Abstract: An optical electronic ignition system for industrial internal combustion engines. Light reflective markers on an optical timing disc rotated by the engine are sensed by a timing module to generate an electric pulse for initiating each spark. Each pulse simultaneously energizes optical scanners in separate distributor modules for each combustion chamber. Only the scanner scheduled to fire by reflective alignment of a separate distribution marker located elsewhere on the timing disc will trigger a related capacitive discharge ignition circuit associated with the related combustion chamber. More than one scanner may be scheduled for simultaneous firing. A single conductor carries both uniform capacitor charging current and trigger signals to the capacitive discharge ignition circuit associated with each combustion chamber. An inductive loop in the low voltage lead to an ignition coil in a capacitive discharge ignition circuit provides a signal for operating a timing light.