; 100b) according to claim 5, for controlling the sequence of

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