Abstract: An ignition device includes: a high frequency power source; a first device having inductance; a second device having capacitance; a discharge GAP; and a shield device which covers a connection portion between the first device and the second device, and is connected to the ground. The high frequency power source supplies AC power to the discharge GAP by using a resonance circuit composed of the first device and the second device, and ignites fuel by discharge plasma generated in the discharge GAP. In the ignition device, the first device, the second device, the connection portion, and the shield device are arranged in the same package and are sealed with an insulating substance.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a source metal formed on the substrate. A gate pad is formed on the substrate adjacent to the source metal. A gate metal is formed on the substrate and surrounds the gate pad and the source metal. A first diode is formed between the gate metal and the source metal.

Abstract: A circuit and method for gradually reducing a coil current during a shutdown period is disclosed. The circuit and method include a controller that is configured in a control loop with a current sensor that measures the current in the coil and a transistor that can be controller to limit the current in the coil. The open-loop gain of the controller is determined by a resistance of a variable feedback resistor, and the resistance of the variable feedback resistor is reduced during the shutdown period as the coil current becomes small. The reduction of the resistance maintains a suitable phase margin by lowering the open loop gain of the circuit for low coil currents. Thus during shutdown, the circuit provides control accuracy for high coil currents and control stability for low coil currents.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first bidirectional diode of a ring shape surrounding a central region and including a first connection section and a second connection section which is provided to the inner side of the ring shape from the first connection section, a semiconductor element in the central region including a first semiconductor element electrode, a second semiconductor element electrode, and a control electrode, the first semiconductor element electrode electrically connected to the first connection section and the second semiconductor element electrode electrically connected to the control electrode, a first resistor including a first resistor electrode and a second resistor electrode, the first resistor electrode electrically connected to the second connection section and the control electrode, a second bidirectional diode electrically connected to the second resistor electrode and to the second semiconductor element electrode, and a second resistor element electrically connected to the secon

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for an Otto engine, comprising an ignition coil, a printed circuit board, which carries a control circuit with a power transistor, a plastic housing, in which the ignition coil and the printed circuit board are arranged, and a thermal dissipation element, which protrudes through a wall of the plastic housing. In accordance with this disclosure, the printed circuit board carries a cooling body, which is plugged together with the thermal dissipation element to form a thermal bridge, which dissipates thermal losses of the control circuit out from the plastic housing.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a memory bank, a data line and a data line control unit. The memory bank stores data. The data line transfers data to be stored in or output from the memory bank. The data line control unit initializes the data line in response to a power-up signal and a write command.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an IGBT, a constant voltage circuit, and protection Zener diodes. The IGBT makes/breaks a low-voltage current flowing in a primary coil. The constant voltage circuit and the protection Zener diodes are provided between an external gate terminal and an external collector terminal. The constant voltage circuit supplies a constant gate voltage to the IGBT to thereby set a saturation current value of the IGBT to a predetermined limiting current value. The IGBT has the saturation current value in a limiting current value range of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: The catalyzer is applicable in the ignition of gasoline engines of transportation vehicles, generates, stand alone and stationary machines and others. Its advantage is that it has a higher quality of the ignition and an increased efficiency. The first version of the electronic high frequency plasma catalyzer by standard ignition with a mechanical distributor consists of a constant current power supply—battery (1) and a standard ignition system of the petrol engine, which contains a microprocessor (2) with a built in it electronic switch (K). To the information input of the microprocessor there is joined up a sensor (D) for obtaining of a start and synchronizing signal, received from the mechanical distributor. The output of the electronic switch (K) is connected to the one end of a high voltage ignition coil (3), joined up with the plus pole of the battery via a key (4).

