TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention generally relates to an electronic control unit for vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for providing automatic start stop functionality in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Over the years, there has been continuous increase in number of vehicles in every part of the country. Therefore, issues like rising fuel consumption and air pollution caused by vehicles have become more serious. Various attempts have been made to mitigate such effects. One of such attempts is development of an automatic start and stop system that automatically shuts the engine of a vehicle while idling in traffic (e.g. a traffic light stop) and turns it on as and when the rider actuates clutch of the vehicle, thereby economising the usage of vehicle by preventing unnecessary fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
However, the aforesaid mechanism still falls short of substantially curbing unnecessary fuel consumption within the vehicle, especially while the vehicle is being driven. Although the mechanism triggers automatically switching on/off the engine as a step towards the same, however the engine’s operation during the driving proceeds normally and remains unaffected by the presence of such automatic start-stop mechanisms. Accordingly, during the driving state, an additional control mechanism is always required to optimize the fuel consumption, thereby leaving the problem of fuel consumption only partially solved through these automatic start-stop mechanisms. Considering the fact that these automatic start-stop mechanism are implemented through an embedded system within the vehicle and accordingly add to the manufacturing costs, the same proves cost-inefficient in the long run owing to limited problem solution.
Accordingly, there lies a need for a system that can not only automatically starts or stops the vehicle based on sensing the vehicle’s state, but also simultaneously contributes to an engine’s operation during the driving state of the vehicle.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an integrated system that provides an automatic start-stop mechanism for a vehicle and influences an engine’s operation therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention describes a system for providing an automatic start-stop functionality in a vehicle. The system comprises a plurality of sensing circuits, for sensing a control parameter related to a crank signal and a state of at least one of a clutch switch, a neutral switch, and a throttle switch. A microcontroller is configured to process the sensed control parameter received from said plurality of sensing circuits. At least two control circuits receive control instructions from the microcontroller, wherein the control circuits comprise a first control circuit to control an ignition coil (e.g. a capacitor discharge ignition coil) and an ignition timing thereof, and a second control circuit for controlling a starter relay.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter, the present invention describes the method for providing an automatic start-stop functionality in a vehicle. The method comprises: sensing a control parameter as at least one of a crank signal, a state of a clutch switch, a state of a neutral switch, and a state of a throttle switch; processing said at least one sensed control parameter; and based on said processing, controlling at least one of an ignition coil (e.g. a capacitor discharge ignition coil), an ignition timing of the vehicle, and a starter relay for actuating the engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
To further clarify advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for providing automatic start stop functionality in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a first sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a second sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a third sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a fourth sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a fifth sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a sixth sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a seventh sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of an eighth sensing circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram for a microcontroller and its external circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a power supply circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of an overvoltage protection circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a DC-DC converter within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a first control circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a second control circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of a third control circuit within the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 illustrates an exemplary complete circuit diagram of the system for providing automatic start and stop functionality in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary process for providing an automatic start and stop functionality in a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DEATILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. Throughout the patent specification, a convention employed is that in the appended drawings, like numerals denote like components.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment”, “another embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems.
Embodiments of the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 100 for providing automatic start stop functionality in a vehicle (not shown). In one embodiment, the system 100 comprises sensing circuits 101-107, 127, a microcontroller 108, and control circuits 109-111. Each of the sensing circuits 101-107, 127 senses a control parameter associated with the vehicle. The microcontroller 108 processes the sensed control parameter received from each of the sensing circuits 101-107, 127 and accordingly provides control instructions to the control circuits 109-111 in order to automatically switch-on or switch-off an engine (not shown) of the vehicle and vary an ignition timing map thereof.
In said embodiment, the sensing circuits 101-107, 127 may include a first sensing circuit 101 for sensing voltage of a battery 112 of the vehicle, a second sensing circuit 102 for sensing battery-less condition in the vehicle, a third sensing circuit 103 for sensing a state of a self-start switch 113, a fourth sensing circuit 104 for sensing crank signal received from a crank sensor (not shown in the figure) mounted on an AC generator 114 of the vehicle, a fifth sensing circuit 105 for sensing a state of a clutch switch 115, a sixth sensing circuit 106 for sensing a state of a neutral switch 116, a seventh sensing circuit 107 for sensing a state of a controller switch 117, and an eighth sensing circuit 127 for sensing a state of a throttle switch 128. Further, the control circuits 109-111 may include a first control circuit 109 to control an ignition coil 118 as well as change an ignition timing map associated thereto, a second control circuit 110 for controlling a starter relay 119, and a third control circuit 111 for controlling the battery status indicator 120 that indicates a battery status such as a healthy battery level, a low battery level and a battery less condition in the vehicle.
The self-start switch 113 turns into an ON state upon actuation by a user, and a clutch switch 115 turns ON/OFF upon depressing or releasing a clutch lever, respectively. The neutral switch 116 turns ON when the gear reaches a neutral state, and the controller switch 117 is manually turned ON or OFF by a user for activating or deactivating the “automatic start/stop” mode of operation in the vehicle. Further, the ignition coil 118 upon having been provided a large amount of voltage, through capacitive discharge occurring in the first control circuit 109, produces a spark. The first control circuit 109 is controlled by the microcontroller 108 not only to cause such spark generation, but also time generation of the spark. Further, the starter relay 119 actuates a starter motor of the vehicle to crank the engine, as a part of starting the vehicle through the ‘self-start’ mechanism. The battery status indicator 120 indicates the battery level (e.g. healthy, low) or a battery-less condition in the vehicle.
