Abstract: A controller for a spark plug of an engine is provided. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of an operational parameter of the engine. The controller is configured to define a breakdown time duration for the spark plug. Further, the controller is configured to determine an optimum amount of energy required to generate a spark for the spark plug based on the defined breakdown time duration and the operational parameter. The controller is further configured to cause the optimum amount of energy to be supplied to the spark plug to cause the spark to be generated for the spark plug.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a health state of a spark plug of an ignition system is provided. The system includes a detection module configured to measure a time duration associated with a current flowing through a primary coil of the ignition system. The detection module is configured to generate a signal indicative of the time duration. The controller, coupled to the detection module, is configured to receive the signal and determine a secondary voltage across a secondary coil of the ignition system based on the received signal. The controller is further configured to determine the health state of the spark plug based on the secondary voltage. The controller is further configured to control at least one of a primary voltage supplied to the primary coil, the spark duration and the timing of firing the spark plug based on the health state of the spark plug.

Abstract: A driver circuit for a fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector is connected to an Engine Control Module (ECM) having a high-side terminal and a low-side terminal. The driver circuit includes a fault detection system for detecting a short-to-ground fault. The fault detection system includes a first module to measure a forward current flowing through the high-side terminal of the ECM and a second module to measure a return current flowing through the low-side terminal of the ECM. Further, the fault detection system includes a third module to compute a differential current based on the forward current and the return current. The fault detection system includes a fourth module to compare the differential current with a threshold current, and trigger a fault and interrupt the flow of the forward current when the differential current is greater than the threshold current.

Abstract: A detection system for determining spark voltage of a spark plug in a capacitive discharge ignition system is disclosed. The detection system may have a sensor circuit configured to detect occurrence of a spark by measuring a voltage on a low side of a primary coil. The detection system may also have an electronic control unit connected to the sensor circuit. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor circuit indicating that the voltage exceeded a threshold. The electronic control unit may be further configured to determine a spark time based on the signal, and determine a spark voltage based on the spark time.