Abstract: The catalyzer is applicable in the ignition of gasoline engines of transportation vehicles, generators, stand alone and stationary machines and others. Its advantage is that it has a higher quality of the ignition and an increased efficiency. The first version of the electronic high frequency plasma catalyzer by standard ignition with a mechanical distributor consists of a constant current power supply—battery (1) and a standard ignition system of the petrol engine, which contains a microprocessor (2) with a built in it electronic switch (K). To the information input of the microprocessor there is joined up a sensor (D) for obtaining of a start and synchronizing signal, received from the mechanical distributor. The output of the electronic switch (K) is connected to the one end of a high voltage ignition coil (3), joined up with the plus pole of the battery via a key (4).

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes a switch circuit connected to an ignition coil to switch on or off current supplied to the ignition coil, a control circuit for providing a control signal for controlling the switch circuit based on the ignition signal and a protection circuit including an input terminal that receives the ignition signal, an NPN transistor having a collector connected to the input terminal, an emitter connected to a ground, a base and the collector and a parasitic diode between the collector and the emitter of the NPN transistor, in which a prescribed capacitance is formed between the base and the collector of the NPN transistor. If an electric surge that has an ascending slope comes into the input terminal, the NPN transistor to turn on to discharge the electric surge to a ground. If an electric surge that has an descending slope comes into the input terminal, it passes through the parasitic diode toward the input terminal.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is connected to an ignition coil and to a circuit for providing an ignition signal. The ignition system includes a switch circuit connected to the ignition coil that switches on or off current supplied to the ignition coil, a control circuit that controls the switch circuit based on the ignition signal and a protection circuit that includes a pair of back-to-back connected zener diodes connected between the input terminal of the control circuit and a ground.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling an ignition coil is provided. The circuit includes a first transistor, second transistor, and a capacitor. The first transistor is connected in electrical series between the ignition coil and a voltage reference. The capacitor is connected between the ignition coil and a control input of the first transistor. The second transistor is configured to selectively connect the capacitor to the voltage reference.

Abstract: An igniter of the present invention has an insulated gate semiconductor device having a collector terminal, an emitter terminal and a gate terminal, a current control circuit which limits current by controlling voltage at the gate terminal when current for flowing through the insulated gate semiconductor device exceeds a fixed value, a voltage monitor circuit for detecting a potential of the collector, and a control current adjusting circuit for controlling current which flows through the gate terminal by receiving output from the voltage monitor circuit.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition apparatus includes a switching circuit having no power supply terminal connected to a power supply such as a battery is constructed, and including an output terminal connected to an ignition coil, an input terminal for receiving an ignition signal voltage and a reference potential terminal connected to a reference potential. In the switching circuit, the terminal structure is simplified, and energization timing and ignition timing can be set more accurately. A current supply circuit is connected between the input terminal and the reference potential terminal, and a current is supplied from the current supply circuit to a drive resistor of the switching element. In this current supply circuit, an energization timing when supply of the driving current is started is controlled by a waveform shaping circuit operating by the ignition signal voltage, and an ignition timing when the driving current is interrupted is controlled.

Abstract: A system for firing a spark plug is disclosed. The system includes a timing controller configured to send a first timing signal and a second timing signal. The system also includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding and a spark-plug that is operably associated with the secondary winding. A first switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The first switching element controls a supply of power to the primary winding based on the first timing signal. Also, a second switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The second switching element controls the supply of power to the primary winding based on the second timing signal. A method for firing a spark plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: The ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes, a control unit (1) for outputting an ignition signal used to determine a time when an ignition plug (8) should be ignited, a switching unit (5) connected to the other terminal of a primary coil for cutting off the flow of a primary current, and a drive unit (4) for turning ON or OFF the switching unit (5) in response to the ignition signal to adjust a voltage to be applied to a gate of the switching unit (5).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition device able to suppress misfires etc. at abnormal times and achieving smaller size and lower cost, provided with an IGBT (switching device SW), a current limiting circuit for limiting a primary current running through the IGBT to within a predetermined value, a fast gate voltage drop circuit for making the gate voltage of the IGBT fast drop to an extent where spark discharge occurs at the spark plug, an abnormality detecting circuit for detecting an abnormal state of an igniter or electronic control unit and outputting an abnormality detection signal, and a slow gate voltage drop circuit having a gate voltage feed cutoff circuit for cutting off the feed of the gate voltage at an abnormal time and a discharge circuit for discharging the gate capacitor charge of the IGBT to make the gate voltage slowly drop to an extent where no spark discharge will occur at the spark plug.

