Abstract: A repetitive spark distributorless ignition system stops ignition current before the complete discharge of magnetic energy in the ignition coil supplying the spark plug. The ignition coil is then recharged so an additional spark can be applied to the spark plug.

Abstract: A distributed processing system in an automotive environment achieves enhanced noise immunity and reduces the processing burden and background loop time of the master controller by providing for communication of signals between a master controller and a slave controller by pulse width modulated communication signals. In a preferred embodiment, the communicated signal is a spark advance which is transmitted to an ignition module for implementing spark events in an internal combustion engine. The spark advance pulse width is a linearly decreasing function of spark advance value since increased spark advance is associated with an increase in engine speed. The spark advance is encoded into a pulse width signal according to a method which simplifies decoding of the spark advance information in the ignition module.

Abstract: An ignition system having a first primary coil magnetically coupled only to a first second coil and a second primary coil magnetically coupled only to a second secondary coil. The secondary coils are electrically coupled to the output terminals through a diode steering circuit for connecting both secondary coils in voltage-aiding series such that the sum of the voltages on both secondary coils is coupled across the output terminals when both primary coils are simultaneously actuated; only the first secondary coil is coupled across the output terminals when only the first primary coil is actuated; and only the second secondary coil is coupled across the output terminals when only the second primary coil is actuated.

Abstract: Control of spark timing of an ignition system for an internal combustion engine uses a feedback correction signal which is a function of back EMF generated in the primary winding of an ignition coil in response to current change in the secondary winding of the ignition coil due to spark breakdown.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for use with variable inductance type position sensors and others which provide modulated carrier outputs, whereby the circuit is conditioned by the cyclical modulation output from the sensor. The circuit condition sets a threshold level based upon the signal output from the sensor so that the signal from the circuit is a voltage replica of the input signal that is enhanced to have predetermined and constant high and low peak values without regard to peak value variations in the cyclical signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for use with Hall effect and other similar type sensors whereby the circuit is conditioned by the cyclical signal input from the sensor and sets a threshold level based upon the signal input from the sensor, so that the signal output from the circuit is a voltage replica of the input signal, but modified to have a predetermined and constant high and low peak values without regard to peak value variations of the cyclical input signal.