In another embodiment, the system100 further comprises an inbuilt power supply circuit 121 to supply regulated power, such as 5V supply to the microcontroller 108. The power supply circuit 121 derives power from the vehicle (either from the vehicle’s AC power generator 114 through an AC-DC converter 124 or the vehicle’s battery 112) through the overvoltage protection circuit 122 to protect the system 100 and connected components under over-voltage and reverse voltage conditions.
In one implementation, the power supply circuit 121 receives input power from the AC generator 114 or the battery 112 through a DC line 123 of the vehicle via the over-voltage protection circuit 122. The power signal produced by the AC generator 114 of the vehicle is rectified by an AC-DC converter 124 and converted into a DC voltage at a pre-defined level which is fed to the DC line 123. Accordingly, in one implementation, the AC-DC converter 124 may be a combination of a rectifier and voltage-regulation circuit. In one implementation, the first sensing circuit 101 may be connected to the DC line 123 through the overvoltage protection circuit 122, while the second sensing circuit 102 may be directly connected to the DC line 123.
Figure 2 illustrates the first sensing circuit 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses voltage of the battery 112 of the vehicle when the battery 112 is connected to the DC line 123 through an electrical fuse 125. The first sensing circuit 101 acts as an interface between the battery 112 and an ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. As shown, the first sensing circuit 101 comprises a combination of resistors R64 and R65 as a voltage divider for converting the voltage of the battery 112 to a digital equivalent to a pre-defined value for the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. R64 may have a resistance of about 20 K (i.e. kilo ohm). R65 may have the resistance of about 10K. The first sensing circuit 101 further includes a Zener diode Z9 for clamping the sensed battery voltage to the suitable voltage, such as 5.1V, in order to protect the ADC pin of the microcontroller. The first sensing circuit 101 further includes a capacitor C43 that is used as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. C43 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF (i.e. nano-farad) and a working-voltage of about 50 V.
Figure 3 illustrates the second sensing circuit 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses battery-less condition in the vehicle. At times, the battery 112 may not be connected to the DC line 123, for example, due to blowing of the electrical fuse 125. In such cases, the second sensing circuit 102 acts as an interface between the AC-DC converter 124 and the microcontroller 108. The second sensing circuit 102 converts pulses received from the AC-DC converter 124 to a suitable voltage, such as 5 volt pulses, for the microcontroller 108. These 5 V pulses are used as an interrupt for the microcontroller 108. In an implementation, in order to confirm battery less condition, number of interrupts as produced may be more than ‘one’ in a single rotation of the AC power generator 114.
As shown, the second sensing circuit 102 includes a first diode D7 for reverse voltage protection of the second sensing circuit 102. The second sensing circuit 102 further includes a transistor Q12 that acts as a digital switch to generate interrupts for the microcontroller 108. Q12 may be an NPN transistor. The second sensing circuit 102 also includes a series combination of a Zener diode Z7 and a second diode D15 acting as a switching diode to clamp voltage for the transistor Q12. The second sensing circuit 102 also includes a plurality of resistors R21, R62, R63, R74, and R75 as current limiting and biasing resistors for the transistor Q12. R21 may have a resistance in the range of about 22K. R62 may have the resistance of about 47K. R63 may have the resistance of about 10K. R74 may have the resistance of about 1K. R75 may have the resistance of about 47K.
The second sensing circuit 102 also includes a plurality of capacitors C33 and C39 for filtering noise signal at base and collector terminals of the transistor Q12. C33 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and a working-voltage of about 50 V, while C39 may have a capacitance of about 2.2 nF and a working-voltage of about 50 V.
Figure 4 illustrates the third sensing circuit 103, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses ON and OFF states of the self-switch 113, which may be connected to the battery 112 through the DC line 123 of the vehicle. The third sensing circuit 103 acts as an interface between the self-switch 113 and the microcontroller 108.
As shown, the third sensing circuit 103 includes a diode D9 for reverse voltage protection to the third sensing circuit 103. Water leakage at the input of the third sensing circuit 103 may be sensed using resistor-divider logic. Accordingly, the third sensing circuit 103 also includes a combination of resistor R67 and a Zener diode Z8 to protect false triggering of the third sensing circuit 103, for example, in case of water leakage up to 195 ohms. Z8 may be a zener diode for clamping the voltage to about 5.1 V. In an implementation, to reduce power dissipation and heat across leakage-resistor, R67 has an effective leakage resistance of about 195 ohm.
The third sensing circuit 103 also includes a plurality of capacitors C34 and C40 for filtering noise signal. C34 may have a capacitance of about 100 nF and a working-voltage of about 50 V, while C40 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and a working-voltage of about 50 V. The third sensing circuit 103 also includes a transistor Q4 that is used as an electronic switch to generate interrupt signal for the microcontroller 108. Q4 may be an NPN transistor. The third sensing circuit 103 further includes a plurality of resistors R68, R30, and R76 as biasing resistors for the transistor Q4. R68 may have the resistance of about 2.2 K. R30 may have the resistance of about 10K. R76 may also have the resistance of about 10K. If the self-switch 113 is in the OFF state, the transistor Q4 remains in a cut-off condition and applies a suitable voltage, such as 5V, to the microcontroller 108. If the self-switch 113 is in the ON state, the transistor Q4 becomes ON and applies 0V to the microcontroller 108. For this purpose, the microcontroller 108 may be configured in the interrupt mode for the third sensing circuit 103, such that the microcontroller 108 senses this high to low transition to sense the state of the self-switch 113.