Abstract: A bidirectional semiconductor component having two symmetrical MOS transistor structures integrated laterally in a substrate and connected antiserially, their drain terminals being connected to one another. A zone having the same type of conductivity as the drain region yet a higher doping than that of the drain region is situated upstream from a pn junction of one of the MOS transistors in a junction area with the drain region.

Abstract: A power supply is described that comprises two or more flyback-type, DC-to-DC converters having substantially the same periods for their respective charge-discharge cycles; inputs from a common power source; outputs that are connected to a common output node and circuitry for controlling the charge-discharge cycles of the two or more converters so that the cycles of one converter is out of phase with respect to the charge-discharge cycles of at least one of the other converters.

Abstract: A product, product by process, and process according to the present invention integrates an ignition coil driver electronics or ignitor into a plughole coil housing. Electronic components are mounted directly to a printed circuit board serving as a direct connection to connector terminals and/or coil leads via plated-apertures. If required, at least one protective layer can be applied directly to an external surface of at least some of the electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board to compensate for differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion. The protective layer is selected from a group including a conformal coating, a soft buffer material, a hard epoxy globtop, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A solid-state Hall effect ignition system which requires connection to only a single ignition coil lead wire. The lead wire connects to both an output transistor and to power supply circuitry arranged to provide an internal bias or supply voltage for the solid-state ignition circuitry. Current limiting and automatic shut-off features dwell control, and polarity protection are also provided.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an ignition system includes an ignition coil and spark plug associated with each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. Each ignition coil has a primary winding with the first end connectable to a power source and a second end opposite the first end connected to a silicon-control rectifier (SCR). Each coil also has a secondary winding connectable to a respective spark plug. The SCR may be integrated with the coil. A main driver device is connected between the other end of the SCR and ground. The driver device is configured to conduct a primary current in response to a drive signal. The SCRs are controlled into conduction by a respective gating signal. A control circuit is configured to generate the gating signals and the drive signal in response to one or more ignition control signals. An SCR for each coil is used to select which coil is allowed to carry current when the main driver is turned on.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system is capable of generating intense continuous electrical discharge at a spark gap for a desired duration and may include a second controllable power switching circuit with its input terminal connected to an output terminal of a high voltage DC source device. An output terminal of the second controllable power switching circuit is connected to an input terminal of a first power switching circuit. The second controllable power switching circuit may also have a control terminal connected to an output of a controller. The first controllable power switching circuit may be used for discharging a discharge capacitor, and the second controllable power switching circuit may cause charging of the discharge capacitor. As such, an ignition current through an ignition coil of the system is enabled for any desired number of cycles during both the charge and discharge cycles of the discharge capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an Electronics Control Unit (ECU) power potential stabilizing circuit and an ECU reference potential stabilizing circuit. The ECU power potential stabilizing circuit eliminates noise and stabilizes voltage variation occurring when the electrical parts of automobile are activated by the power supplied through the ECU of the electronic accelerator, by impressing it to the power supply line and variable voltage supply line. The ECU reference potential stabilizing circuit eliminates the unnecessary spark noise and harmonics noise occurring on the power supply line, reference potential line and variable voltage supply line, by impressing it to the variable voltage supply line and reference potential line. It further stabilizes the voltage supplied to the ECU by compensating the voltage fluctuated due to disturbances.

