Automated detection of external receivers of a tire pressure monitoring system

Abstract

A system and method for automatically determining locations of external receivers mounted on a vehicle are disclosed. The method includes: connecting, to a common cable, a plurality of external receivers (eRXs) of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) located on a vehicle; supplying a preselected voltage from a TPMS electronic control unit (ECU) of the TPMS to the common cable; measuring a respective voltage at each of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the supplied preselected voltage; and automatically determining a respective location on the vehicle of each eRX based on the respective measured voltage.

Description

Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCTAUTOMATED DETECTION OF EXTERNAL RECEIVERS OF A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims benefit of and is an International Application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 733,511, filed December 13, 2024, titled “AUTOMATED DETECTION OF EXTERNAL RECEIVERS OF A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM,’7which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The subject disclosure relates to tire pressure monitoring systems, and more particularly to automatically configuring external receivers based on their locations.BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY

[0003] A conventional direct tire pressure monitoring sy stem (TPMS) include an electronic control unit (ECU) and wheel unit sensors, or tire monitors (TMs), which measure tire pressure and temperature and send TPMS RF messages to the ECU. In passenger cars, a single ECU processes the TPMS RF messages, uses data from the TPMS RF messages to perform an auto-location procedure, assigns each wheel unit sensor to a correct vehicle position, and reports tire pressure and temperature to the vehicle for each wheel. For larger vehicles, external receivers (eRXs) are additionally used, which are manually configured, to cover the larger vehicle size, increased wheel units, and provide better discrimination of the RF signals to allow wheel unit sensor auto-location to function correctly.SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0004] In light of the needs described above, in at least one aspect, the subject technology relates to improved TPM systems and methods of using such systems. For example, aspects of this disclosure can be used to automatically configure eRXs connected to a single TPMS ECU port based on a supply voltage measured by each eRX including determining an order of eRXs placed on a cable connected to the TPMS ECU based on to a reduced voltage measured at each successive eRX.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for automatically determining locations of a plurality of external receivers (eRXs) of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) disposed on a vehicle. The method includes: connecting, to a common cable, aSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT plurality of eRXs of the TPMS disposed on the vehicle; supplying a preselected voltage from a TPMS electronic control unit (ECU) of the TPMS to the common cable; measuring a respective voltage at each eRX of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage; and automatically determining a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.

[0006] According to another aspect a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is provided. The TPMS includes a common cable disposed on a vehicle; a plurality of external receivers (eRXs) connected to the common cable; and a TPMS electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the common cable, where the TPMS ECU is configured to: supply a preselected voltage to the common cable, measure a respective voltage at each eRX of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage, and automatically determine a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, one or more computer-readable media are provided, which store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) electronic control unit (ECU) disposed on a vehicle, cause the one or more processors to perform certain operations. The operations include supplying a preselected voltage to a common cable disposed on the vehicle, measuring a respective voltage at each external receiver (eRX) of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage, each eRX of the plurality of eRXs connected to the common cable at a different distance from the TPMS ECU and disposed at a different location on the vehicle, and automatically determining a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed systems and techniques pertain will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle including tire pressure monitors, a representation of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) electronic control unit (ECU), and an external receivers (eRXs) in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a TPMS ECU supplying three eRXs from a single output in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for automatically configuringSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT eRXs connected to an output of a TPMS ECU in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example TPMS with two switches adapted to adapted to support multiple eRXs.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an example TPMS adapted to an original manufacturer equipment (OEM).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with configuring external receivers (eRXs) for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs) in vehicles. As noted above, some conventional TPMSs gather TPMS RF messages sent by wheel unit sensors that measure tire pressure and temperature. In passenger cars, this is achieved with a single receiver electronic control unit (ECU). This ECU processes the messages, uses the data to perform the auto-location procedure, assigns each wheel unit sensor to the correct vehicle position, and reports tire pressure and temperature to the vehicle for each wheel.

[0015] In larger vehicles, additional eRXs function as RF receiving elements and may be used to cover the larger vehicle size, increased wheel units, and provide better discrimination of the RF signals to allow wheel unit auto-location to function correctly. In some systems, these eRXs may be connected via a common Private CAN network to a main TPMS ECU (iECU), e g., which may be internal to the cab and may not include an RF receiver. For the iECU to perform the auto-location process, the iECU generally needs to know the vehicle location of each eRX. In examples, the iECU may have separate power control to each eRX port, and by sequencing the power to each eRX it can discover which device is at which vehicle location and configure the appropriate ID by referring to the vehicle configuration. However, these conventional systems are not acceptable or adaptable for some vehicles and / or are overly expensive or cumbersome.