Figure 5 illustrates the fourth sensing circuit 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses crank signal or speed of the AC generator 114 in order to determine whether the vehicle is running or idling or stopped. The fourth sensing circuit 104 acts as an interface between the crank signal sensor mounted on the AC generator 114 and the microcontroller 108. Further, the fourth sensing circuit 104 converts positive and negative pulses received from the crank signal sensor mounted on the AC generator 114 to pulses of pre-determined voltage ratings, such as 5V pulses, for the microcontroller 108. As shown, the fourth sensing circuit 104 includes a capacitor C16 as a filter to provide protection against ignition noise. C16 may have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The fourth sensing circuit 104 also includes transistors Q10 and Q11 used as an electronic switch to generate interrupt signal. Both Q10 and Q11 may be an epitaxial type NPN transistor. The fourth sensing circuit 104 also includes a plurality of resistors R35, R37, R39, R44, R47, R46, R45 as biasing resistors for the transistor Q10 and Q11. R35 may have the resistance of about 1.2 K. R37 may have the resistance of about 30K. R39 may also have the resistance of about 30K. R44 may have the resistance of about 47K. R47 may have the resistance of about 1K. R46 may have the resistance of about 1K. R45 may have the resistance of about 47K. In addition, R37 and R39 are connected in parallel with capacitors C17 and C19, respectively. C17 and C19 may be polarized capacitors having the capacitance of about 2.2 micro-farad and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V.
The fourth sensing circuit 104 further includes a plurality of capacitors C18, C20, C25, and C26 for filtering noise signal at base and collector terminals of the transistor Q10 and Q11. C18 may have the capacitance of about 10nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. C20 may also have the capacitance of about 10nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. C25 may have the capacitance of about 2.2 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. C26 may also have the capacitance of about 2.2 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The fourth sensing circuit 104 also includes a plurality of Zener diodes Z4 and Z5 to clamp voltage across biasing circuit of the transistor Q10 and Q11. Z4 and Z5 may be associated with a working voltage of about 8.2V.
Figure 6 illustrates the fifth sensing circuit 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses ON and OFF states of the clutch switch 115. The fifth sensing circuit 105 acts as an interface between the clutch switch 115 and the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. If the clutch switch 115 is in the OFF state, then a suitable voltage, such as 5V, is applied to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. However, if the clutch switch 115 is in the ON state, then a minimal voltage, such as 0.7V, is applied to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. As shown, the fifth sensing circuit 105 includes a capacitor C42 as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. C42 may have the capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The fifth sensing circuit 105 also includes a first resistor R34 as a current limiting resistor for the microcontroller 108, and a second resistor R33 as a voltage pull up resistor, such as a 5V pull up resistor, for the microcontroller 108. R34 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. R33 may have the resistance of about 10K. The fifth sensing circuit 105 also includes a first diode D19 for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108, and a second diode D12 for reverse voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108.
Figure 7 illustrates the sixth sensing circuit 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses ON and OFF states of the neutral switch 116. The sixth sensing circuit 106 acts as an interface between the neutral switch 116 and the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. If the neutral switch 116 is in the OFF state, then a suitable voltage, such as 5V, is applied to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. However, if the neutral switch 116 is in the ON state, then a minimal voltage, such as 0.7V, is applied to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. As shown, the sixth sensing circuit 106 includes a capacitor C41 as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. C41 may have the capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The sixth sensing circuit 106 also includes a first resistor R73 as a current limiting resistor for the microcontroller 108, and a second resistor R72 as a voltage pull up resistor, such as a 5V pull up resistor, for the microcontroller 108. R73 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. R72 may have the resistance of about 10K. The sixth sensing circuit 106 also includes a first diode D21 for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. The sixth sensing circuit 106 also includes a second diode D20 for reverse voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108.
Figure 8 illustrates the seventh sensing circuit 107, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses ON and OFF states of the controller switch 117. As aforesaid, the controller switch 117 is manually operable by a user to activate the “automatic start/stop” functionality” within the vehicle. The seventh sensing circuit 107 acts as an interface between the controller switch 117 and the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. As shown, the seventh sensing circuit 107 includes a capacitor C46 used as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. C46 may have the capacitance of about 100 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a plurality of capacitors C31 and C32 for filtering noise at the input of the seventh sensing circuit 107. C31 may have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V, while C32 may also have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a first set of resistors R58 and R59 as current limiting resistors for the microcontroller 108. R58 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. R59 may also have the resistance of about 4.7K. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a second set of resistors R56 and R57 as a voltage divider at ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. R56 may have the resistance of about 11.8K. R57 may have the resistance of about 1.65K. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a resistor R55 to change voltage at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108 when the controller switch 117 is closed. R55 may have the resistance of about 750 ohms. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a diode D14 for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108.
If the controller switch 117 is in the OFF state, then voltage divided by the resistors R56 and R57 applies to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. However, if the controller switch 117 is in the ON state, then voltage divided by the resistors R55/R56 and R57 applies to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108.