Abstract: An ignition system and a method for operating an ignition system provides reliable suppression of a closing spark ignition at relatively small expense and to achieve a reliable ignition by the ignition spark. To assure a high energy supply to the spark plug, an ignition system is created having a functional device for receiving a drive signal and for producing a pulse signal, an ignition transistor for receiving the pulse signal, an ignition coil, whose primary winding connections are connected in a primary current circuit that is fed by a vehicle power supply source and that can be switched using the ignition transistor, and whose secondary winding connections are connected in a secondary current circuit for receiving a spark plug.

Abstract: An AC ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a voltage source, an ignition coil coupled to the voltage source and at least one spark plug having a spark gap, the ignition coil has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the secondary winding has a high turn ratio with respect to the primary winding. The primary winding is electrically coupled to the voltage source and the secondary winding is electrically connected to the spark gap. A switch is connected in series with the primary winding and is configured for movement between an open position and a closed position the closed position electrically couples the voltage source to the primary winding. The ignition coil generates a make voltage after the primary winding is coupled to the voltage source. The make voltage is sufficient to ionize the spark gap.

Abstract: A battery, an energy charge inductance, and a first transistor are connected in series in an ignition system. A primary winding and a second switching device are connected in series between the ground and a point between the energy charge inductance and the first switching device. A drive circuit switches periodically on and off the first switching device and the second switching device during multispark duration of the spark plug such that each switching device has a different switching status from each other. After the multispark duration, the drive circuit switches periodically on and off the second transistor with a short switching interval. The switching interval is set such that a relatively low voltage that almost causes a spark is impressed to the spark plug. An ion current detection is implemented by using this voltage as a power source.

Abstract: Durability and lifetime of a resin sealed electronic device is improved by reducing thermal stresses acting on the power element and the parts mounting on the board.

Abstract: An apparatus for a distributorless ignition system which responds to an ignition signal pulse train which is related to the compression and exhaust strokes of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes at least one ignition coil having a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a core, wherein the primary winding and the secondary winding are wrapped about the core, and the primary winding has a first end and a second end; a pair of spark plugs for each ignition coil, wherein the spark plugs are connected between opposite ends of the secondary winding and electrical ground; and a circuit connected to the first end and the second end of the primary winding for directing electrical current through the primary winding in an opposite direction during each successive ignition signal pulse such that the spark plugs simultaneously fire after each ignition signal pulse.

Abstract: In an ignition semiconductor device, a self-shut down circuit forcibly turns off an IGBT when an input signal is continuously applied. The self-shut down circuit is formed of a main-current gradual-reduction circuit having a timer circuit, a capacitor, a resistor, and an FET. When the timer circuit, which is actuated when the input signal is input, counts out, the FET is turned on to cause a capacitor, which is connected parallel to a resistor for producing a reference voltage for a current-limiting circuit, to discharge slowly through the resistor, thereby gradually reducing the reference voltage. Correspondingly, the current-limiting circuit reduces the main current to turn off the IGBT. The slow turn-off operation of the IGBT prevents a high voltage from being generated in the ignition coil.

Abstract: A mesh structure portion is provided at a part of a stripe structure IGBT chip, gate resistance of a respective minute IGBT is reduced and in a gate portion chip a filter is constituted by a resistor and a condenser. Under a severe environment such as an integrated ignition coil, a small size and a low cost ignitor which can use without a necessity for a protection circuit by a peripheral circuit can be provided. An ignition apparatus having IGBT which is strong against serge resistant performance and noise resistant performance can be obtained.

