Abstract: A system for determining the angular position of a drive shaft in a rotary power plant, such as an internal combustion engine. The system includes a gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth which is secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith so that the angular position of the gear corresponds to the angular position of the drive shaft. At least one tooth of the gear is constructed of one of a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material while the other teeth of the gear are constructed of the other of the magnetic material or non-magnetic material. A magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the gear which generates an output signal when the tooth is in a predefined proximity of the sensor. Advantageously, the gear forms a combination flywheel and timing wheel for an internal combustion engine. A method for constructing the gear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining the angular position of a drive shaft in a rotary power plant, such as an internal combustion engine. The system includes a gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth which is secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith so that the angular position of the gear corresponds to the angular position of the drive shaft. At least one tooth of the gear has at least a portion that is constructed of one of a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material while the other teeth of the gear are constructed of the other of the magnetic material or non-magnetic material. A magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the gear which generates an output signal when the tooth is in a predefined proximity of the sensor. Advantageously, the gear forms a combination flywheel and timing wheel for an internal combustion engine. A method for constructing the gear is also disclosed.