Figure 9 illustrates an eighth sensing circuit 127, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which senses ON and OFF states of the throttle switch 128. The eighth sensing circuit 127 acts as an interface between the throttle switch 128 and the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. As shown, the eighth sensing circuit 127 includes a capacitor C47 used as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. C47 may have the capacitance of about 100 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The eighth sensing circuit 127 also includes a plurality of capacitors C29 and C30 for filtering noise at the input of the eighth sensing circuit 127. C29 may have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V, while C30 may also have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The eighth sensing circuit 127 also includes a first set of resistors R53 and R54 as current limiting resistors for the microcontroller 108. R53 and R54 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. The eighth sensing circuit 127 also includes a second set of resistors R51 and R52 as a voltage divider at ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. R51 may have the resistance of about 11.8 K. R52 may have the resistance of about 1.65 K. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a resistor R50 to change voltage at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108, when the controller switch 117 is closed. R50 may have the resistance of about 750 ohms. The seventh sensing circuit 107 also includes a diode D13 for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. If the throttle switch 128 is in the OFF state, then voltage divided by the resistors R51 and R52 applies to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108. However, if the throttle switch 128 is in the ON state, then voltage divided by the resistors R50/R51 and R52 applies to the ADC pin of the microcontroller 108.
Figure 10 illustrates the microcontroller 108 and associated circuit components, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one implementation, the microcontroller 108 is a 16-bit microcontroller that performs the automatic start-stop functionality in a vehicle by causing spark-generation through the ignition coil 118 and further schedules the spark-generation at appropriate instants of time that are calculated while the engine is operating. In an example, the time-interval between any two generated sparks at a high RPM of the engine is different from a low RPM. In other words, apart from triggering the spark-generation, the microcontroller 108 also changes an ignition-timing map of the vehicle.
In present implementation, all unused pins of the microcontroller 108 may be configured as output high. Further, the status of the clutch switch 115, the neutral switch 116, and the controller switch 117, the voltage of the battery 112, and the status of the throttle switch 128 is sensed by the ADC pins of the microcontroller 108. Further, battery-less condition in the vehicle and the status of self-switch 113 is sensed as an interrupt by the microcontroller 108. As shown, a combination of a first diode D10, a resistor R42, and a first capacitor C21 may be used for a RESET pin of the microcontroller 108. D10 may be a small signal switching diode having a working voltage of about 100 V. R42 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. C21 may have the capacitance of about 100 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. Further, a second capacitor C23 may be used as a filter for noise signal at a REGC pin of the microcontroller 108. C23 may have the capacitance of about 470 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. Further, a third capacitor C24 may be used as a filter for noise signal and as a voltage stabilizer at a VDD pin of the microcontroller 108. C24 may have the capacitance of about 1 micro farad and a working-voltage of about 25V. Further, a connector J1 is used for microcontroller programming.
Figure 11 illustrates the power supply circuit 121, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which supply regulated power supply, such as 5V regulated power supply, to various circuits and components of the system 100. The power supply circuit 121 receives the output of the overvoltage protection circuit 122 as the input. As shown, the power supply circuit 121 includes a voltage regulator U2 having load dump protection and may be selected as to provide 5V for 6V battery voltage. The power supply circuit 121 further includes a first capacitor C12 that acts as a voltage stabilizer at input terminal of the voltage regulator U2. C12 may be a polarized capacitor, may have the capacitance of about 47 micro farad and may be associated with a working voltage of about 35V. A second capacitor C15 acts as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at the output terminal of the voltage regulator U2. C15 may be polarized capacitor and may have the capacitance of about 22 micro farad and may be associated with a working voltage of about 6.3 V. The power supply circuit 121 further includes a third capacitor C13 and a fourth capacitor C14 for filtering noise signal at the input and output of the voltage regulator U2, respectively. C13 may have the capacitance of about 47 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. C14 may have the capacitance of about 100nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The power supply circuit 121 further includes a resistor R41 for discharging of the second capacitor C15 when there is no voltage at the input terminal of the voltage regulator U2. R41 may have the resistance of about 47K. The power supply circuit 121 further includes a diode D8, which acts as a switching diode, to provide path for reverse current which protects the voltage regulator U2 from damage.
Figure 12 illustrates the overvoltage protection circuit 122, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which protects the system 100 in over-voltage as well as reverse-voltage conditions. The overvoltage protection circuit 122 receives DC input from either the battery 112 or the AC-DC converter 124. In one example, the battery 112 provides the DC input in the range of 6-24V, while the AC-DC converter 124 provides the DC input in the form of pulses of 18-22V peak when the battery 112 is disconnected. As shown, the overvoltage protection circuit 122 includes a SCR, i.e., Silicon-Controlled Rectifier S1, which may be a 12A SCR with low IGT<200µA to conduct below 6V. The overvoltage protection circuit 122 also includes a Zener diode Z1 to generate reference voltage for regulation of input voltage. The overvoltage protection circuit 122 also includes a combination of a capacitor C1 and a resistor R4 for biasing the gate terminal of the SCR S1. R4 may have the resistance of about 3.3K. C1 may have the capacitance of about 15 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The overvoltage protection circuit 122 also includes a resistance R1 as the current limiting resistor for the gate terminal of the SCR S1. R1 may have the resistance of about 3.3K. The overvoltage protection circuit 122 also includes a diode D1, which may be switching diode, for compensating false triggering due to negative voltage, for example, due to reverse battery connection. In case, the battery 112 is connected, the SCR S1 always remains ON and supplies regulated input voltage to the power supply circuit 121. However, in case, the battery 112 is disconnected, the overvoltage protection circuit 122 regulates the pulses received from the AC-DC converter 124 to 16V which is fed as input to the power supply circuit 121. The over-voltage protection circuit 122 further comprises another capacitor C2 for voltage stabilization in battery less condition. C2 may be a polarized capacitor and may have the capacitance of about 820 micro-farad and may be associated with a working voltage of about 35V.