Abstract: In an ignition apparatus, voltage is induced in a primary coil by a permanent magnet being rotated together with rotation of an output shaft of an engine. As the output shaft rotates, protrusions also revolve, inducing voltage in an electromagnetic pickup. Depending on the induced voltage in the pickup, a switching element is switched on or off. The switching-off timing of the switching element is set as an ignition timing. Therefore, at the ignition timing, the current through the primary coil is sharply cut off, so that great voltage is induced in a secondary coil and is applied to an ignition plug.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system is provided which includes an ignition coil for firing a pair of first and second spark plugs at the same time. The ignition system includes a changeover switch which, when assuming one operating position, causes the first spark plug to produce negative polarity spark and the second spark plug to produce positive polarity spark and, when assuming another operating position, causes the first spark plug to produce positive polarity spark and the second spark plug to produce negative polarity spark. The operating position of changeover switch is changed every time the number of sparks produced by each of the first and second spark plugs becomes two. By this, the number of negative polarity sparks and the number of positive polarity sparks produced by each of the first and second spark plugs on compression stroke at its corresponding cylinder over a long period of time are the same.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement of an ignition output stage, in particular for an ignition circuit of a motor vehicle, is described. The circuit arrangement includes a multiple Darlington transistor (Darlington) which drives a primary winding of an ignition coil, as well as a driving circuit for the Darlington. An n-p-n Darlington is provided, whose collector is connected to the positive terminal of a voltage source and whose emitter is connected to a first terminal of the primary winding of the ignition coil. The second terminal of the primary winding is connected to ground. The Darlington is driven via a decoupling element which isolates the driving circuit from a negative reverse voltage present at the base of the Darlington when the latter is turned off.

Abstract: In order to reduce the bulk and weight of the upper igniter case division of the armor case, and to lower the center of gravity of the total apparatus so as to provide an igniter which is tough to oscillate, the igniter for the internal combustion engine has the armor case equipped with the coil department and igniter unit therein, and said armor case has the igniter case having the coil department case and the connector department. Furthermore, the coil department case is inserted in the plug hole of the internal combustion engine. The igniter unit is mounted in the igniter case. Furthermore, the igniter unit has a semiconductor device of a simple substance silicon chip having integrated therein a semi-conductor for switching and a current limiting circuitry. The semi-conductor for switching consists of an insulated bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a power transistor.

Abstract: An inductive coil ignition system for an engine, having at least one ignition coil which includes a primary winding fed from a voltage source and having two terminals, and a secondary winding also having two terminals. A switching apparatus is arranged parallel to the primary winding and connects the two terminals of the primary winding as a function of a control signal. An activation circuit generates the control signal.

Abstract: According to the invention, a primary winding of an ignition coil is coupled with an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). The IGBT is controlled by a current restriction circuit, which includes a control transistor for performing the on-off operation of the IGBT such that the IGBT is made conductive upon occurrence of an ignition control signal, and nonconductive, when a primary current of the ignition coil reaches a certain value depending on a reference voltage determined by a bias circuit. The bias circuit has a condenser, which is charged by a base current of the control transistor to change the base potential of the transistor slowly, when the transistor is made nonconductive.

Abstract: In order to reduce the bulk and weight of the upper igniter case division of an armor case, and to lower the center of gravity of the total apparatus so as to provide an igniter which is tough to oscillate, the igniter for the internal combustion engine has the armor case equipped with a coil compartment and igniter unit. The armor case has the igniter case having the coil case and connector. Furthermore, the coil compartment case is inserted in the plug hole of the internal combustion engine. The igniter unit is mounted in the igniter case. Furthermore, the igniter unit has a semiconductor device of a single substance silicon chip having integrated therein a semi-conductor for switching and a current limiting circuitry. The semi-conductor for switching consists of an insulated bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a power transistor.

