Abstract: An arrangement for boost control either has a pressure sensor and a differential-pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being connected to one of two suction paths of an internal combustion engine and the differential-pressure sensor being located between the two suction paths, or the device possesses a single pressure sensor 18 which is switched alternately to the first suction path 11.1 and to the second suction path 11.2 by means of a change-over valve 24.These arrangements and the associated methods make it possible to control to the same predetermined pressure in the two suction paths with a high degree of accuracy. This is because there is no possibility of a systematic error which, in previous arrangements and methods, arose from the fact that the pressures in the two suction paths were measured by separate pressure sensors. However, different pressure sensors in a simple version indicate different values at the same pressures.

Abstract: A method for recognition of the power stroke of an internal combustion engine is proposed, in which recognition as to whether a cylinder is currently in the power stroke is possible by means of camparison of a signal that is synchronous with the crankshaft angle and a signal that is modulated by the combustion events of the engine.

Abstract: A first control unit of a multiple function control system for a motor vehicle engine controls a function, such as fuel injection, for which it is desirable to provide an engine load signal measured by the amount of air drawn or forced into the engine per unit of time, determined by what is generally known as an air quantity meter. A second control unit of the control system controls the timing of an electrical ignition system for which it has been conventional to supply an engine load signal derived from a pressure transducer.

Abstract: Control of a microcomputer performing a wide variety of functions in a motor vehicle in which the sequences of input and output signals intersect in time, instead of being performed by an elaborate input/output unit, is performed in the microcomputer itself with the help of a timing signal generator operating at a sub-multiple of the microcomputer clock frequency and producing a sequence of timing signals, each of which serve as an interrupt signal to the microprocessor of the microcomputer to initiate an interrupt program for scanning inputs and preparing outputs. After this short interrupt program, the main program is resumed. In the interrupt program each of a number of registers, respectively serving separate inputs or outputs, are decremented or incremented, having been set at particular values at the beginning of each interrupt program. Some registers are set at two different values in alternation in succeeding interrupt intervals.

Abstract: To provide for adaptive change of the operating characteristics of an engine, so that it will operate at its optimum effectiveness, just below the knocking limit, while reliably preventing knocking thereof, a computer receives engine data from respective sensors and a knock sensor (5), from which the computer calculates, based on data stored in a memory (3), operating parameters for the engine (1). The engine is, for example, an Otto-type internal combustion engine (ICE) or a Diesel engine. The operating characteristics, as computer-modified based on sensed knocking, and the modification data, are then placed into the memory to modify the basic memory content. Preferably, the memory has a basic memory content section and a programmable differential or modification section, in which algebraic constants or modifying factors are stored, based on actual experience of operation of the engine, just under the knocking limit.

Abstract: To prevent slow reestablishment of operating conditions which might lead to knocking of an internal combustion engine if the internal combustion engine operates under transient conditions, for example under conditions of rapid acceleration, the reestablishment rate of an operating control signal, for example ignition timing which, after retardation, is again advanced, transient speed changes are sensed in a differentiator (17) and, if so sensed, cause reestablishment of prior operating condition at a faster rate (f3) than otherwise, normally set into the system (see f2, FIG. 2). Additionally, the reference level of a comparator which compares sensed engine vibration signals with a reference can be increased so that, due to increased engine noise, erroneous knocking signals will not be generated by the comparator.

Abstract: A demodulated audio signal for detection of engine-knock is digitalized to produce a sequence of digital signals corresponding to the various cylinders of the engine in turn. These digital signals are recursively filtered by applying a factor k to a newer value and its complement (1-k) to an older value from the same cylinder or a value obtained therefrom by partial filtering and the sum of the two factor-modified terms is formed to provide a reference value with which the most recent digital signal is compared, to produce an indication of engine-knock when the latter exceeds a reference value by a predetermined amount. The factor k is varied in accordance with acceleration of engine speed or with the level of signals from the vibration sensor that exists before the application of automatic gain control prior to integration.