Figure 13 illustrates a DC-DC converter circuit 129 that receives the DC voltage from the DC line 123 through the over voltage protection circuit 122. The DC-DC Converter circuit 129 converts the received DC voltage into high voltage of about 150 -250V. In an implementation, the DC-DC converter includes a transformer such as a MOSFET switching fly back boost converter (Q3) to step up the voltage. Q3 may be an N-channel MOSFET A microcontroller-controlled pulse width modulation (PWM) with variable duty-cycle may be used for MOSFET- switching within the DC-DC converter 129. In addition, voltage-divider network circuit may be used to control the step-up voltage.
As shown, the DC-DC converter circuit 129 comprises a first diode D2, a first plurality of resistors R5,R6,R7,R9, and transistors Q1 & Q2 to convert a received digital pulse width modulation (PWM) signal into a higher-voltage PWM signal. D2 may be a small signal diode, while Q1 and Q2 may be an NPN switching transistor. R5 may have the resistance of about 4.7K. R6 may have the resistance of about 10K. R7 may have the resistance of about 1. 2K. R9 may also have the resistance of about 1.2K. A first zener diode Z2 is used for gate-protection of a MOSFET Q3. A second diode D11 and a second Zener diode Z6 protect the MOSFET Q3 from overvoltage. The diode D11 acts as power–rectifier. A MOSFET driver U1 and a second plurality of resistors R11, R12 drive the MOSFET Q3. R11 may have the resistance of about 30 ohms. R12 may have the resistance of about 100K. A diode D3, a third plurality of resistors R19, R22, R18, a capacitor C4, a third zener-diode Z3, a transistor Q5, and a capacitor C5 control a step up voltage of the converter circuit 129. D3 may also act as a power-rectifier. Q5 may be an NPN transistor. R19 may have the resistance of about 474K. R22 may have the resistance of about 26.7K. R18 may have the resistance of about 10K. C4 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. C5 may have a capacitance of about 66 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 630V. The MOSFET Q3 is connected in series with a primary winding of a step-up transformer T1. T1 is step-up transformer used to boost battery-voltage into a high voltage 150 V to 250 V.
Figure 14 illustrates the first control circuit 109, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which controls the ignition coil 118 for capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) within the vehicle’s engine. The first control circuit 109 acts as a switch between the coil 118 and a charged capacitor driven by the microcontroller 108 to trigger the SCR S2 when required. In addition, the first control circuit 109 also varies the ignition timing map through at-least utilizing the input from the crank signal as sensed by the fourth sensing circuit 104, wherein the outputting of voltage from the DC-DC converter circuit 129 is also triggered by the microcontroller 108 as and when required.
The timing of ignition may be calculated by the microcontroller 108 based on various factors such as the state of the throttle switch 128, crank signal as sensed by the fourth sensing circuit 104 etc. Likewise, the first control circuit 109 or the ignition control circuit 109 may be actuated by the microcontroller 108 to cause spark through the ignition coil 118 based on various factors such as state of the clutch switch 115, the neutral switch 116, the controller switch 117, and the crank signal state as received from the fourth sensing circuit 104.
As shown, the first control circuit 109 comprises a first capacitor C8, a diode D5 and an SCR S2 to cause generation of an alternate-current (AC) arc through the ignition coil 118. D5 may be a power-rectifier. C8 may have a capacitance of about 2.2 micro-farad and may be associated with a working voltage of about 400V. A first resistor R23 prevents occurrence of an electrical shock. R23 may have a resistance of about 1.2M. A transistor Q6, and a plurality of resistors R29, R25, R26 & R28 drive the SCR S2. R29 may have a resistance of about 10K. R25 may have a resistance of 47 ohms. R26 may have a resistance of about 100 ohms. R28 may have a resistance of about 1K. A diode D4 has been provided for rectification & isolation of the electrical-signal that is communicated to the ignition coil 118 by the ignition control circuit 109.
Figure 15 illustrates the second control circuit 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The second control circuit 110 controls the starter relay 119 of the vehicle. Further, the second control circuit 110 acts as a switch between the primary coil of the starter relay 119 and ground. As shown, the second control circuit 110 includes a MOSFET Q13 used as low ON state resistance switch, that is, the MOSFET Q13 may be selected such that it will turn ON for low voltages also, say at VGS < 2.2V. In one implementation, the MOSFET Q13 provides overvoltage and as well as short circuit protection to the second control circuit 110.
