Abstract: A method and control system to accomplish knock control on a multi-cylinder spark-ignition internal combustion engine equipped variable cam phasing system, comprising monitoring cam position, crankshaft position, and, engine knock signal, determining cam position relative to crankshaft position, and implementing either a global cylinder knock control strategy or an individual cylinder knock control strategy, based upon whether the determined cam position relative to crankshaft position is near a default position, the determined cam position indicates the variable cam phasing system is operating in a transient mode, or, the determined cam position relative to crankshaft position is substantially different from the default position.

Abstract: A crankshaft angular position detecting apparatus for detecting the angular position of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The crankshaft drives a timing wheel which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots located along its outer periphery. Two angularly spaced sensors are located adjacent the slots. The sensors develop voltage pulses as the slots move past the sensors. Two phase-displaced pulse trains are developed, one by each sensor, as the wheel rotates. The pattern of slots and the angular spacing of the sensors is such that a varying number of pulses of one pulse train occurs between consecutively occurring pulses of the other pulse train. The varying number of pulses provide different patterns and each pattern is indicative of a crankshaft position. The timing wheel is secured to the engine crankshaft and is located inside of the engine.

Abstract: An LPP ignition timing control for an internal combustion engine of the type having a normal combustion mode characterized by combustion pressure peaks compatible with closed loop LPP ignition timing control and an abnormal combustion mode which may not be so compatible includes a closed loop control apparatus effective to sense LPP in the combustion chamber, generate an LPP value therefrom, store a DLPP value indicative of a desired LPP, and compare the LPP value and stored DLPP value and adjust ignition timing to reduce the difference therebetween. During a sensed abnormal combustion mode, the control changes the ignition timings for ignition events toward predetermined, stored ignition timings and substitutes for the stored DLPP value temporary DLPP values which are a predetermined crankshaft angle in advance of the generated LPP values and limited in the retard direction to the stored DLPP value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a spark timing control which varies spark timing to maintain a substantially constant peak combustion pressure timing includes a combustion pressure sensor generating a signal contaminated by high frequency noise and further apparatus which tracks the sensor signal only while it is increasing above a previous maximum and generates an output signal whenever it stops tracking to indicate the timing of a new maximum. Numbers representing the crankshaft rotational positions of the successive signals are stored in a storage element during a crankshaft rotational range in which peak combustion pressure is expected. At the end of the range, the last stored number is used to represent the timing of peak combustion pressure in the spark timing control and the apparatus reset for the next determination.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system having a charge mode of operation wherein the motor vehicle battery receives charging current at a temperature compensated voltage from an engine-driven generator, and a float mode operation wherein the battery charging current is reduced to a low value, sufficient only to prevent self-discharge of the battery. The charge and float modes of operation are alternately engaged as a function of the battery state of charge. During the charge mode of operation, a sufficiently high state of charge is detected as a function of the magnitude of the charging current, and during the float mode of operation, a depleted state of charge is detected as a function of the battery voltage. A timer provides a periodic return to the charge mode of operation to sample the battery state of charge.