Abstract: A method for generating a simulated sensor signal pattern for a marking gap of a signal-generating disk which is coupled with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the signal-generating disk having a marking by the alternating positioning of teeth and tooth interstices, and the marking gap being formed by an enlarged tooth interstice or an enlarged tooth, and at least one sensor being assigned to the signal-generating disk, the sensor in each case being able to generate an electrical signal that is able to assume at least two signal levels (high, low), one of the signal levels (high, low) being assigned to a tooth and the other to a tooth interstice, and a simulated sensor signal pattern being approximated for the marking gap from the signal pattern of the signal generated by the sensor, wherein the signal pattern lying before the marking gap in time is used for the approximation.

Abstract: Driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system The present invention relates to a driving circuit for an ignition element of a passenger protection system which has the following features: at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S) and at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) with a control connection (G) and a first and second load connection (D, S), at least one first and one second connection terminal (K2, K3; K21, K22, K31, K32) for connecting a load in series with the at least one first and at least one second semiconductor component the at least one first semiconductor component (HS; HS1, HS2) being integrated in at least one first semiconductor chip (IC1; IC11, IC12) and the at least one second semiconductor component (LS; LS1, LS2) being integrated in a second semiconductor chip (IC2) which are accommodated in a common package (PA) from which the at least one first

Abstract: An auxiliary device for sparkplug ignition is provided having a case, and provided therein, electrolytic capacitors connected in parallel between ground terminals and positive terminals of the primary coils of the ignition coils, which are connected to sparkplugs in a direct ignition system. Diodes, which are connected in parallel, are provided in the reverse direction, between the ground terminals and the positive terminals on the primary coils. The case is fitted with a connector that connects to a dedicated harness. The back electromotive force generated in the primary side coils L1 to L4 of the ignition coils of each sparkplug is absorbed, so as to adjust the primary side current, allowing for generation of stabilized high voltage on the secondary coil side, and producing highly efficient sparkplug ignition.

Abstract: An engine control device controls an engine of a motor vehicle. The engine control device predefines an admissible engine torque on the basis of a torque envelope curve in dependence on an accelerator pedal position and an engine speed. The engine control device is connected to a diagnostic device. An intervention variable, that represents an engine torque and/or an engine speed and on the basis of which the engine can be actuated for test/diagnostic purposes, can be predefined for the engine control device by the diagnostic device. When at least one test criterion is fulfilled in the engine control device and/or the diagnostic device, the torque envelope curve of the engine control device can be widened or bypassed for test/diagnostic purposes in such a way that given an unactivated accelerator pedal for a defined engine torque at the request of the diagnostic device a larger engine torque is admissible.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the position of an actuating element has at least one position sensor to detect the position at a drive connection, a circuitry connected to the position sensor, and configured to receive signals from the position sensor, a voltage- and signal-carrying line connecting the circuitry and the position sensor, at least one current measuring device connected in the circuitry to the voltage- and signal-carrying line, and an operating voltage source arranged in a circuit formed by the voltage- and signal-carrying line, the at least one position sensor and the at least one current measuring device. A change in current is transmitted, via the voltage- and signal-carrying line via the signals from the at least one position sensor as a function of the position of the actuating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ignition coil tester having a control module and an output electronics for testing the functioning of rod-type ignition coils, which is connectible to a diagnostic tester, the rod-type ignition coil having a primary winding and a secondary winding for generating the ignition voltage as well as a field guide plate, a plug connector and a secondary output. To be able to perform a component test on a rod-type ignition coil uninstalled from an internal combustion engine, the present invention provides for the ignition coil tester to have a housing and a spark plug dome for receiving the rod-type ignition coil, the dimensions and shape of which essentially correspond to those of a spark plug dome in an internal combustion engine and/or are adjustable to the dimensions of the latter.

Abstract: A device for triggering ignition circuits is provided, a coupling being provided between a positive output stage and negative output stage of different pairs. Each positive and each negative output stage is assigned a diagnostic unit and a drive circuit.