As shown, the second control circuit 110 also includes a first capacitor C35 as a filter for noise signal at the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q13. While Q13 may be an N channel power FET, C35 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 250V. The second control circuit 110 also includes a second capacitor C44 as a filter for noise signal at input of the second control circuit 110. C44 may have a capacitance of about 1 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The second control circuit 110 also includes a plurality of resistors R31 and R32 for biasing of the MOSFET Q13. R31 may have a resistance of about 1K. R32 may have a resistance of 10K. The second control circuit 110 also includes a first diode D17 for reverse voltage protection for the primary coil of the starter relay 119. The second control circuit 110 also includes a second diode D16 as a freewheeling diode for the primary coil of the starter relay 119. A third capacitor C36 is provided for filtering noise signal at the gate of the MOSFET Q13, such that said MOSFET Q13 acts as the ON/OFF switch for the starter relay 119. C36 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V.
Figure 16 illustrates the third control circuit 111 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The third control circuit 111 controls the battery status indicator 120 to indicate the battery level (e.g. healthy, low) or a battery-less condition in the vehicle. Further, the third control circuit 111 acts as a switch between the battery status indicator 120 and the ground. As shown, the third control circuit 111 includes a MOSFET Q14 used as low ON state resistance switch, this is, the MOSFET Q14 may be selected such that it will turn ON for low voltages also, say at VGS < 2.2V. In one implementation, the MOSFET Q14 provides overvoltage and as well as short circuit protection to the third control circuit 111.
The third control circuit 111 also includes a first capacitor C38 as a filter for noise signal at the drain terminal of the MOSFET Q14. While Q14 may be an N channel power MOSFET, C38 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 250V.The third control circuit 111 also includes a second capacitor C45 as a filter for noise signal at input of the third control circuit 111. C45 may have a capacitance of about 1 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. The third control circuit 111 also includes a plurality of resistors R70 and R71 for biasing of the MOSFET Q14. R70 may have a resistance of about 1K. R71 may have a resistance of 10K.A third capacitor C37 is provided for filtering noise signal at gate of the MOSFET Q14. C37 may have a capacitance of about 10 nF and may be associated with a working voltage of about 50V. A diode D18 is provided for reverse voltage protection for the battery status indicator 120, wherein such indicator 120 may be an illuminating device such as bulb or LED. The MOSFET Q14 acts as an ON/OFF for the battery status indicator 120.
Figure 17 illustrates a complete circuit for the system 100. As shown, the sensing circuits 101-107, 127 the microcontroller 108, control circuits 109-111, the power supply circuit 121, and the overvoltage protection circuit 122 may be connected with each other with help of couplers and connectors and other connection means.
Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method denotes a sequence of steps as performed by the microcontroller 108 within the system 100 to achieve the automatic start-stop functionality within the vehicle.
At step 1802, one or more control parameter related to various components of the vehicle is sensed by the microcontroller 108. The control parameters as sensed include a voltage of the battery of the vehicle, a battery-less condition in the vehicle, a state of a self-switch 113, a crank signal, a state of a clutch-switch 115, a state of a neutral switch 116, a state of a controller switch 117, and a state of a throttle switch 128.
At step 1804, one or more control parameters as sensed within the step 1802 are processed by the microcontroller 108.
At step 1806, based on processing within the step 1804, one or more controlling circuits 109, 110, 111 are triggered by the microcontroller 108 to actuate the ignition coil 118, vary an ignition timing map of the vehicle, control a starter relay 119 for actuating the engine, and control the battery status indicator 120 that indicates the battery level (healthy, low) or a battery-less condition in the vehicle. The microcontroller 108 causes the ignition based on sensing the throttle switch’ 128 state, the neutral switch’s 116 state, the controller switch’s 117 state, and the vehicle’s revolutions per minute through said crank signal and accordingly triggers the first control circuit 109 for actuating an ignition coil 118. Controlling or variation of the ignition timing map is performed by the microcontroller 108 based on sensing the throttle switch’s 128 state and the vehicle’s revolutions per minute from the crank signal, and accordingly actuating the DC-DC converter 129 to supply a high voltage signal to the first control circuit 109 at a determined points of time.
At least by virtue of aforesaid embodiments, the present subject matter describes a multi-functional system 100 that leads to a substantial control over the vehicle’s engine -operation while the vehicle is being driven, while still switching the engine ON and OFF automatically based on various sensed parameters. Such discreet functionalities as exhibited by the system 100 leads to substantial fuel conservation at least by optimization of the fuel consumption during the driven state of the vehicle and prevention of fuel consumption at unnecessary situations.
Moreover, the system 100 incorporates a simpler arrangement of electronic/electrical components, thereby being durable and easily instantiable within the vehicle’s chassis. Moreover, owing to being multi-functional in nature, the system 100 proves cost-efficient in the long run.
