Abstract: A method for starting a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor comprising a rotor and a stator comprising coils connected respectively to a plurality of phases and a conversion circuit connecting the plurality of phases to a power supply source in order to control the rotation of the rotor of the synchronous motor, the conversion circuit comprising a converter supplying power to a DC-AC converter comprising a plurality of controllable transistors for controlling the rotation of the rotor according to a plurality of successive control phases, the method comprising: ? a step of controlling the transistors of the DC-AC converter according to a control table associating each control phase with a configuration of the transistors so as to determine an acceleration ramp of the rotor of the motor, ? a step of determining an electrical angle A based on a predetermined acceleration ACC, and ? a step of determining a control phase change signal Q if the electrical angle A is greater than a predetermined threshold a

Abstract: A system and method to enable electronically controlled internal combustion engines to self-adjust parameters and operate properly on different fuels that have wide ranges of physical and chemical properties. Input from a sensor is utilized that gives a signal indicative of the combustion process. The ECU processes the signal and readjusts the engine operating parameters to achieve its operating goals.

Abstract: A control system for carburation of an internal combustion engine in use conditions comprising following activities: starting the engine with a value of ? equals ?0=?T; constructing a curve ci(?) of the ionization current ? as a function of the angular position a of the crank shaft; selecting, on this curve ci(?), a number of points at intervals ?? of the rotation angle a; calculating value z, equal to integral from 0 to 360° of the curve ci(?), is done by summing products ??×ci for all preselected points; interrupting supply of fuel for some cycles in order to externally modify factor ?0 and take it to value ?1; for value ?1 constructing curve ci(?) and calculating value z1; calculating difference ?z=z1?z0, and if the difference is >?zref in absolute value, intervening on carburation by increasing the quantity of fuel injected in a case of a positive difference (lean mixture) and by reducing the quantity of fuel injected in a case of a negative difference (rich mixture).

Abstract: An illustrative example method of controlling an engine of a vehicle, includes determining a target pressure curve for a cylinder of the engine for a first combustion cycle, determining a heat release model for the cylinder for the first combustion cycle, determining a mass flow of fuel from the heat release model to achieve the target pressure curve during the first combustion cycle, and automatically controlling opening of an injector of the cylinder of the engine during the first combustion cycle to provide the determined mass flow of fuel to the cylinder. The method includes determining a real pressure curve during the first combustion cycle and automatically adjusting at least one of the heat release model or the mass flow for a second, subsequent combustion cycle based on a difference between the target pressure curve and the real pressure curve.

Abstract: A spark control module, for an engine speed and an engine load: for a first predetermined period, supplies spark to each cylinder of the engine at a predetermined spark timing set for the engine speed and the engine load. For a second period following the first predetermined period, the spark control module: provides spark to a first one of the cylinders at a first spark timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined spark timing; and supplies spark to all of the other cylinders of the engine at the predetermined spark timing. The storage module selectively stores in memory: a first torque output of the engine measured during the first predetermined period; and a second torque output of the engine measured during the second period.

Abstract: A method for handling uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the uncontrolled combustions occurring independently of the ignition by a spark plug and being detected in or at the internal combustion engine. To allow a rapid yet reliable reduction of uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine in order to protect the internal combustion engine from damage, the number of detected uncontrolled combustions in a monitoring period is determined and compared to a threshold value. A temperature in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is dropped if the threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a stochastic pre-ignition module and a fuel control module. The stochastic pre-ignition module determines whether operating conditions of an engine satisfy predetermined criteria associated with stochastic pre-ignition. The fuel control module enriches an air/fuel ratio of the engine when the engine operating conditions satisfy the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a time stamping module, a period determination module, a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) indication module, and an SPI remediation module. The time stamping module generates first and second timestamps when a crankshaft of an engine is in first and second crankshaft positions during an engine cycle, respectively. The period determination module determines a period between the first and second timestamps. The SPI indication module selectively indicates that an SPI event occurred within a cylinder of the engine based on the period. The SPI remediation module selectively adjusts at least one engine operating parameter in response to the SPI indication module indicating that the SPI event occurred within the cylinder.