Abstract: There are disclosed a resin composition comprising (A) a heat-resistant resin soluble in a solvent at room temperature, (B) a heat-resistant resin which is insoluble in a solvent at room temperature but becomes soluble by heating, and (C) a solvent; a heat-resistant resin paste further containing (D) particles or liquid state material D showing rubber elasticity; and a semiconductor device using the same and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a hand-held “off-board” device, such as a scan tool or code reader, having a test circuit in the same housing that tests the condition of a starter charging system. Such a tester of the present invention allows a user to purchase and maintain a single device that can perform the desired diagnostic tests that are currently being performed by the separate devices.

Abstract: An ionic current detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine does not generate a false ionic current, and hence it does not generate a false knock component signal either, thereby avoiding an incorrect combustion determination or an incorrect knock determination. The apparatus detects an ionic current generated in spark plugs connected with secondary sides of a plurality of ignition coils, respectively, each of which generates a high ignition voltage immediately after firing of a corresponding combustion chamber. The ignition coils are arranged in such a manner that at least the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another. In addition, the ignition coils are fixed by a fixture, which has arrangement positions for the ignition coils predetermined according to the mounting directions thereof, in such a manner that the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another, the ignition coils being installed on the engine through the fixture.

Abstract: Driver circuit (1) for actuating an electrical device via a control line (3) and for diagnosing the state of the control line (3) and/or of the actuated device, having a test circuit (Q1-Q6, R1-R6), connected to the control line (3), for measuring the electrical output current flowing via the control line (3), and an evaluation unit (5-8), connected to the test circuit, for generating a diagnostic signal (DIAG) on the basis of the measured output current, the test circuit having at least one current mirror circuit (Q1, Q2; Q4-Q5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that can accurately display the data from an ignition event. Data from a secondary waveform of the ignition event is collected and stored. The same data can be averaged and sent to a display buffer. A portion of the previously stored data can be retrieved and replace the peak portion of the waveform that has been averaged, thereby displaying a more accurate peak data.

Abstract: A highly flexible current detection circuit for an A/F sensor, that can readily provide for a change to an A/F sensor having a difference characteristic. The A/F sensor current detection circuit of the invention comprises: an operational amplifier for generating a voltage to be applied to the A/F sensor; a current-measuring first resistor connected between the operational amplifier and the A/F sensor; voltage-dividing second and third resistors connected in series with each other with one end thereof connected between the operational amplifier and the first resistor; a first output terminal provided between the operational amplifier and the first resistor; a second output terminal provided between the first resistor and the A/F sensor; and a third output terminal provided between the voltage-dividing second and third resistors. When measuring the sensor element admittance with this circuit, the third output terminal is used in place of the first output terminal.

Abstract: An ignition coil durability testing apparatus and method utilizing an electronic spark timing circuit, a plurality of SCRs, a plurality of LEDs, and a voltage detection circuit. The electronic spark timing circuit activates an ignition switching transistor which applies a time varying voltage to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The plurality of SCRs are connected in series. A sustaining voltage device in the form of a spark gap or zener box is connected in series with the plurality of SCRs. The secondary winding of the ignition coil is connected to one end of the spark gap or an input of the zener box and to one input of a comparator through a voltage divider and a voltage reference is also connected to the other input of the comparator. When the output voltage of the secondary winding exceeds a preset breakdown voltage, the comparator turns on the plurality of LEDs which activate the plurality of SCRs.

Abstract: A driver circuit is described for an ion measuring device associated with a cylinder of a diesel engine for the measurement of the conductivity of the combustion gas present in the cylinder, wherein a negative voltage can be applied by said driver circuit to a glow plug serving as a sensor and associated with the cylinder for a respective ion measurement. The negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor which is correspondingly charged each time the glow plug is switched off via the magnetic energy stored in the internal inductance of the glow plug.

Abstract: An ionic current detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine does not generate a false ionic current, and hence it does not generate a false knock component signal either, thereby avoiding an incorrect combustion determination or an incorrect knock determination. The apparatus detects an ionic current generated in spark plugs connected with secondary sides of a plurality of ignition coils, respectively, each of which generates a high ignition voltage immediately after firing of a corresponding combustion chamber. The ignition coils are arranged in such a manner that at least the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another. In addition, the ignition coils are fixed by a fixture, which has arrangement positions for the ignition coils predetermined according to the mounting directions thereof, in such a manner that the directions of adjacent ignition coils do not coincide with one another, the ignition coils being installed on the engine through the fixture.

