Abstract: An ignition controlling device includes a spark plug, a first ignition coil for supplying an ignition current to the spark plug, a second ignition coil for supplying an ignition current to the spark plug and a controller for controlling the supplies of the currents to the spark plug from the first and second ignition coils.

Abstract: An ignition system for a spark-ignited internal combustion engine has a transistor connected in series with the primary winding of an ignition coil. The transistor is switched ON and OFF in synchronism with rotation of the crankshaft of the engine. Primary winding current is sensed by a resistor and the voltage developed across the resistor is fed back into an error amplifier which causes the transistor to be biased into a current-limiting mode when primary winding current increases to a predetermined level. The feedback loop has a capacitor which is a feedback compensation element. This capacitor, together with a resistor form an RC timing circuit which is operative at times to prevent the transistor from being biased back ON for a predetermined time period after it has been biased OFF.

Abstract: The invention relates to ignition circuit monitoring in an internal combustion engine, where a sensor signal is generated in the course of each ignition by an ignition current sensor (5), which is supplied via a pulse shaper (6) to a memory unit (7). An ignition computer (4) reads out the contents of the memory following each ignition or each sensor signal and resets the memory unit (7) prior to the next ignition. Thus, when the sensor signal is missing, the ignition computer (4) detects the lack of ignition and an appropriate control signal is made available for control actions.

Abstract: The system comprises: at least one spark plug, at least one ignition coil whose secondary winding is connected to the plug, a power transistor whose output path is in series with the primary winding of the coil between the two terminals of a direct-current voltage supply, and a control circuit for switching the transistor from the cut-off condition to the saturated condition to enable current to flow in the primary winding of the coil in order to generate a spark. Conveniently, the control circuit is arranged to switch the transistor progressively from the cut-off condition to the saturated condition, in dependence on the voltage detected between the terminals of its output path by the application of a driver signal which is first continuous and then pulsed.

Abstract: The device comprises a primary winding in which the spark energy is stored to be transferred rhythmically to a secondary winding with respective voltage step-up transformers acting between the secondary winding and the spark plugs. An amperometric resistor is arranged in series with the diode through which the current flows when the energy is transferred to the plugs. For each spark, there is a corresponding voltage peak across the terminals of the resistor, whereby a failure to detect the presence of the peak (which is usually converted into a square-wave signal) identifies the absence of a spark.

Abstract: The ignition system consists of a free-running ignition final stage, a miniature induction coil, a static and/or dynamic determination of the ignition angle, and a power supply. The ignition final stage ensures that the ignition current is an alternating current and that the ignition energy is fed to the spark plugs in a current-controlled manner. The ignition point is determined by reading the ignition angle. The electrical supply to the entire ignition final stage and additional consumers in a motor vehicle is through a power supply that converts the current and voltage.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine is provided which is small in size, efficient and inexpensive to manufacture. The entire manufacturing process can be easily automated. The igniter includes a power transistor circuit for turning on and off the current supply to a primary winding of an ignition coil, a current detector for detecting a current supplied to the ignition coil primary winding, and a current limiter for controlling the current supplied to the ignition coil primary winding based on the current detected by the current detector. The current detector comprises a conductor in the form of a conductive wire separately formed from the current limiter and connected between ground and a junction between the power transistor circuit and the current limiter.

Abstract: Methods for associating ignition signals with a reference cylinder in multiple-spark ignition systems of internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition are proposed; different signal levels for the primary and supporting sparks are used in a first method, and the time offset between the primary and supporting spark onsets is used in a second method for the association.

Abstract: An ignition system is disclosed in which secondary windings of a first and a second ignition coil are connected in parallel to a spark electrode of an internal combustion engine. A d.c. high voltage is alternately fed to the primary windings of the first and the second ignition coil. When an integrated value of a current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a first reference value, this primary coil is disconnected from a feed bus, and instead the primary winding of the second (the first) ignition coil is connected to the bus. When a short-circuit occurs in one of the ignition coils, only the other ignition coil conducts repeatedly, and accordingly the switching of the energization takes place whenever the current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a second reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling ignition in an internal combustion engine having N cylinders and a capacitor discharge ignition system. The capacitor discharge system includes an ignition capacitor which is maintained at a predetermined electrical potential by a charging circuit. N transformers are provided, each having a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coils include first and second terminals and the secondary coils are electrically connected in parallel with the spark gap in an associated one of the cylinders. Selector switches are connected between the ignition capacitor and an associated one of the primary first terminals. The selector switches are normally biased open and are adapted to close in response to receiving cylinder select signals. The cylinder select signals are produced in response to a desired ignition sequence and for a period of time corresponding to a desired spark duration in an associated cylinder.