Abstract: An abnormal combustion detection apparatus detects an abnormal combustion of an internal combustion based on a vibration waveform from a vibration sensor attached to the internal combustion engine. A gain circuit of the apparatus amplifies or attenuates the vibration waveform from the vibration sensor, an AD conversion circuit converts a waveform provided by the gain circuit to digital data, and a gain switching unit switches a gain of the gain circuit from a small gain value to a large gain value at a gain switch timing. The gain switching unit separates a large abnormal combustion from a small abnormal combustion in an abnormal combustion determination period for maximizing a dynamic range of an AD conversion circuit and for securely detecting a change of waveform amplitude in case of gain switching in an abnormal combustion detection operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for addressing pre-ignition that may be induced in response to actions taken to mitigate a cylinder misfire. An amount of engine load limiting applied may be adjusted to reduce the likelihood pre-ignition while also addressing component over-temperature issues. By limiting an engine load while shutting off fuel in a misfiring cylinder, and while combusting a lean air-fuel mixture in the remaining cylinders, pre-ignition induced by the misfire-mitigating lean combustion conditions can be reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine, which enables enlargement of an operation region in which homogenous-charge compression ignition combustion enabling the generation of NOx to be suppressed and fuel efficiency to be improved can be performed. An ignition-timing control section (23) continuously and repeatedly controls an ignition timing to a retard side when a first combustion-state index reaches a predefined predetermined upper limit value of the first combustion-state index and controls the ignition timing to an advance side when a second combustion-state index reaches a predefined predetermined upper limit value of the second combustion-state index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine provided with a cylinder pressure sensor and aims to facilitate optimal control of a combustion state even in a situation where an operating condition is variable. A predetermined combustion-related parameter whose value is uniquely determined by behavior of a change in cylinder pressure relative to a crank angle is used as a control value. Ignition timing is calculated based on the control value in accordance with a calculation rule determined according to a current or target operating condition of the internal combustion engine. The control value resulting from calculation based on a target value of a predetermined physical quantity relating to torque of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a predetermined calculation rule is used as a base value and is corrected by feeding back an output value of the cylinder pressure sensor.

Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine includes a filter processing portion which performs a filter processing on the vibration level extracted by the vibration level extraction portion, and calculates a vibration level after the filter processing; and an abnormal ignition suppression control portion which compares the vibration level after the filter processing to the abnormal ignition determination value when a retard correction equal to or greater than a predetermined value is performed by the knock control portion, in a case where it is determined that the vibration level after the filter processing is equal to or greater than the abnormal ignition determination value, determines that the abnormal ignition is generated in the internal combustion engine, corrects and controls the combustion control portion in a direction of suppressing the abnormal ignition.

Abstract: A condition of an engine is diagnosed based on information provided by signals from speed sensors associated with the engine or other signals associated with a generator operationally connected to the engine. Different types of degradation are distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the information. Thus, a degraded engine component can be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. Forced entry of residuals from a late burning cylinder into a neighboring cylinder may be detected based on engine block vibrations sensed in a window during an open exhaust valve of the late burning cylinder. In response to the entry of residuals, a pre-ignition mitigating action, such as fuel enrichment or deactivation, is performed in the neighboring cylinder.

Abstract: An ignition system (10) comprises a spark plug (12) having a first end (14) defining a spark gap (16) between a first electrode (18) and a second electrode (20). A transformer (46) comprises a primary winding 44 and a secondary winding (50) also forms part of the system. The secondary winding is connected in a secondary circuit to the first electrode 18 and the secondary winding has a resistance of less than 1K? and an inductance of less than 0.25 H. A drive circuit (26) is connected to the primary winding.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine (1) has a cylinder (2) defining a combustion chamber (3) delimited by a piston (5). The piston (5) drives a crankshaft (7) which is rotatably journalled in a crankcase (4). The crankcase (4) is connected to the combustion chamber (3) via a transfer channel (17) at at least one position of the piston. The two-stroke engine has an inlet (11) into the crankcase (4) and an outlet (19) from the combustion chamber. There is an arrangement to supply fuel, a control, and a device to determine the crankcase pressure (pKGH). A method to operate the two-stroke engine (1) includes determining the crankcase pressure (pKGH) during every engine cycle. The fluctuation in the crankcase pressure (pKGH) is determined and the fluctuation is compared to a limit value (?plimit) to determine whether a combustion occurs during every engine cycle. In this way, a determination can be reliably made as to whether the two-stroke engine is running in a four-stroke mode.

Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes controlling spark ignition timing responsive to a combustion charge flame speed corresponding to an engine operating point and a commanded air/fuel ratio associated with an operator torque request.

Abstract: A self power circuit for ion sense circuitry is provided. The self power circuit is configured to supply the voltages required to generate and measure an ion current flow in a combustion chamber of an engine. The power circuit stores power from the current flow in the ignition coil secondary circuit during at least a portion of a sparking period for use during the ion current measurement period between sparking events. Ion current generation voltage as well as positive and negative sensor circuit power supply voltages are generated in one embodiment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine. A condition of the engine may be diagnosed based on a combustion torque profile of the engine estimated using signals from a generator operationally connected to the engine and/or other signals associated with the engine. Different types of degradation may be distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the estimated combustion torque profile data. Thus, a degraded engine component may be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.

Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a multi-cylinder spark-ignition direct-injection internal combustion engine includes determining a desired combustion phasing for maintaining acceptable combustion properties, monitoring combustion phasing of each cylinder, selecting a target combustion phasing corresponding to one of the cylinders having a most retarded combustion phasing, adjusting spark timing in each cylinder not having the most retarded combustion phasing to achieve the target combustion phasing to balance the combustion phasing in all the cylinders at the target combustion phasing, and adjusting an external EGR percentage to converge the balanced combustion phasing in all the cylinders toward the desired combustion phasing.

Abstract: Even when an engine is started in various combustion states, an excessive increase in engine speed at the start of the engine is suppressed without an influence of the combustion states and with an excellent responsiveness. Ignition timing (or a combustion injection amount) at the start of an internal combustion engine is corrected in accordance with a crank angle cycle ratio which is a ratio of a combustion period crank angle cycle and a reference crank angle cycle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engine torque control. Mutually exclusive airflow adjustments and spark adjustments are used to provide accurate engine torque control when operating near combustion stability limits. Torque offset values and proportional-integral control terms are adjusted responsive to tip-in/tip-out events to improve torque control response times.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus which may be employed in automotive vehicles. The engine control apparatus is equipped with a controlled variable arithmetic expression which defines correlations between combustion parameters associated with combustion conditions of an engine and controlled variables actuators for an operation of the engine. This eliminates the need for finding relations of optimum values of the controlled variables to the combustion parameters through adaptability tests, which results in a decrease in burden of an adaptability test work and a map-making work on manufacturers. The engine control apparatus also works to learn or optimize the controlled variable arithmetic expression based on actual values of the combustion parameters, thereby avoiding undesirable changes in correlations, as defined by the controlled variable arithmetic expression, due to a change in environmental condition.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: an abnormal combustion detection unit for detecting an abnormal combustion due to self-ignition occurring; a pre-ignition determination unit for detecting abnormal combustion occurrence timing based on abnormal combustion detection information to determine whether or not the abnormal combustion is the pre-ignition based on comparison between pre-ignition determination timing and the abnormal combustion occurrence timing; a heat-source pre-ignition determination unit for determining whether the pre-ignition is the heat-source pre-ignition or the compression pre-ignition based on comparison between the abnormal combustion occurrence timing set by the pre-ignition determination timing and heat-source pre-ignition determination timing; a first avoidance unit for avoiding the heat-source pre-ignition in a case where the pre-ignition is determined as the heat-source pre-ignition; and a second avoidance unit for avoiding the compression pre-ignition in

Abstract: An engine control apparatus which may be employed in automotive vehicles. The engine control apparatus is equipped with at least one of a combustion parameter or a controlled variable arithmetic expression. The combustion parameter arithmetic expression defines combustion conditions of the engine needed to achieve required values of engine output-related values such as exhaust emissions. The controlled variable arithmetic expression defines how to operate actuators for an operation of the engine to meet desired combustion conditions of the engine. The use of the combustion parameter or controlled variable arithmetic expression achieves simultaneous agreement of the engine output-related values with required values without mutual interference between combustion parameters associated with the combustion conditions.

Abstract: A control device for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine that sets ignition timing based on a target value of a predetermined combustion-related parameter correlated with a combustion state and operates an ignition device in accordance with the ignition timing thus set. The control device calculates an actual value of the combustion-related parameter from an output value of the cylinder pressure sensor and feeds back the calculated value of the combustion-related parameter to the setting of ignition timing. Further, in parallel with the above processing, the control device calculates a value of a predetermined combustion variation parameter correlated with the magnitude of combustion variation from the output value of the cylinder pressure sensor. If the calculated value of the combustion variation parameter deviates from an allowable range of the combustion variation, the control device stops the feedback of the calculated value of the combustion-related parameter.

Abstract: An ignition control system for a spark ignition internal combustion engine has: over-advancing means for over-advancing an ignition time for a cylinder of the internal combustion engine beyond an MBT; obtaining means for obtaining an adhering fuel amount that is the amount of fuel that adheres to the inner face of the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and controlling means for controlling the over-advancing means to execute the ignition time over-advancement when the adhering fuel amount obtained by the obtaining means is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and a control module for performing the same include a filter module filtering in-cylinder pressure signals using a filter to form filtered in-cylinder pressure signals. The control module further includes a heat release rate determination module generating heat release rate signals based on the in-cylinder pressure signals and a maximum heat rate determination module determining a maximum heat release rate from the heat release rate signals. The system also includes a correction module correcting auto-ignition for the engine based on the maximum heat release rate.

Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition internal combustion engine includes controlling spark ignition timing responsive to a combustion charge flame speed corresponding to an engine operating point and a commanded air/fuel ratio associated with an operator torque request.

Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a multi-cylinder spark-ignition direct-injection internal combustion engine includes determining a desired combustion phasing for maintaining acceptable combustion properties, monitoring combustion phasing of each cylinder, selecting a target combustion phasing corresponding to one of the cylinders having a most retarded combustion phasing, adjusting spark timing in each cylinder not having the most retarded combustion phasing to achieve the target combustion phasing to balance the combustion phasing in all the cylinders at the target combustion phasing, and adjusting an external EGR percentage to converge the balanced combustion phasing in all the cylinders toward the desired combustion phasing.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a heat-release rate (HRR) module, a first filter module, a second filter module, an auto-ignition energy determination module, and a corrective action module. The HRR module generates an HRR signal based on in-cylinder pressures of a cylinder of the engine. The first filter module generates a first filtered HRR signal indicative of a first HRR due to combustion in the cylinder by filtering the HRR signal. The second filter module generates a second filtered HRR signal indicative of a second HRR due to auto-ignition in the cylinder by filtering one of the HRR signal and the first filtered HRR signal. The auto-ignition energy determination module determines an auto-ignition energy of the cylinder based on the first and second filtered HRR signals. The corrective action module selectively adjusts auto-ignition of the engine based on the auto-ignition energy. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A combustion control system for a direct injection engine includes a mean effective pressure (MEP) determination module, a coefficient of variation (COV) determination module, a spark timing module, and a fuel control module. The MEP determination module determines a MEP for a first combustion event of a cylinder based on cylinder pressure measured by a cylinder pressure sensor during the first combustion event. The COV determination module determines a COV for the cylinder based on the MEP. The spark timing module selectively sets a spark timing for a second combustion event of the cylinder based on the COV. The second combustion event is after the first combustion event. The fuel control module that selectively provides fuel for the second combustion event based on the COV.

Abstract: The present invention is an operation control method on the basis of an ion current in an internal combustion engine, the method comprising a step of detecting the ion current generated within a combustion chamber 30 so as to control an operating state of the internal combustion engine 100 on the basis of a state of the detected ion current, wherein a control at an engine start point in time on the basis of the state of the ion current is stopped for predetermined cycles just after the engine start.

Abstract: A control device for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine that sets ignition timing based on a target value of a predetermined combustion-related parameter correlated with a combustion state and operates an ignition device in accordance with the ignition timing thus set. The control device calculates an actual value of the combustion-related parameter from an output value of the cylinder pressure sensor and feeds back the calculated value of the combustion-related parameter to the setting of ignition timing. Further, in parallel with the above processing, the control device calculates a value of a predetermined combustion variation parameter correlated with the magnitude of combustion variation from the output value of the cylinder pressure sensor. If the calculated value of the combustion variation parameter deviates from an allowable range of the combustion variation, the control device stops the feedback of the calculated value of the combustion-related parameter.

Abstract: An ON-ignition signal is outputted from an ignition control portion in a period from a posterior time point of the power stroke to an valve opening timing of an exhaust valve so that a capacitor is charged. Then, when it is determined that the maximum value of an ion-output value detected during a negative valve overlap period becomes greater than or equal to a threshold, it is determined that the applied voltage between an center electrode and a ground electrode of a spark plug is dropped. The ON-ignition signal is outputted again to charge the capacitor before the intake valve is opened.

Abstract: An internal-combustion-engine combustion condition detection apparatus is provided with an ignition means that makes an ignition plug ignite a fuel; an ignition control means that controls the operation of the ignition means; an ion-current detection means that detects an ion current generated; an ion current detection range setting means that sets an ion-current detection range; a preignition detection means that detects preignition within a detection range to be set; a leakage current detection range setting means that sets a leakage-current detection range; and a leakage current determination means that determines whether or not a smolder exists, based on a current detected, within a detection range to be set, by the ion-current detection means. The ignition control means includes a non-combustion-stroke ignition control means; the leakage-current detection range set by the leakage current detection range setting means is set within the non-combustion stroke.