Abstract: In a method and system, the condition of a valve drive, particularly of valve clearance, and the position of at least one valve opening cam of a cam shaft of an internal combustion engine are recorded from processing signals which are generated by at least one impact sound sensor such as an electronic spark sensor. Preferably, at least one characteristic signal sequence is identified from signals generated by the impact sound sensor. The sequence occurs at a particular time during a cycle of the internal combustion engine, and is compared to a stored reference signal. As a result, the condition of a valve drive, e.g. the valve clearance, and/or the position of at least one valve opening cam of the cam shaft can be deduced.

Abstract: An alternator testing method and system that provides high resolution signals and stable loads during alternator tests. The method couples a load to the alternator, and evaluates the operation of the alternator based on parameters collected only after the load has been coupled to the alternator for a first predetermined period of time. The method may further include a step of detecting the speed of the alternator or motor driving the alternator. In one embodiment, the load is applied to the alternator only after motor speed or alternator speed reaches a predetermined level. The load may be automatically decoupled from the alternator after the load has been coupled to the alternator for a second predetermined period of time.

Abstract: When operating area detecting device detects an operating area that has a predetermined rotation number of below, flame-cut determination selecting circuitry determines the flame-cut on the basis of the logical product between a detection result of first flame-cut detecting device and a detection result of second flame-cut detecting circuitry.

Abstract: An alternator testing system is disclosed that includes a current source, a motor, and a drive belt. The drive belt couples the motor to an alternator, which operates outside of a motor vehicle, and the current source and the motor enable diodes of the alternator to output a current that is not limited by input power to the motor. Accordingly, defective diodes may be detected.

Abstract: A programmable electronic ignition system is provided including a hand-held programmer, or in the alternative a computer, for controlling engine control parameters including revolutions per minutes limiters, ignition timing retards, gear shift controls and revolutions per minute switching. The hand-held programmer or computer provides a menu driven interface which directs the user through the engine control parameters using easy to recognize terms. The programmable electronic ignition system can employ a cylinder location sensor to identify a predetermined cylinder for controlling individual cylinder ignition timing retards.

Abstract: The data holding device includes a switch adapted to be turned on and off in accordance with a state of the engine, a control element in the form of a CPU for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the engine based on a state of the switch, a data storage element in the form of an EEPROM for storing recognized data corresponding to the presence or absence of abnormality, an external power supply for supplying a power supply voltage to the CPU, and a voltage holding circuit for holding the power supply voltage at a prescribed value. When abnormality is found in the engine, plural pieces of recognized data indicative of abnormality are stored into the EEPROM, and the engine state is determined based on groups of recognized data stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: An ignition coil durability testing apparatus and method utilizing an electronic spark timing circuit, a plurality of SCRs, a plurality of LEDs, and a voltage detection circuit. The electronic spark timing circuit activates an ignition switching transistor which applies a time varying voltage to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The plurality of SCRs are connected in series. A sustaining voltage device in the form of a spark gap or zener box is connected in series with the plurality of SCRs. The secondary winding of the ignition coil is connected to one end of the spark gap or an input of the zener box and to one input of a comparator through a voltage divider and a voltage reference is also connected to the other input of the comparator. When the output voltage of the secondary winding exceeds a preset breakdown voltage, the comparator turns on the plurality of LEDs which activate the plurality of SCRs.

Abstract: A tool for determining the continuity of an electrical circuit for an internal combustion engine includes a single body member with male connectors projecting from the opposite ends and a lead wire having a 90° connection boot at one end and an inline connection boot at the opposite end is useful for attachment to the heads of spark plugs regardless of their orientation in an engine block.