Abstract: A contactless ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a resin-molded closed magnetic circuit type ignition coil including an iron core constituting a closed magnetic circuit, a primary winding and a secondary winding wound around the iron core, respectively, and mold resin for insulating the primary and secondary winding, a semiconductor switching circuit for interrupting a current flowing to the primary winding, and an ignition plug to which a high voltage generated in the secondary winding upon interruption of the primary current flow to the primary winding by the semiconductor switch circuit. The falling rate dI/dt of the primary current upon interruption thereof by the semiconductor switching circuit is set at a value in a range of 0.2 to 0.4 A/.mu.s. Noise radiation from the ignition coil can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system is shown having a timing controller that is responsive to one cylinder of the engine reaching top dead center for predicting the times at which one or more subsequent cylinders in the firing order should enter dwell and fire based upon the current engine speed, current battery voltage and the time interval between one cylinder reaching top dead center and the preceding cylinder reaching top dead center. At low operating speeds the controller plans for the firing of a cylinder utilizing triple precision calculations. At midrange speeds and high speeds, however, the controller utilizes double precision calculatons. At very high speeds, the controller of the present invention plans the firing of two or more cylinders at the same time forcing the cylinders into overlapping dwell.

Abstract: An ignition system for generating multiple ignitions during a spark interval of an engine cylinder. For controlling an energy of each one of the multiple ignitions, a ramp signal which linearly rises from an initial peak value of a primary charge current for each one of the multiple ignitions of a primary winding of the ignition coil is compared with a preset value and a charge of the primary winding for each one of the multiple ignitions is stopped when the ramp signal exceeds the preset value. After a predetermined time, a primary charge current is supplied again to the primary winding until the ramp signal exceeds the preset value.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprises a preselector stage and an output stage for controlling the flow of current through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. The ignition device is particularly suited for an externally ignited internal combustion engine. The output stage comprises a pnp-transistor having its collector terminal directly coupled to a ground connection of the ignition device to improve proper loss dissipation. A decoupling device is coupled between the preselector stage and the output stage, and is provided to protect the preselector stage by decoupling it from the output stage.

Abstract: A circuit in an ignition system having a switchable current drive circuit responsive to a first control signal, and a charging circuit responsive to the switchable current drive circuit for providing a current through a coil to charge the coil when the switchable current drive circuit is enabled by the first control signal being in a first logic state and for collapsing the current through the coil thereby producing a rising voltage across the coil to fire a spark plug, typically coupled across the coil, when the switchable current drive circuit is disabled by the first control signal being in a second logic state. The circuit includes a thermal clamping circuit responsive to a second control signal and coupled to the charging circuit for providing current to the charging circuit to slowly discharge the coil and for clamping the voltage at the coil to a predetermined voltage such that the firing of the spark plug is prevented.

Abstract: Controlling ignition current in the ignition control system of an internal combustion engine includes determining the amount of time it takes current in the ignition coil to reach a desired or limit value and adjusting the time of starting ignition coil charging before spark firing to be substantially equal to the amount of time it takes ignition coil charging current to reach the desired or limit current value.

Abstract: This specification discloses an electronic distribution type ignition system wherein at least two ignition coils are provided, and wherein the secondary voltage of the ignition coils is directly supplied to spark plugs. An ignition system according to this invention comprises switching circuits for controlling the supply of a primary voltage to said, ignition coils, a resistance element wherein a current flows selectively which corresponds to a primary current for each of two ignition coils, supplied through two of said switching circuit, current control circuits for detecting a terminal voltage of said resistance element and for controlling, according to said terminal voltage, the primary current flowing through each said igniton coil so as to be at a target value, and a board having said resistance element formed thereon.

Abstract: A snowmobile electrical system having a battery conservation circuit. The system is designed to conserve battery power after deactivation of the engine using the kill switch, even if the key switch is left on. Battery power is normally consumed by continued connection of the microprocessor-based electronic engine control unit (ECU) to the battery after kill switch activation. To prevent battery consumption, the ECU monitors the electrical output of the ignition system at a position within the system wherein the output is dependent on engine speed. If the output drops to a specified level, a signal generator in the ECU is activated. Signals from the signal generator are directed to a solid state switching system which disconnects the battery from the ECU. As a result, battery consumption is controlled.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an engine limits the primary winding current of an ignition coil to a prescribed level. The conducting time of drive transistors which control the primary winding current is controlled on the basis of the voltage across a capacitor which is charged by a signal generator. At normal engine speeds, when the primary winding current reaches the prescribed level, current is bypassed around the capacitor by a bypass transistor. When the engine is cranking and the signal generator voltage is low, a switching transistor disables the bypass transistor, and the capacitor is not bypassed, thereby preventing misfiring.