While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims:I/We claim:
1. A system (100) for providing automatic start stop functionality in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a plurality of sensing circuits (104, 105, 106, 127) for sensing a control parameter related to a crank signal, and a state of at least one of a clutch switch (115), a neutral switch (116), and a throttle switch (128);
a microcontroller (108) configured to process the sensed control parameter received from said plurality of sensing circuits (104, 105, 106, 127); and
at least two control circuits (109, 110) receiving control instructions from the microcontroller (108), wherein the control circuits (109, 110) comprise a first control circuit (109) to control an ignition coil (118) and an ignition timing thereof, a second control circuit (110) for controlling a starter relay (119).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensing circuits (101, 102, 103, 107),
wherein the plurality of sensing circuits (101-107, 127) comprises a first sensing circuit (101) for sensing voltage of a battery of the vehicle, a second sensing circuit (102) for sensing a battery-less condition in the vehicle, a third sensing circuit (103) for sensing the state of a self-switch (113), a fourth sensing circuit (104) for sensing the crank signal, a fifth sensing circuit (105) for sensing the state of the clutch switch (115), a sixth sensing circuit (106) for sensing the state of the neutral switch (116), a seventh sensing circuit (107) for sensing a state of a controller switch (117), and an eighth sensing circuit (127) for sensing the state of the throttle switch (128), and
wherein said microcontroller (108) is configured to process the sensed control parameter received from each of the said plurality of sensing circuits (101-107, 127).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, further comprising a third control circuit (111) to control a battery status indicator (120) based on the control instructions received from the microcontroller (108).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of control circuits (109-111) is based on MOSFETs (Q13, Q14, Q6).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, further comprising:
a power supply circuit (121) connected to a DC line (123) through an overvoltage protection circuit (122), wherein the DC line (123) receives DC input from the battery (112) or an AC-DC converter (124) of the vehicle, and wherein the AC-DC converter (124) converts AC input received from an AC generator (114) of the vehicle into the DC input.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first sensing circuit (101) senses an output voltage of the overvoltage protection circuit (122), and wherein the second sensing circuit (102) is directly connected to the DC line (123).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the self-switch (113) is connected to the DC line (123).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit (122) comprises a SCR (S1), a Zener diode (Z1) to generate reference voltage for regulation of input voltage, a combination of a first capacitor (C1) and a resistor (R4) for biasing a gate terminal of the SCR (S1), a plurality of resistors (R1) as current limiting resistor for the gate terminal of the SCR (S1), a diode (D1) for compensating false triggering due to negative voltage in case of reverse battery connection, and a second capacitor (C2) for voltage stabilization in battery less condition.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power supply circuit (121) is used to provide a 5 volt signal to the system (100), and wherein the power supply circuit (121) comprises a voltage regulator (U2) having load dump protection, a first capacitor (C12) as a voltage stabilizer at input terminal of the voltage regulator (U2), a second capacitor (C15) as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at the output terminal of the voltage regulator (U2), a third capacitor (C13) for filtering noise at the input terminal of the voltage regulator (U2), a fourth capacitor (C14) for filtering noise at the output terminal of the voltage regulator (U2), a resistor (R41) for discharging the second capacitor (C15) when there is no voltage at the input terminal of the voltage regulator (U2), and a diode (D8) to provide path for reverse current which protects the voltage regulator (U1) from damage.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a DC to DC converter circuit (129) to transform a battery voltage into a higher-voltage for providing to the first control circuit (109) at least based on a trigger received from the microcontroller (108), wherein said converter circuit (129) comprises:
a first diode (D2), a first plurality of resistors (R5,R6,R7,R9), and at least one transistor (Q1 & Q2) to convert a received digital pulse width modulation (PWM) signal into a higher-voltage PWM signal;
a first zener diode (Z2) for gate-protection of a MOSFET (Q3);
a second diode (D11) and a second Zener diode (Z6) to protect the MOSFET (Q3);
a MOSFET driver (U1) and a second plurality of resistors (R11,R12) for driving the MOSFET (Q3);
a diode (D3), a third plurality of resistors (R19,R22, R18), a capacitor (C4), a third zener-diode (Z3), a transistor (Q5), and capacitor (C5) to control a step up voltage of the converter circuit (129),
wherein the MOSFET (Q3) is connected in series with a primary winding of a step-up transformer (T1), T1 being a step transformer used to boost battery voltage in to high voltage of about 150 to 250 V.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first sensing circuit (101) comprises a combination of resistors (R64, R65) as a voltage divider for converting battery voltage to a pre-defined value, a Zener diode (Z9) for clamping sensed battery voltage, and a capacitor (C43) as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108).
12 The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second sensing circuit (102) comprises a first diode (D7) for reverse voltage protection, a transistor (Q12) as a digital switch to generate interrupts for the microcontroller (108), a combination of a Zener diode (Z7) and a second diode (D15) to clamp voltage for the transistor (Q12), a plurality of resistors (R21, R62, R63, R74, and R75) as current limiting and biasing resistors for the transistor (Q12), and a plurality of capacitors (C33, C39) for filtering noise signal at base and collector terminals of the transistor (Q12).
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third sensing circuit (103) comprises a diode (D9) for reverse voltage protection to the third sensing circuit (103), a resistor (R67) and a Zener diode (Z8) to protect false triggering of the third sensing circuit (103), a transistor (Q4) used as a switch to generate interrupt signal for the microcontroller (108), a plurality of resistors (R68, R30, and R76) as biasing resistors for the transistor (Q4), and a plurality of capacitors (C34, C40) for filtering noise signal.
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fourth sensing circuit (104) comprises a capacitor (C16) as a filter to provide protection against ignition noise, at least one transistor (Q10 and Q11) used as a switch to generate interrupt signal for the microcontroller (108), a plurality of resistors (R35, R37, R39, R44, R47, R46, R45) as biasing resistors for said transistors (Q10 and Q11), a plurality of capacitors (C18, C20, C25, C26) for filtering noise signal at base and collector terminals of said transistors (Q10 and Q11), and a plurality of Zener diodes (Z4 and Z5) to clamp voltage across biasing circuit of said transistors (Q10 and Q11).