Abstract: An ignition timing device for timing an engine having a timing port and a timing mark indicative of a position of a movable member. The ignition timing device includes a sensor adapted to be secured in the timing port to provide a timing mark signal indicative of presence of the timing mark. Also, an ignition sensor is adapted to provide an ignition signal indicative of the occurrence of an ignition spark. A filter receives the ignition signal and provides a filtered ignition signal. The filter filters ignition sparks of compression strokes from ignition sparks of compression and exhaust strokes of a selected cylinder to provide the filtered ignition signal. Also, the delay element is provided that receives the filtered ignition signal and provides a delayed signal having a selected delay from the filtered ignition signal. A comparator receives the timing mark signal and the delayed signal.

Abstract: A tool for determining the continuity of an electrical circuit for an internal combustion engine includes a single body member with male connectors projecting from the opposite ends and a lead wire having a 90° connection boot at one end and an inline connection boot at the opposite end is useful for attachment to the heads of spark plugs regardless of their orientation in an engine block.

Abstract: A motorcycle including a two-cylinder engine. The engine includes a housing, first and second cylinders having first and second combustion chambers, respectively, and first and second pistons reciprocating in the first and second chambers, respectively. The motorcycle further includes a spark generating circuit including a spark plug having a spark gap exposed to the first combustion chamber, an ion sensing circuit including the spark plug and being operable to generate an ion signal indicative of an ion current generated across the spark gap, and an analysis module coupled to the ion signal circuit. The analysis module is operable to receive the ion signal and to analyze the ion signal to determine whether a no-combustion event occurs in the first cylinder. The analysis module may be further operable to determine if the spark generating circuit has an intermittent connection.

Abstract: The data holding device includes a switch adapted to be turned on and off in accordance with a state of the engine, a control element in the form of a CPU for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the engine based on a state of the switch, a data storage element in the form of an EEPROM for storing recognized data corresponding to the presence or absence of abnormality, an external power supply for supplying a power supply voltage to the CPU, and a voltage holding circuit for holding the power supply voltage at a prescribed value. When abnormality is found in the engine, plural pieces of recognized data indicative of abnormality are stored into the EEPROM, and the engine state is determined based on groups of recognized data stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for distinguishing between compression and exhaust strokes of a four-cycle engine is provided. A first ionization time of a spark plug for a known cylinder is measured on a first engine stoke. A second ionization time of the spark plug is measured on a second engine stroke. The second ionization time is compared to the first ionization time. It is determined that the engine stroke with the greater ionization time is a compression stroke.

Abstract: A motor test fixture for connection to motor terminal lugs. The fixture includes a housing including a plurality of external apertures positioned and formed to enclose the motor terminal lugs; an aperture in the housing; a chamber within the housing having a first end open to the aperture; and a slide bar moveably located in the chamber and moveable between at least a first position and a second position. The fixture also includes a plurality of plates moveably mounted in the housing to move between a motor lug engagement position and a motor lug disengagement position; and a plurality of plate motivators. Each plate motivator is arranged on the slide bar to engage a respective one of the plates and, when the slide bar is in the first position, to motivate the respective plate to the lug disengagement position and, when the bar is in the second position, to motivate the respective plate to the lug engagement position. The motor test fixture also preferably includes a polarity bar.

Abstract: An improved hand held starting/charging system tester. According to one aspect of the present invention, the portable handheld tester includes a connector to which various test cables can be removably connected to the tester. Detection circuitry within the tester determines which of several types of test cable is connected to the tester before testing. According to another aspect of the present invention, the portable handheld tester includes an improved user interface that permits a user to review test data from previously performed tests and further permits a user to either skip a previously performed test (thereby retaining the previously collected data for that test) or re-do the test (thereby collecting new data for that test). According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the portable handheld tester that performs a more complete set of tests of the starting/charging system.

Abstract: When operating area detecting means detects an operating area that has a predetermined rotation number of below, flame-cut determination selecting means determines the flame-cut on the basis of the logical product between a detection result of first flame-cut detecting means and a detection result of second flame-cut detecting means.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining engine diagnostic and prognostic information utilizing current, time and crank position data obtained from the starter motor during the starting of an engine and represented as a starter motor current waveform. The time domain waveform is transformed to the spatial domain. Thereafter, the spatial waveform is deconvolved into its constituent components using known digital signal processing, such as Fourier Transformations, and along with derived engine parameters provide engine status and diagnostic information. Weibull techniques may be used to further process the engine status and diagnostic information to improve accuracy.