Abstract: An engine igniter for a multi-cylinder engine has a plurality of power transistors for controlling the currents of corresponding ignition coils. The emitters of the power transistors are connected in common to a current sensing resistor. A differential amplifier amplifies the difference between the voltage across the current sensing resistor and a reference voltage. A current mirror circuit having a plurality of output terminals is driven by the output of the differential amplifier. Base current control transistors which control the base currents of the power transistors are controlled by the outputs of the current mirror circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system of AC continuous discharge type is disclosed which comprises a switching circuit for supplying the primary current of an ignition coil alternately in two directions and which is applicable to the internal combustion engine, for example. The rise of the primary current is slowed by an inductance device and the energy stored in the inductance device is absorbed into a capacitor.

Abstract: The circuit according to the invention comprises a hysteresis comparator 9 connected to a transistor 2 controlling the current flowing in an inductive load 1. The voltage taken across the terminals of a measurement resistor 3 is compared with a reference voltage established by a source 6. According to the invention, a feedback loop 10 establishes a proportional action of the transistor 2 on the current in the load 1 when the voltage at S exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this way an oscillation is obtained between two values on either side of a nominal value, these two values being associated with the thresholds of the hysteresis comparator. Application to the production of an integrated circuit for the control of the ignition coil of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Controlling ignition current in the ignition control system of an internal combustion engine includes determining the amount of time it takes current in the ignition coil to reach a desired or limit value and adjusting the time of starting ignition coil charging before spark firing to be substantially equal to the amount of time it takes ignition coil charging current to reach the desired or limit current value.

Abstract: An ignition system for at least one spark plug of an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil having a secondary winding connected to the plug, a control commutator device controlling the flow of current in the primary winding of the ignition coil, a device for monitoring the intensity of the current flowing in the primary winding and electrical sensors which provide signals indicative of the operating conditions of the engine. A control unit is provided with memory devices in which are stored data indicative of predetermined final values for the current in the primary winding of the ignition coil associated with various operating conditions of the engine. The control unit is also arranged to pilot the commutator device so that each time a spark needs to be generated the flow of current in the primary winding of the ignition coil is stopped when the magnitude of current has reached the final value which is associated in the memory device with the prevailing operating conditions of the engine.

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: A bipolar power switch (4) in series with the primary of an ignition coil (2) and a detection resistor (R1) associated with a voltage divider (R2, R3) supplying a voltage V.sub.D ; a controlled amplifier-comparator (9), the first input of which receives the measured voltage and the second input receives a reference voltage (8), and the output of which is connected with the base of the switch (4), this amplifier-comparator acting for limiting the base current when the measured voltage is approaching the reference voltage; a series resistor (R10) between the output of the amplifier-comparator (9) and the base of the switch (4); and a differential amplifier (11), the inputs of which are connected with the terminals of the series resistor and the output of which is connected with the first input of the amplifier-comparator.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a transistor circuit used to turn a primary current of an ignition coil on and off to produce a high voltage for spark ignition. A reference voltage generator produces a temperature compensated reference voltage. A primary current detecting circuit produces a voltage corresponding to a primary current of the ignition coil. A comparator compares the temperature compensated reference voltage with the voltage produced by the primary current detecting circuit. A control circuit responsive to an output of the comparator controls a base voltage of the transistor circuit to a predetermined constant value.

Abstract: To prevent spurious sparks from arising at a spark plug (6) connected to the secondary (3) of an ignition coil upon sudden current rise through the primary (2) when a switching transistor (4) serially connected with the primary becomes conductive, the primary (2) of the ignition coil is serially connected with another resistor (7) to form one branch of a bridge circuit, the other branch being formed by two resistors (8, 9) connected in parallel with said first branch.The diagonal terminals (11, 11') are connected to a source of reference voltage (Uref), formed for example by a Zener diode (12) and the emitter-base path of a control transistor (13), the collector of which is connected to the base of a driver transistor (14) which is controlled from an ignition control source (i) either to conduction or non-conduction to, in turn and 180.degree. out of phase, control non-conduction and conduction of the switching transistor (4).

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising a semiconductor switching device, which is controlled by a control unit, is disclosed. In response to an output from a device for detecting a shorting breakdown or a heat generation of a power switching device, the power switching device and the ignition coil are cut off from a power supply by a current cut-off device. Even when the power switching device is broken by shorting, the power generation due to continuous energization of the ignition coil is prevented, thereby preventing the ignition coil from being heated abnormally.