[0016] Some additional larger vehicle TPMS solutions may include an external TPMS ECU that includes an RF receiver and connections for up to two eRXs. The external ECU may configure the connected eRXs by sequencing power to identify port allocation the same as an iECU. Adding a receiver to the TPMS ECU and mounting it external to the cab may reduce the number of TPMS devices needed, thus reducing the overall system cost. However, this conventional system is limited to 3 receiving elements (1 TPMS ECU + 2 eRXs), which is not sufficient for larger vehicles with higher numbers of axles.Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT

[0017] Aspects of this disclosure provide for automated configuration of eRXs connected to a single TPMS ECU port by ordering as per value of supply voltage measured by each eRX. By connecting the eRXs to the TPMS ECU as detailed further herein, it is possible to detect the order eRXs are placed on the cable due to the reduced voltage measured at each successive eRX.

[0018] Applying Ohms law, the potential difference across a section of cable will be determined by the resistance of the cable times the current flowing through the cable. As there can be several meters of cable between eRXs on a truck, it would be possible to measure a voltage drop between each eRX location. In examples, each eRX may report it's voltage to the TPMS ECU, and the TPMS ECU may be configured to compare the values and allocate vehicle locations according to a known vehicle location.

[0019] In additional examples of this disclosure, an additional load may be switched on for individual of the eRXs while performing the voltage measurement. This additional load increases the current flowing in the cable and therefore proportionately increases the voltage difference at each eRX position, which would improve the robustness of eRX order detection.

[0020] In additional examples of this disclosure, an accuracy of the eRX voltage measurement may be improved by applying an individual offset to each eRX. For example, the offset may be calibrated at end of life (EOL) testing.

[0021] In additional examples of this disclosure, a voltage measurement feature may be characterized over temperature and / or a lookup table may be included for temperature corrections. These would be selected based on reading the internal temperature of the eRX at time of measurement, thus improving the voltage comparison even if eRXs are mounted in different temperature zones of the vehicle.

[0022] In brief summary, the subject technology provides a TPMS utilizing a multiple eRXs covering a vehicle to automatically configure the eRXs. The advantages, and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative examples of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 including a number of tires 102. In this example, six tires, 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, 102E, and 102F are shown. Each of the tires 102 includes a tire monitor 104. Specifically, each of the tires 102 has an associated one of the tire monitors 104 (six tire monitors 104 A, 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E, and 104F are shown). Each of the tireSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT monitors 104 can also include, among other features, a tire pressure sensor 106, a temperature sensor 108, a tire monitor controller 110, a tire monitor transmitter 112, and a tire monitor receiver 114. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 , each of the tire monitors 104 may also include memory, one or more power sources, e.g., batteries, and / or other conventionally-known components.

[0024] The vehicle 100 further includes a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) electronic control unit (ECU) 116 having an ECU receiver 118, an ECU transmitter 120, an ECU controller 122, memory 124, a switch 126, and a plurality of external receivers (eRXs) of which three eRXs, 128A, 128B, and 128C are shown in this example. While not shown, the memory 124 may include various components, such as a pressure detection component, a temperature sensing component, an alert generation component, and / or a timing instruction component. Each of the eRXs 128 includes an eRX transmitter 130, an eRX receiver 132, eRX controller 134, eRX voltmeter 136, and an eRX temperature sensor 138. In this example, the eRX 128C is shown with an eRX transmitter 130C, an eRX receiver 132C, eRX controller 134C, eRX voltmeter 136C, and an eRX temperature sensor 138C.

[0025] The tire pressure sensor 106 may be configured to generate a signal indicating a measured pressure associated with the tire 102. The tire pressure sensor 106 may generate an updated pressure signal at a predetermined time, e.g., according to a signal transmission timing configuration. The tire pressure sensor 106 may be configurable, e.g., the transmission timing may be adjustable. In examples described herein, the transmission timing may be adjusted to avoid bandwidth competition with one or more other components transmitting via ultra-high frequency (UHF), Bluetooth low energy' (BLE), or other signals. The tire monitor transmitter 112 may be instructed to transmit following transmission by the eRX transmitter 130C. Such communication between the tire monitor receiver 114 and the eRX transmitter 130C may be conducted directly or through the TPMS ECU 11 .