Abstract: Ionic current measurement glow plug with electrical terminal for the glow current of a heating element which is located on the combustion space side in a glow tube, the glow tube being located in a plug housing, insulated relative to the latter, and the plug housing being electrically connected to the engine block (ground), in the terminal-side area of the plug a diode (15) being integrated or modularly located between the glow plug body (4) and the series circuit consisting of a glow tube and a heating element.

Abstract: A method of determining the temperature of a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine includes the steps of supplying current to the fuel injector on engine startup, measuring the supplied current and voltage to the fuel injector, calculating the resistance of the fuel injector based on the measured current and voltage, and determining the temperature of the fuel injector based on the calculated resistance.

Abstract: A cylinder identifying apparatus comprising a crank angle sensor 20 detecting a crank angle of a combustion engine 14 having a plurality of cylinders, a cylinder identifying means 31 identifying a cylinder to be controlled by an output signal from the crank angle sensor 20, a cranking judging means 34 detecting a cranking state of the combustion engine 14, and an erroneous cylinder identification preventing means 32 detecting starting of cranking of the combustion engine 14 by an output from the cranking judging means, and circumventing the cylinder identification by the cylinder identifying means 31 until a predetermined time passes after starting the cranking, whereby the cylinder to be controlled is securely identified at time of cranking, and erroneous detection, erroneous control, and detection delay are prevented.

Abstract: A method of determining the temperature of a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine includes the steps of supplying current to the fuel injector on engine startup, measuring the supplied current and voltage to the fuel injector, calculating the resistance of the fuel injector based on the measured current and voltage, and determining the temperature of the fuel injector based on the calculated resistance.

Abstract: An ignition timing device for timing an engine having a timing port includes a sensor securable in the timing port to provide a timing mark signal. An ignition sensor is adapted to provide an ignition signal. A comparator receives the timing mark signal and the ignition signal. The comparator provides an output signal indicative of substantial simultaneous occurrence of timing mark signal and the ignition signal. An indicator receives the output signal and is operable as a function thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing spark plugs and ignition coils. An apparatus includes a power supply for supplying power to an ignition coil to generate a spark across a spark plug. A capture circuit captures an energy signal reflected from the ignition coil in response to the spark. A comparator circuit compares the captured energy signal to a predetermined signal. A method includes the steps of supplying power to an ignition coil to generate a spark across a spark plug, capturing an energy signal reflected from the ignition coil in response to the spark and comparing the captured energy signal to a predetermined signal. The predetermined signal represents one of a distinct group of reflected energy signals which indicate various defects in the coil or plug. Preferably, a match between the captured energy signal and the predetermined signal is used to indicate to the user a defective coil or plug.

Abstract: A switch monitoring system for measuring closure time of a switch in a vehicle when the vehicle ignition switch is off. The switch monitoring system includes an application specific integrated circuit, a low powered stand-by voltage source, and external interface circuitry connected to the switch, The switch monitoring system uses very little current to operate the time base and switches off completely after switch closure has been captured, thus preventing excessive battery drain. The microprocessor software can obtain the time to closure at the next vehicle power-up sequence.

Abstract: In an ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine, since a current caused to flow by an induced voltage generated at both ends of a secondary winding L2 when starting conduction to a primary winding L1 is checked from the conduction by diode for prevention of a reverse current 31, a spark discharge is not generated between the electrodes 13a-13b of the spark plug 13 when starting the conduction to a primary winding L1. After ending the spark discharge, the ionized current is generated between the electrodes of the spark plug by impressing the induced voltage (the ionized current generating voltage) created at both ends of the air-fuel mixture by a residual energy of the ignition coil 15.