Abstract: This invention relates to a number of improvements in ignition systems of spark ignition engines. A detector is employed to sense the first or "breakdown" phase of spark discharge across the spark plug which causes a short duration high current flow across the plug gap. The detection of the breakdown current enables control over a number of ignition system functions. A pulse transformer is used which enables extremely short duration energization of the spark plug at controllable voltages. The existence of end gas auto-ignition is detected by energizing the spark plug during a period of the operating cycle after top dead center of piston travel. Since the threshold voltage necessary to generate spark discharge at the plug differs in conditions where auto-ignition is occurring versus ordinary combustion, sensing of plug breakdown during such energization provides a means of detecting the occurrence of auto-ignition.

Abstract: A control circuit for developing a digital signal for use in a closed loop dwell control of an electronic internal combustion engine ignition system. The circuit has a ramp counter and a down-counter. The ramp counter counts-up clock pulses for a period of time beginning when the primary winding of an ignition coil is energized and ending when primary winding current increases to a sensed current limit value. When current limit is reached, the most significant bits of the count in the ramp counter are loaded into the down-counter. The ramp counter is now counted-up and the down-counter is counted-down until the down-counter underflows. The final or ultimate count magnitude in the ramp counter is equal to the count attained by the ramp counter between energization of the primary winding and attainment of current limit added to a fixed percentage of the count attained by the ramp counter.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus of electronic distribution type for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, comprising a plurality of ignition circuits each having an ignition coil and a power switching element for one or two cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is disclosed in which the ignition circuits are arranged into a plurality of ignition systems each having at least two of the ignition circuits and a signal current-limiting circuit is provided for each of the ignition systems to control the currents flowing through the power switching elements of the associated ignition circuits.

Abstract: A control circuit which includes a circuit for regulating the time taken to desaturate the switching transistor. This regulating circuit is arranged to control the time for which the transistor is conductive, so that the desaturation time of the transistor is substantially nil when the rate of rotation of the engine is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present device for limiting the running speed is associated with an electronic ignition device comprising at least one energy storage member (21) which is normally charged so as to store at least a nominal quantity of energy, means (22, 23) for applying the said energy to an ignition coponent and electronic means (14, 25, 26) for generating the charging time of the energy storage member.

Abstract: An ignition control device for an internal combustion engine includes a digital control circuit which functions to reduce gradually a current flowing through a primary side of an ignition coil when a current supply to the primary side of the ignition coil continues for a time longer than a normal current supply period, to thereby prevent undesired spark discharge from occurring in an ignition plug.

Abstract: A current flowing time period control system for an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a current flowing time period setting circuit sets the time period for supplying the primary current of the ignition coil and an output signal of the current flowing time period setting circuit is amplified by a drive circuit and supplied to a power transistor, whereby the primary current of the ignition coil is intermittented to control the ignition operation.

Abstract: An ignition system for a distributorless internal combustion engine ignition system. Parameters related to the energization of a given ignition coil are stored and later utilized to control the dwell time for this same ignition coil. Another coil is energized and deenergized between the storing of parameters and the subsequent use of the parameters that relate to the given coil. The system causes a spark plug to be fired when a calculated spark timing signal is developed or at a time delayed from the occurrence of the calculated spark timing signal. Delayed spark plug firing occurs when certain conditions are not met prior to the time the calculated spark timing signal occurs. One of these conditions is that primary winding current has not attained a current limit value prior to the time that the calculated spark timing signal occurs.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine has means for determining the maximum energizing time of an ignition coil from a signal synchronized with the ignition timing of the engine and controlling the period that the energizing current reaches a predetermined value to a predetermined value, thereby determining the maximum energizing time of the ignition coil from the signal synchronized with the ignition timing of the engine, detecting the energizing current of the ignition coil, and variably setting the maximum closed-circuit rate of energizing the ignition coil according to the operating state of the engine and a battery voltage.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, on-off signals each responsive to one of a plurality of ignition signals from an engine control unit to switch on and off the primary current in an ignition coil are detected. A first trigger signal is produced from the logical sum of the detection signals and a second trigger signal is produced from the logical sum of the plurality of ignition signals from the engine control unit. A single nonretriggerable monostable multivibrator receives the first and second trigger signals to generate an engine ignition monitor signal.