[0026] The temperature sensor 108 is configured to generate information associated with temperature of the tire 102. In some examples, the temperature sensor 108 is configurable, e.g., to generate and output temperature data at different sampling rates and / or in response to certain conditions.

[0027] The controller 110 may be configured to control aspects of the tire monitor 104. For instance, and without limitation, the controller 110 can control sampling rates of the tire pressure sensor 106 and / or of the temperature sensor 108. Moreover, the controller 110 can include functionality to generate signals, e.g., corresponding to tire pressure anomalies, tireSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT temperature, or the like. The controller 110 can also include logic to perform functionality associated with the processes described herein, including one or more of the operations discussed below. The controller 110 can also control generation and transmission of signals via the tire monitor transmitter 112.

[0028] The tire monitor transmitter 112 may be configured to send information, e.g.. pressure information generated by the tire pressure sensor 106, temperature information generated by the temperature sensor 108, information generated by the controller 1 10, and / or other information. Also in examples, the tire monitor transmitter 112 can be configured to control the timing of information transmission. In some examples, the adjustment of timing includes delaying sending, offsetting timings, expediting sending, and / or reconfiguring timing schedules. Also in examples, the tire monitor transmitter 112 can be configured to send a signal, e.g., to a vehicle computing system, to alert the vehicle to a transmission timing clash. In examples, the tire monitor transmitter 112 can be adapted to transmit data using UHF band(s) and / or according to conventional BLE protocols.

[0029] The tire monitor receiver 114 may be configured to receive information from a remote source. For instance, the tire monitor receiver 114 may be configured to receive instructions from an eRX 128 on the vehicle 100 and / or remote from the vehicle 100. Without limitation, the tire monitor receiver 114 may be configured to receive requests to generate and / or transmit data associated with pressure and / or temperature. The tire monitor receiver 1 14 may also be configured to receive commands to alter timing protocols associated with the tire monitor transmitter 112. The tire monitor receiver 114 can be adapted to receive data according to any of a number of conventional protocols.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1. the vehicle 100 also includes the TPMS ECU 116. Although shown as separate from the tire monitor 104, in some examples, components and / or functionality of the tire monitor 104 and the TPMS ECU 116 may be part of a single system. Without limitation, some of the functionality' ascribed above to aspects of the tire monitor 104, including the controller 110 and the tire monitor transmitter 112, may be performed at the TPMS ECU 116. As shown in FIG. 1, the TPMS ECU 116 includes the ECU receiver 118. the ECU transmitter 120, the ECU controller 122, the memory 124, and the switch 126. The switch 126 may provide a selected voltage to an output of the switch 126 connected to the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C used to determine locations of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C. While not shown, the memory 124 can include, a pressure detection component, a temperature sensing component, an alert generation component, and / or a timing instruction component.Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 also includes one or more eRXs 128. The eRX 128 can also include, among other features, the eRX transmitter 130C, the eRX receiver 132C, and the eRX controller 134C, and eRX voltmeter 136C.

[0032] In examples described herein, the eRXs 128 can be any components configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from other components, including but not limited to the TPMS ECU 116. the tire monitors 104, remote computing devices (e.g., personal computing devices, mobile devices, maintenance computing devices, etc ), and / or other devices. The eRX(s) 128 can be configured to transmit / received data via UHF band(s) or BLE protocols. Without limitation, the eRX(s) 128 can communicate data, a measured voltage by the eRX voltmeter 136 at the eRX 128, tire pressure and temperature information from the tire monitor 104 to the TPMS ECU 116, and can receive instructions for altering transmission timings from the TPMS ECU 116.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the TPMS ECU 116 supplying three eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C from a single output of the switch 126 in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. The switch 126 includes a power source 202, which can be switched in and out by a switch SW 204, for supplying power to the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C. A load of each of eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C, is represented by eRX load 206A, 206B, and 206C, respectively. A cable 208 connects a positive side of the power source 202 to a positive side of each of eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C, and a cable 210 connects a ground side of each of eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C to an electrical ground. The cables 208 and 210 may be a single paired cable having the same length. For example, a length from the switch 126 to the eRX 128A may be 2 m, to the eRX 128B may be 3 m, and to the eRX 128C may be 5 m. Because the cables 208 and 210 have resistance, the voltage from the power source 202 applied to an eRX measured at the eRX decreases as the lengths of the cables 208 and 210 increase. Resistance of each section of the cables 208 and 210 is represented respectively by R 212, R 214, R 216, R 218, R 220, and R 222.

