Abstract: A digitally controlled magneto provides for the precise control of the timing advance profile for an internal combustion engine. A micro-controller or a micro-processor provides the digital control by using inputs from engine sensors to determine the engine's crank speed and position. With this information, it computes an optimum timing advance angle for the time of spark generation. The digital system controls the spark generation by using a semiconductor switching circuit to interrupt the flow of current generated by the magneto in the primary coil. The current flow interruption results in a high voltage pulse in the secondary coil creating a spark in a spark gap for the initiation of combustion in the internal combustion engine. To maintain the operational reliability of the magneto ignition system, an alternate timing system allows the internal combustion engine to produce full power even if the electrical power supplied to the digital system fails.