Abstract: An ignition system for a distributorless internal combustion engine ignition system. Parameters related to the energization of a given ignition coil are stored and later utilized to control the dwell time for this same ignition coil. Another coil is energized and deenergized between the storing of parameters and the subsequent use of the parameters that relate to the given coil. The system causes a spark plug to be fired when a calculated spark timing signal is developed or at a time delayed from the occurrence of the calculated spark timing signal. Delayed spark plug firing occurs when certain conditions are not met prior to the time the calculated spark timing signal occurs. One of these conditions is that primary winding current has not attained a current limit value prior to the time that the calculated spark timing signal occurs.

Abstract: To control the ON or conduction time of a transistor (4) serially connected with the primary winding (2) of an ignition coil, the voltage drop across the collector or base respectively, and emitter is sensed and used as a control parameter with respect to a set or reference value determining current flow through the ignition coil under conditions of complete discharge of stored energy from the ignition coil. Conditions of complete discharge occur within a first speed range; in other speed ranges, in which residual stored energy remains within the ignition coil, indicative of current flow therethrough starting from a value other than zero or null, the voltage sensed across the transistor is compared with the reference value, and the current flow time adjusted in dependence on the comparison.

Abstract: In an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, the ignition device comprises: three closed circuits including first, second and third closed circuits, each circuit having at least a DC power source, a primary coil and a switching transistor; an ignition coil having three primary coils and a secondary coil; an ignition command signal generating means producing first and second ignition command signals, the first ignition command signal being applied to the third closed circuit and the second ignition command signal being applied to the control circuit; and a control circuit for causing the first and second switching elements to push-pull operate based on the input timing of the second ignition command signal.

Abstract: A control circuit for an ignition system having a magnet generator provides an abrupt adjustment of the ignition time point toward an advanced ignition when a predetermined upper speed range of an engine is reached. The control circuit includes a frequency dependent R-C member coupled to a control switching transistor activated at a preset voltage level to trigger an ignition switching power transistor. The R-C member is preadjusted so as to be charged to the preset voltage level at the time point of the transition from a lower to the upper speed range.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an ignition instruction signal generating unit for repeatedly generating a first ignition instruction signal instructing an AC discharging duration and a second ignition instruction signal instructing the current flow time of a first primary coil at each ignition timing; and an ignition control circuit unit for causing the first and second switching elements to perform a push-pull operation for a predetermined period of time upon reception of a given ignition instruction signal.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system, for a four-stroke, four-cylinder engine, having:sensors that provide signals indicative of the running conditions of the engine,two ignition transformers, each having their respective output windings connected to the spark plugs of a respective pair of cylinders of the engine,means for monitoring the current flow in the respective input windings of the two transformers,switching means for selectively and alternately connecting output of a single integrated circuit to the input windings of the two transformers, and a micro-processor unit. The switching means has two electronically controlled switch devices, respectively in series with the input winding of the first and of the second ignition transformer, connected together in a current path in parallel.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, a signal generator generates a given ac signal in synchronism with the rotation of the engine and a waveform reshaping circuit reshapes the waveform of the ac signal from the signal generator thus generating a pulse signal. An ignition timing control circuit is responsive to the pulse signal from the waveform reshaping circuit to control the timing of ignition of an ignition coil in which a primary current is switched on and off in accordance with the pulse signal.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling the energization time of an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine, a desired ignition timing is computed in accordance with a load and rotation speed of the engine and an energization starting time of the ignition coil is computed in accordance with the ignition timing. The energization starting time is retarded in accordance with the primary current through the ignition coil and the energization time of the ignition coil is reduced. The primary current flow through the ignition coil is interrupted at the ignition timing.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanically timed ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a variable reluctance transducer mechanically operated by the engine to produce an output waveform having zero crossings coinciding with the desired instants of sparks. A comparator means at the input of an integrated ignition control circuit is connected to a winding of the transducer. The i.c. output point, which controls a semiconductor switch connecting an ignition coil across a supply, is connected by a C-R feedback path to the input of the comparator means, to provide transient positive feedback, which is effective at cranking speed to provide improved rejection of low level audio frequency interference signals.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition control includes a variable reluctance pick-up with a winding providing signals to an integrator the output of which controls an ignition switching circuit. The ignition switching circuit includes a current limiter circuit which operates to limit the coil current at a maximum level until the instant of ignition. A capacitor is charged and discharged under the control of the current limiter circuit so that the voltage on it depends on the ratio of the time for which the current limiter circuit is in operation to the ignition cycle duration. An active clamping circuit operates to override the integrator under the control of this capacitor so as to apply a variable preconditioning bias to the output of the integrator which has the effect of varying the instant at which the coil current is switched on. Closed loop dwell control is thus provided in a simple and convenient manner.