[0034] As the SW 204 is closed and voltage, for example, a supply voltage of 7.450 V at the SW 204, is applied to the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C, each eRX measures the voltage applied to its eRX load using its eRX voltmeter and transmits the measured voltage using its eRX transmitter to the TPMS ECU 116. For example, the eRX 128A may measure 7.442 V across the eRX load 206A using the eRX voltmeter 136A. and transmit the measured voltage of 7.442 V to the TPMS ECU 116 using the eRX transmitter I 30A: the eRX 128B may measure 7.430 V across the eRX load 206B using the eRX voltmeter 136B, and transmit theSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT measured voltage of 7.430 V to the TPMS ECU 116 using the eRX transmitter 130B; and the eRX 128C may measure 7.416 V across the eRX load 206C using the eRX voltmeter 136C, and transmit the measured voltage of 7.416 V to the TPMS ECU 116 using the eRX transmitter 1306'. Additionally, or alternatively, each measured voltage may reported to the TPMS ECU 116 via a cable, for example, the cable 210 or a separate cable, via a Controller Area Network (CAN), or via RF transmission, such as BLE protocols. Further, an additional electrical load in each eRX may be switched on while measuring the supply voltage. Due to the additional electrical loads in parallel, the current carried by the cables 208 and 210 is increased and the voltage difference over cable lengths is also increased, enabling detection even in the case of two eRXs connected close together.

[0035] Further, voltage measurement may be characterized over temperature and a lookup table for temperature corrections may be included for voltage measurement corrections. These characterized corrections may be selected based on internal temperature of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C at time of the measurement, thus improving the voltage measurement and comparison even if eRXs are mounted in different temperature zones of the vehicle 100.

[0036] The TPMS ECU 116 then compares the received voltage information to automatically determine the relative potential difference and the order in which the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C are connected to a cable harness, which may be the cables 208 and 210. As the order of connection corresponds to a known location on a vehicle, the TPMS ECU 116 is able to configure the correct vehicle location identification to each of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C. In this example, because the eRX 128A has the highest measured voltage, the TPMS ECU 116 determines that the eRX 128A is located closest to the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding front tires, such as the tires 102A and 102B. Similarly, based on the measured voltages, the TPMS ECU 1 16 determines that the eRX 128B is located next closest to the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding a first rear tire set, such as the tires 102C and 102D, and that the eRX 128C is located furthest from the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding a second rear tire set, such as the tires 102E and 102F.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 300 for automatically configuring eRXs, such as the eRXs 128 A, 128B, and 128C, connected to an output of a TPMS ECU 116, such as the switch 126, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. The TPMS ECU 116 can be located in a cabin, or mounted externally to the vehicle 100, typically close to the front of the vehicle 100.

[0038] At block 302, a plurality of eRXs is placed, or disposed, on a vehicle at differentSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT locations on the vehicle. For example, the eRX 128A, for reporting tire information of the tires 102A and 102B of a front axle of the vehicle 100, may be placed near the front axle; the eRX 128B, for reporting tire information of the tires 102C and 102D of a first rear axle of the vehicle 100, may be placed near the first rear axle located behind the front axle towards the rear of the vehicle 100; and the eRX 128C. for reporting tire information of the tires 102E and 102F of a second rear axle of the vehicle 100, may be placed near the second rear axle located behind the second axle at the rear of the vehicle 100. At block 304, the eRXs 128 A, 128B, and 128C may be connected to a common cable, such as the cable comprising the cables 208 and 210 where each of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C is connected to the common cable at a different distance from the TPMS ECU 116.

[0039] At block 306, the TPMS ECU 116 supplies a preselected voltage to the common cable. For example, the SW 204 of the TPMS ECU 116, coupled to the power source having the preselected voltage, may be activated to apply the preselected voltage to the cable. To enhance the voltage difference over cable lengths, an additional electrical load in each eRX, 128 A, 128B, and 128C may be activated in parallel while measuring the supply voltage to increase the current carried by the cables. Further, voltage measurement may be characterized over temperature and a lookup table for temperature corrections may be included for voltage measurement corrections. These characterized corrections may be selected based on internal temperature of the eRXs 128 A, 128B. and 128C at time of the measurement, thus improving the voltage measurement and comparison even if eRXs are mounted in different temperature zones of the vehicle 100.