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fifth sensing circuit (105) comprises a capacitor (C42) as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a first resistor (R34) as a current limiting resistor for the microcontroller (108), a second resistor (R33) as a voltage pull up resistor for the microcontroller (108), a first diode (D19 as over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), and a second diode (D12) for reverse voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108).
16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sixth sensing circuit (106) comprises a capacitor (C41) as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a first resistor (R73) as a current limiting resistor for the microcontroller (108), a second resistor (R72) as a voltage pull up resistor for the microcontroller (108), a first diode (D21) as over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), and a second diode (D20) for reverse voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108).
17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seventh sensing circuit (107) comprises a capacitor (C46) used as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a plurality of capacitors (C31, C32) for filtering noise at the input of the seventh sensing circuit (107), a first set of resistors (R58 and R59) as current limiting resistors for the microcontroller (108), a second set of resistors (R56, R57) as a voltage divider at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a resistor (R55) to change voltage at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108) when the controller switch (117) is closed, and a diode (D14) for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108).
18. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the eighth sensing circuit (127) comprises a capacitor (C47) used as a filter and as a voltage stabilizer at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a plurality of capacitors (C29, C30) for filtering noise from the eighth sensing circuit (127), a first set of resistors (R53 and R54) as current limiting resistors for the microcontroller (108), a second set of resistors (R51, R52) as a voltage divider at ADC pin of the microcontroller (108), a resistor (R50) to change voltage at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108) when the controller switch (117) is closed, and a diode (D13) for over and under voltage protection at the ADC pin of the microcontroller (108).
19. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first control circuit (109) is actuated by at least one of the microcontroller (108) and the converter circuit (129) to cause spark generation through an ignition coil (118), said first control circuit (109) comprising:
a first capacitor (C8), a diode (D5) and an SCR (S2) to cause generation of an alternate-current (AC) arc;
a resistor (R23) to prevent occurrence of an electrical shock;
a transistor (Q6) and a plurality of resistors (R29, R25, R26 & R28) to drive said SCR (S2); and
a diode (D4) for rectification & isolation of the generated electrical signal.

20. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second control circuit (110) comprises a MOSFET (Q13) as an ON/OFF switch for the starter relay (119), a first capacitor (C35) as a filter for noise signal at a drain terminal of the MOSFET (Q13), a second capacitor (C44) as a filter for noise signal at input of the second control circuit (110), a plurality of resistors (R31, R32) for biasing of the MOSFET (Q13), a first diode (D17) for reverse voltage protection for primary coil of the starter relay (119), and a second diode (D16) as a freewheeling diode for primary coil of the starter relay (119), and a third capacitor (C36) for filtering noise signal at the gate of the MOSFET (Q13).
21. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third control circuit (111) comprises:
a MOSFET (Q14) acting as an ON/OFF switch for the battery status indicator (120);
a first capacitor (C38) as a filter for noise signal at a drain terminal of the MOSFET (Q14);
a second capacitor (C45) as a filter for noise signal at input of the third control circuit (111);
a plurality of resistors (R70, R71) for biasing of the MOSFET (Q14);
a third capacitor (C37) for filtering noise signal at gate of the MOSFET (Q14); and
a diode (D18) for reverse voltage protection for the battery status indicator 120 provided at the output of the third control circuit (111).
22. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) is a 16-bit microcontroller, wherein a combination of a first diode (D10), a resistor (R42), and a first capacitor (C21) is used for RESET pin of the microcontroller (108), wherein a second capacitor (C23) is used as a filter for noise signal at a REGC pin of the microcontroller (108), wherein a third capacitor (C24) may be used as a filter for noise signal and as a voltage stabilizer at a VDD pin of the microcontroller (108), and wherein a connector (J1) is used for microcontroller programming.
23. A method for providing automatic start stop functionality in a vehicle, the method comprising:
sensing a control parameter as at least one of a crank signal, a state of a clutch switch (115), a state of a neutral switch (116), and a state of a throttle switch (128);
processing the said at least one sensed control parameter; and
based on said processing, controlling at least one of a ignition coil (118), an ignition timing of the vehicle, and a starter relay (119) for actuating the engine.,
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, further comprises:
sensing another control parameter as at least one of a voltage of a battery of the vehicle, a battery-less condition in the vehicle, and a state of a controller switch (117);
processing said at least one another control parameter;
based on said processing of said at least one other control parameter, controlling at least one of said ignition coil (118), said ignition timing of the vehicle, said starter relay (119), and a battery status indicator (120).
25. The method as claimed in claim 23, further comprises:
receiving a DC input from a battery (112) or an AC-DC converter (124) as power supply, wherein an AC input received from an AC generator (114) of the vehicle is converted into the DC input.
26. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein controlling the ignition timing comprises:
sensing at least one of said throttle switch’s (128) state and the vehicle’s revolutions per minute through said crank signal; and
triggering a DC –DC converter (129) for transforming a battery voltage into a higher-voltage for providing to the first control circuit (109).
27. The method as claimed in claims 23 and 24, wherein controlling said ignition coil (118) comprises:
sensing at least one of said throttle switch’ (128) state, said neutral switch’ (116) state, said controller switch’s (117) state and the vehicle’s revolutions per minute through said crank signal; and
triggering the first control circuit (109) for causing a spark ignition by actuating the ignition coil (118).