Abstract: Feedback control of an internal combustion engine is performed based on a signal from a vibration sensor and a crankshaft angle sensor. An energy factor can be computed based on these sensor signals. A vector of energy factor can be computed as a function of crank angle degree over a particular window of engine rotation of interest. Based on the energy factor vector, combustion phasing can be estimated.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operative in a spark ignition combustion mode and a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode. Operating the engine includes commanding a transition from a first combustion mode to a second combustion mode. A change in openings and closings of the intake and exhaust valves is commanded to a preferred duration of a negative valve overlap period corresponding to operating in the second combustion mode. Fuel injection parameters and spark ignition events are adjusted to effect operation in the second combustion mode only when a realized duration of the negative valve overlap period exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An ion current corresponding to an amount of ion produced by combustion of air fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is detected and an ion current parameter indicative of combustion state is calculated from the ion current. The properties of fuel are determined by a change of combustion state from an engine start time, that is, by a change of the ion current parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one actuator for controlling charge dilution of at least one cylinder and at least one spark plug per cylinder include attempting to improve combustion quality by modifying ignition energy of the at least one spark plug before modifying charge dilution of the cylinder, and modifying both ignition energy and charge dilution substantially simultaneously to establish combustion if an ionization sense signal associated with the cylinder indicates a misfire.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diagnosis processing section for executing failure diagnosis processing on a device of the vehicle to generate a diagnosis result. The apparatus also includes a data managing section for managing data of the diagnosis result. After an execution condition is met for failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section outputs an execution demand to the data managing section for the failure diagnosis processing. In response to the execution demand, the data managing section outputs an execution permission to the diagnosis processing section for the failure diagnosis processing. Also, after the execution condition is met for the failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section starts executing the failure diagnosis processing regardless of whether the execution permission has been outputted by the data managing section. A method of failure diagnosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder (2) wherein a combustion chamber (5) is formed. The engine also includes devices for metering fuel and combustion air as well as an ignition device for igniting the mixture in the combustion chamber (5). A method for operating the internal combustion engine provides that fuel and combustion air are supplied to the engine and the mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber (5). The combustion chamber (5) is delimited by a piston (7) which drives a crankshaft (25) rotatably journalled in a crankcase (3). A control is provided which controls the supply of fuel and the ignition of the mixture in the combustion chamber (5). The internal combustion engine is so controlled in at least one operating state that the number of combustions is less than the number of engine cycles in the same time span. To avoid the formation of self ignitions, the operating state is a high rpm range wherein the rpm lies above the rated rpm and below the rpm in a regulating range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of detecting abnormal combustion with high accuracy. The combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a variety of sensors; an ignition coil; an ignition plug; a transistor; a switching control unit; an ion current detection unit; and abnormal combustion detection units for determining that abnormal combustion has occurred in a case where a crank angle at a point of time when the ion current exceeds a predetermined current value or when the ion current that exceeds the predetermined current value reaches a peak value thereof is on a spark-advance side compared with a crank angle for determining abnormal combustion. The switching control unit ends the spark discharge at a predetermined timing while the spark discharge is in progress after the primary current is shut off and the spark discharge is generated.

Abstract: An internal-combustion-engine combustion condition detection apparatus is provided with an ignition means that makes an ignition plug ignite a fuel; an ignition control means that controls the operation of the ignition means; an ion-current detection means that detects an ion current generated; an ion current detection range setting means that sets an ion-current detection range; a preignition detection means that detects preignition within a detection range to be set; a leakage current detection range setting means that sets a leakage-current detection range; and a leakage current determination means that determines whether or not a smolder exists, based on a current detected, within a detection range to be set, by the ion-current detection means. The ignition control means includes a non-combustion-stroke ignition control means; the leakage-current detection range set by the leakage current detection range setting means is set within the non-combustion stroke.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling an ignition coil charge duration are disclosed, wherein the system includes an ignition coil in electrical communication with a control unit and at least one of an ionization detection circuit and at least one sensor. The control unit controls the ignition coil charge duration to facilitate detection and militate against an undesirable interruption of an ionization output signal during the combustion process.

Abstract: An engine control system enables engine control to cause ignition timing to approximate MBT without necessarily measuring torque and combustion pressure. The negative ion current in an engine combustion chamber is measured and a first crank angle B corresponding to a first rate in change of the negative ion current curve E is identified. A second crank angle C corresponding to a second rate in change of the negative ion current curve E also is identified. The ignition timing is controlled based upon a third crank angle G that generally is a midpoint between the first crank angle B and the second crank angle C. The third crank angle G becomes a specified target crank angle.