[0040] At block 308, a respective voltage at each eRX, 128A, 128B, and 128C resulting from the supplied preselected voltage is measured. For example, the eRX voltmeters, 136A, 136, B, and 136C, may, or may be caused, to measure the respective voltage applied at each of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C. The eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C may transmit the respective measured voltages to the TPMS ECU 116 at block 310, for example, wirelessly via the eRX transmitters 130A, 130B, and 130C, or via a cable, such as the common cable or CAN communication.

[0041] At block 312, the TPMS ECU 116 may compare the measured voltages and automatically determine locations of each eRX 128A, 128B, and 128C based on the measured voltages. That is, the TPMS ECU 116 configures the correct vehicle location identification to each of the eRXs 128A. 128B, and 128C. In this example, because the eRX 128A has the highest measured voltage, the TPMS ECU 116 determines that the eRX 128 A is locatedSensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT closest to the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding front tires, such as the tires 102A and 102B. Similarly, based on the measured voltages, the TPMS ECU 116 determines that the eRX 128B is located next closest to the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding a first rear tire set, such as the tires 102C and 102D, and that the eRX 128C is located furthest from the TPMS ECU 116 reporting information regarding a second rear tire set, such as the tires 102E and 102F.

[0042] The processors may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), both CPUs and GPUs, or other processing units or components known in the art. The processors may execute computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to perform functions or operations with one or more of components communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and the memory. For example, the processor of the ECU controller 122 may receive measured voltages from the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C, compare the measured voltages, and configure the correct vehicle location identification to each of the eRXs 128A, 128B, and 128C as described above reference to FIGs. 1-3. Depending on the exact configuration of the TPMS ECU 116, the memory 124 may be volatile, such as RAM, non-volatile, such as ROM, flash memory, miniature hard drive, memory card, and the like, or some combination thereof. The memory' may store computerexecutable instructions that are executable by the processors.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example TPMS 400 having a TPMS ECU 402 with two switches 404 and 406 adapted to support multiple eRXs 408A, 408B, 408C, 408D, and 408E. This TPMS 400 includes similar components, and performs similar functions, to the TPMS described above with reference to FIGs. 1-3. Compared to the TPMS ECU 116, the TPMS ECU 402 includes two switches 404 and 406 instead of the single switch 126 in the TPMS ECU 116. Each of the two switches 404 and 406 supports multiple eRXs, such as the eRXs 408A, 408B, and 408C for the switch 404 connected with a common cable 410, and eRXs 408D and 408E for the switch 406 connected with a common cable 412.

[0044] Some or all operations of the methods described above can be performed by execution of computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, as defined below. The terms ‘‘computer-readable medium,’’ ‘‘computer-readable instructions,” and “computer executable instruction” as used in the description and claims, include routines, applications, application modules, program modules, programs, components, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Computer-readable and -executable instructions can be implemented on various system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor systems,Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal computers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based, programmable consumer electronics, combinations thereof, and the like. The computer-readable storage media may include volatile memory (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and / or non-volatile memory' (such as read-only memoiy (ROM), flash memory, etc.). The computer-readable storage media may also include additional removable storage and / or non-removable storage including, but not limited to, flash memory, magnetic storage, optical storage, and / or tape storage that may provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and the like.

[0045] A non-transitoiy computer-readable storage medium is an example of computer- readable media. Computer-readable media includes at least two types of computer-readable media, namely computer-readable storage media and communications media. Computer- readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any process or technology for storage of information such as computer- readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static randomaccess memoi ' (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of randomaccess memory' (RAM), read-only memoi ' (ROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memoiy (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology', compact disk readonly memory’ (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanism. As defined herein, computer-readable storage media do not include signals such as communication media.