Abstract: A method for detecting misfire in an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of measuring instantaneous angular velocity of the engine crankshaft during combustion in the combustion chamber of a piston and cylinder assembly, determining if combustion has occurred using crankshaft acceleration data, measuring engine block combustion energy vibrations by means of an accelerometer, determining whether combustion has occurred using the accelerometer data, identifying the cylinder where the acceleration data originates, comparing the results of the crankshaft acceleration information with the accelerometer information to detect whether each set of data detects misfire, decreasing the threshold for detecting a misfire using accelerometer data if a misfire is detected only by the crankshaft acceleration data whereby a reliable misfire signal can be obtained during those instances when the crankshaft acceleration data is unreliable and increasing the threshold for the accelerometer when the crankshaft acceler

Abstract: A compression sense ignition system includes a sensing capacitor having a conductive sensing element disposed in proximity to the secondary winding leads of a first and a second ignition coil for developing a compression sense ignition signal. Epoxy potting material encapsulates the leads and the sensing element to reduce variation of the effective capacitance of the sensing capacitor. The compression sense ignition signal is processed to generate a cylinder identification signal which is used to determine absolute engine position. A fault mode detection and correction scheme is implemented wherein a controller responsive to the cylinder identification signal can determine correct absolute engine position notwithstanding the occurrence of one or more engine or ignition system faults which may impair the cylinder identification signal.

Abstract: A combustion state detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine which can ensure adequate thermal insulation between a transformer and a bias circuit and which can be manufactured in a miniaturized structure.

Abstract: A failure of a detecting circuit such as an ion current detecting circuit for detecting a combustion condition of an engine can be diagnosed at a stage for detecting a combustion condition by a combustion condition detecting apparatus equipped with a malfunction diagnosing apparatus. The engine combustion condition detecting apparatus equipped with the malfunction diagnosing apparatus is arranged by a sensing circuit for sensing an ion current flowing through a combustion chamber, a misfire judging means for judging misfire occurred in the engine in response to the detection signal derived from the sensing circuit, and a malfunction judging means for judging malfunction of the sensing circuit.

Abstract: A programmable electronic ignition system is provided including a hand-held programmer, or in the alternative a computer, for controlling engine control parameters including revolutions per minutes limiters, ignition timing retards, gear shift controls and revolutions per minute switching. The hand-held programmer or computer provides a menu driven interface which directs the user through the engine control parameters using easy to recognize terms. The programmable electronic ignition system can employ a cylinder location sensor to identify a predetermined cylinder for controlling individual cylinder ignition timing retards.

Abstract: A circuit for a NOx concentration sensor includes two connected measurement cells disposed in a solid-state electrolyte, a first circuit configuration that, by tapping off a first Nernst voltage (first reference variable), establishes in the cell an oxygen concentration that differs from that in a measured gas, a second circuit configuration that, by tapping off a second Nernst voltage (second reference variable), establishes in the cell an oxygen concentration that differs from that in the first cell, a third circuit configuration that, by tapping off a third Nernst voltage (third reference variable), drives a pump current of oxygen ions that originate from NOx, out of the second cell, a conditioning circuit, and a digital controller.

Abstract: The pump currents in an NOx measurement sensor are generated by voltage-controlled current sources. Instead of the respective pump current, a setting voltage received by the voltage-controlled current sources occurs as the feedback variable in a respective control loop, so that a current measurement can be dispensed with.

Abstract: There is provided a combustion state detecting device for an internal combustion engine even in the case where disconnection of a secondary current path or misfire in an ignition plug occurs. A voltage developed at the secondary winding low voltage side is suppressed so that the high voltage can be prevented from being leaked.

Abstract: A mechanism for testing electrical components in an ignition system of a diesel engine includes a metal jacket having receptacles passing through the jacket and also includes glow plugs fitting in the receptacles. The jacket has an inlet to admit water or other fluid from a pressurized source and also has an outlet to permit the fluid to escape from the jacket. The fluid flows through the jacket and thereby cools the receptacles, jacket and glow plugs. The testing mechanism includes a valve for metering the rate of flow of fluid into the jacket, the rate of flow being kept at a rate sufficient to prevent the jacket's temperature from exceeding a predetermined level. The glow plugs are connected to an electrical power source such as a battery, and a control circuit connected to the electrical power source and the plugs governs the cycle during which the plugs are electrically heated and then permitted to cool.