Abstract: A system and method for determining engine conditions using an ignition system. An ignition coil assembly has an ignition transformer with primary windings and secondary windings. A control unit is adapted to send excitation pulses to the primary windings to generate a spark at a spark apparatus and ignite a fuel-air mixture in a cylinder of an engine. The control unit is adapted to send additional excitation pulses to the primary windings at times other than to generate a spark at the spark apparatus and ignite a fuel-air mixture in a cylinder of an engine. The control unit is adapted to determine engine conditions using measurements of the ignition coil after the additional excitation pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an ignition system. An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an ignition system. An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an ignition system. An ignition coil assembly has an ignition transformer with primary and secondary windings and a local control unit. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer. The local control unit is adapted to regulate ignition timing of the ignition transformer for generating a spark at the spark apparatus to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder. A central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control unit for monitoring the ignition transformer.