Abstract: A method for detecting glow ignition of a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having at least one first cylinder and at least one second cylinder, the at least one first and second cylinders being connected by a crankshaft, according to which method partial segment times of the at least one first cylinder are measured. The method is characterized in that partial segment times of the at least one second cylinder are measured and a reference characteristic for the glow ignition is formed by a comparison of partial segment times of the at least one first cylinder with partial segment times of the at least one second cylinder and subsequently a signal is generated for the detection of the glow ignition on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A method for detecting glow ignition of a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having at least one first cylinder and at least one second cylinder, said at least one first and second cylinders being connected by a crankshaft, according to which method partial segment times of the at least one first cylinder are measured. The method is characterized in that partial segment times of the at least one second cylinder are measured and a reference characteristic for the glow ignition is formed by a comparison of partial segment times of the at least one first cylinder with partial segment times of the at least one second cylinder and subsequently a signal is generated for the detection of the glow ignition on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A method for controlling an ignition system for internal combustion engines where the sparking current together with the sparking period can be set to a particular value. The method described here makes it possible for each cylinder in the engine to be supplied with just the amount of ignition energy to meet the momentary requirement of the engine, and consequently a spark plug replacement interval of more than 100,000 km can be achieved. In accordance with the present invention, both the value of the sparking current and the value of its sparking period are controlled independently according to certain engine parameters, in particular load, engine speed and temperature. The method in accordance with the present invention can be applied preferably in an alternating current or high voltage capacitor ignition system.