Electronic Fault Monitoring and Diagnosis in Air Bag Systems

A very high level of confidence must be maintained at all times that the air bag passive restraint system and each of its components are in proper operating condition to function as required when called upon to do so. Electronic circuitry which continuously performs non-destructive testing is used to monitor the system components, connectors, and wiring integrity. This fail-safe circuitry, which incorporates self-check features, causes a fault indicator to become illuminated should a fault exist in any part of the air bag system. A fault analyzer, which pinpoints the exact location and nature of a fault, is available for system servicing and/or system final assembly verification.