Abstract: A cyclical input signal for the microcomputer of a motor vehicle is caused to reset the microcomputer for avoiding persistence of errors. Another portion of the same periodic signal can advantageously be furnished to the external interrupt input of the microcomputer.

Abstract: To recognize knocking conditions in signals derived from a knock sensor, which signals representative of knocking may be masked by background or noise signals, and to clearly distinguish the knocking signal from background or noise signals, the knocking signals are integrated with respect to measuring or strobing intervals during a predetermined angle of crankshaft rotation, digitized in an A/D converter (7) and then compared in a comparator (9) with the same signals which have been passed through a low-pass digital filter (8) to compare the integrated, digitized signal of a then occurring combustion process or event with similar signals of prior combustion processes or events to thereby recognize and distinguish knocking signal conditions from noise signal conditions; digital filtering and comparison as well as sequence timing can be carried out in a single microprocessor (FIGS.

Abstract: A knocking sensor (10) which provides output signals representative of combustion condition under knocking to thereby generate knocking signals which have mixed therewith noise or stray interference signals, and which also furnishes noise or stray interference signals under other than knocking combustion conditions, has its output connected to a plurality of parallel connected selective filters (2, 3). The filters have different pass band frequencies. One of the filters (3) is tuned to sense knocking frequencies, one or more other filters (2) being tuned to preferentially select noise or interference signals.

Abstract: To provide a signal representative of angular crankshaft position from an ignition distributor, independently of change of ignition timing, the ignition distributor includes a further or additional rotating transducer system (8, 9, 10, 11), for example a rotating disk (8) positively coupled to the shaft (3) of the distributor. The disk (8) carries markers (10) which are picked up by an optic, magnetic (Hall generator) or inductive pick-up (9). To provide a reference marker output, for example a reference, e.g. TDC position of a reference piston, the rotating disk (8) can carry an additional reference marker (10a) picked up by a reference pick-up (9a) which can be similar to the other pick-ups used in the construction. The specific crankshaft position signals are especially suitable and desirable if the engine is coupled to an engine knock sensing and knock prevention system (KS).

Abstract: A knocking sensor provides output signals which are compared in a comparator (14) with a reference (16), knocking signals (FIG. 3: U17) exceeding the reference (U16); during predetermined cyclically recurring test intervals (FIG. 2: 19), for example after each 1000 ignition events, a test signal is generated at a terminal (15) of a microprocessor (12) and applied to the comparator (14) to lower the reference level (16), so that noise signals will cause a simulated, or pseudo knocking signal to be generated. Simultaneous occurrence of the simulated, or pseudo knocking signal and test signals indicates appropriate function of the knocking system; failure of the pseudo knocking signal to occur with the lowered reference generates control output from the microprocessor, for example by retarding ignition of an ignition system (13).

Abstract: An amplitude envelope signal is derived from the output of an engine-knock sensor. Either the peak value of the envelope signal or its steepest rate of rise initiates the operation of a delay circuit providing a signal after a delay that is dependent upon the magnitude of the peak value or rate of rise. The envelope signal is also compared with a reference signal responsive to or representing or simulating background noise levels, and a comparison signal is produced when the envelope signal exceeds the reference signal. Engine-knock recognition is determined by the coincidence of the comparison signal and the delayed signal, and may be subjected also to a measurement window criterion which limits the appearance of an engine-knock signal to a particular arc of crankshaft revolution.

Abstract: One or more temperature sensing elements, for example thermo couples (13, 14, 16, 17), NTC or PTC or resistance wires (18) or capillary fluid temperature sensor elements (20, 21) are located on or in the immediate vicinity of a portion of the inner wall of the combustion chamber, for example and preferably by being integrated within a head liner or facing (15, 15') of the cylinder head gasket or seal (10). The output signals, in electrical or hydraulic form are connected to an evaluation stage (E, E') which determines if the temperature within the cylinder, representative of knocking, has exceeded a predetermined level. Preferably, a speed signal (n) is derived from the engine so that the signals from the sensing elements can be strobed with respect to the time within the engine cycle during which ignition may or is intended to occur so that temperature variations due to normal engine operating strokes are eliminated from the systems output.