[0046] The computer-readable instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer- readable storage media, when executed by one or more processors, may perform operations described above with reference to FIGs. 1-3. Generally, computer-readable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the processes.Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an example TPMS ECU Module 502 adapted to an original manufacturer equipment (OEM) ECU 504. As described above, the functions of the TPMS, more specifically, the functions of the TPMS ECU 116 described above with reference to FIGs. 1-3, may be performed by execution of computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The TPMS ECU Module 502, having functions similar to those of the TPMS ECU 116, is adapted to the OEM ECU 504, for example, as a module executing computer-readable instructions, and supports multiple eRXs, such as eRXs 506 A, 506B, 506C, 506D, and 506E with a common cable 508.

[0048] While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject technology. For example, each claim may depend from any or all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not been originally claimed.

Claims

Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method comprising: connecting, to a common cable, a plurality of external receivers (eRXs) of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) disposed on a vehicle; supplying a preselected voltage from a TPMS electronic control unit (ECU) of the TPMS to the common cable; measuring a respective voltage at each eRX of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage; and automatically determining a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: each eRX of the plurality eRXs is connected to the common cable at a different distance from the TPMS ECU.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: each eRX of the plurality eRXs is disposed at a different location on the vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein supplying the preselected voltage from the TPMS ECU to the common cable includes: activating a switch of the TPMS ECU coupled to a power source having the preselected voltage.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein activating the switch includes: for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, switching in an additional electrical load while measuring the respective voltage.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, switching in the additional electrical load while measuring the respective voltage includes: for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, connecting the additional electrical load in parallel with the eRX.Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT7. The method of claim 5. further comprising: characterizing the respective voltage over temperature, and correcting the respective voltage based on internal temperature of a corresponding eRX.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein correcting the respective voltage based on the internal temperature of the corresponding eRX includes utilizing a lookup table having characterized correction information based on internal temperature of the plurality of eRXs.

9. The method of claim 1. wherein measuring the respective voltage at each of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage includes: causing each eRX of the plurality of eRXs to measure the respective voltage, and transmitting the respective voltage to the TPMS ECU.

10. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) comprising: a common cable disposed on a vehicle; a plurality' of external receivers (eRXs) connected to the common cable; and a TPMS electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the common cable, the TPMS ECU configured to: supply a preselected voltage to the common cable, measure a respective voltage at each eRX of the plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage, and automatically determine a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.

11. The TPMS of claim 10, wherein each eRX of the plurality eRXs is: connected to the common cable at a different distance from the TPMS ECU, and disposed at a different location on the vehicle.

12. The TPMS of claim 10, further comprising a switch having a power source having the preselected voltage, wherein the TPMS ECU is further configured to activate the switch to supply the preselected voltage to the common cable.Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT13. The TPMS of claim 12, wherein the TPMS ECU is further configured to: for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, switch in an additional electrical load while measuring the respective voltage.

14. The TPMS of claim 13, wherein: for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, the additional electrical load is connected in parallel wi th the eRX.

15. The TPMS of claim 14, wherein the TPMS ECU is further configured to: characterize the respective voltage over temperature, and correct the respective voltage based on internal temperature of a corresponding eRX by utilizing a lookup table having characterized correction information based on internal temperature of the plurality of eRXs.

16. The TPMS of claim 10, wherein the TPMS ECU is further configured to: cause each eRX of the plurality of eRXs to measure the respective voltage, and cause each eRX to transmit the respective voltage to the TPMS ECU.

17. One or more computer-readable media storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) electronic control unit (ECU) disposed on a vehicle, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations comprising: supplying a preselected voltage to a common cable disposed on the vehicle, measuring a respective voltage at each external receiver (eRX) of a plurality of eRXs resulting from the preselected voltage, each eRX of the plurality of eRXs connected to the common cable at a different distance from the TPMS ECU and disposed at a different location on the vehicle, and automatically determining a respective location of each eRX on the vehicle based on the respective voltage.

18. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise:Sensata Ref.: A 44420 PCT / L&H Docket No. S427-6018PCT activating a switch of the TPMS ECU to supply the preselected voltage to the common cable, the switch having a power source having the preselected voltage.

19. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 18, wherein the operations further comprise: for each eRX of the plurality of eRXs, switching in an additional electrical load while measuring the respective voltage in parallel with the eRX.

20. The one or more computer-readable media of claim 19, wherein the operations further comprise: characterizing the respective voltage over temperature, and correcting the respective voltage based on internal temperature of a corresponding eRX by utilizing a lookup table having characterized correction information based on internal temperature of the plurality’ of eRXs.

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