Abstract: An a.c. ignition system for an engine, with an ignition transistor that switches the primary winding of an ignition coil, with a control circuit for controlling the ignition transistor and a parallel circuit including a capacitor and a diode between the emitter and collector of the ignition transistor. The control circuit can receive a measuring signal that is proportional to the collector potential of the ignition transistor, and the control circuit controls the ignition transistor depending on the measuring signal so that the ignition transistor is activated at a low voltage between the collector and emitter of the transistor.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine includes a switching element performing flow and break control for a primary current flowing through an ignition coil depending upon a spark control signal output from an electronic engine control unit and a current limiting circuit limiting a current flowing through the switching element. The switching element is formed with an insulated gate bipolar transistor. The igniter further comprises a current detecting load element for detecting current flowing through the insulated gate bipolar transistor, and a diode being provided between the current detecting load element and the self-isolation N-MOS transistor, which diode having an opposite temperature coefficient to that of the current detecting load element.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine includes an ignition power unit 1A having a power transistor 14A for feeding and shutting off a primary current i1 to and from an ignition coil 13 and a control circuit 2 having a CPU 21 for calculating an ignition timing of an internal combustion engine and a feeding time of the primary current in accordance with an operating state D and outputting an ignition signal G to the power transistor, feeds and shuts off the primary current in response to an ignition signal Ga to generate a high-tension secondary voltage from the ignition coil. The power transistor has a characteristic for increasing a direct current amplifying ratio as a base to emitter voltage VBE between a base and emitter increases to suppress the rising-up of the primary current to thereby suppress a secondary voltage generated when the primary current starts to be fed.

Abstract: A modular electronic ignition system for use in internal combustion engines is provided using latching Hall effect sensing devices. Two permanent magnets are affixed to a non-ferrous member mounted to the camshaft which extends through a seal in the timing cover. A sensing module comprising the Hall effect devices is arranged annularly or angularly about the magnet containing member and senses the magnetic field as the magnets pass the Hall effect devices. Dwell time is controlled by the angular distance at which the magnets are placed from each other. The output of the Hall effect devices drives application specific integrated circuits which provide low level switching of ignition coil primaries. The modular design allows for a low part count, a simplified EMI shielding arrangement, and easy removal and replacement of system components.

Abstract: A power transistor device is provided which has a function of clamping the collector voltage to a stable level for a wide range of temperature variations. In the power transistor device, a plurality of pn junctions are formed to fabricate Zener diodes in the polycrystalline silicon film in the form of rings. The ring configuration of the Zener diodes eliminates an end at the pn junction and prevents the junction surface from being exposed, making it possible to use as a stable Zener voltage the dielectric strength characteristic of the pn junction having a very small temperature coefficient.

Abstract: In a transistor where collector is connected to an inductive load and switching current flows, a Zener diode comprising structure of plural pn-junctions constituted in series form to a polysilicon is provided between collector and base. Further MOSFET is switch-controlled by control voltage formed based on Zener current flowing through the Zener diode, and current path in parallel form to the Zener diode is constituted. Since temperature characteristic coefficient of a Zener diode formed in a polysilicon film is very small, the reverse voltage generated in the inductive load can be set to stable voltage in spite of the temperature variation. Further the MOSFET is provided in parallel form, thereby relatively large ON-resistance value of the Zener diode can be decreased.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system having a control unit to preset the ignition times of the individual cylinders, an ignition coil, and an end stage with a switching transistor (T.sub.1) for exciting the ignition coil. The end stage is provided with a switching unit with which the sparking cycle of the spark plugs is influenced.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which is simple in the circuit arrangement and highly reliable in operation. An electromagnetic pickup coil generates an ignition signal having a magnitude proportional to the number of revolutions per minute of the engine in synchrony with the rotation thereof for controlling an ignition coil. A waveform shaper in the form of a comparator shapes the ignition signal from the pickup coil into a signal containing a pulse having a rising edge and a falling edge. An integrator integrates the ignition signal from the pickup coil to provide a rpm voltage representative of the number of revolutions per minute of the engine. A signal level controller controls the voltage level of the ignition signal based on the rpm voltage generated by the integrator. A current absorber absorbs from the ignition signal a current in accordance with the voltage of a power supply which powers the ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition system of the current interruption type for internal combustion engine wherein a three-pole magneto having a magnet positioned in a recess formed at a magnetic rotor is used as a power supply for the ignition system and a transistor switch circuit is used for interrupting a primary current of an ignition coil device is disclosed which is capable of significantly increasing an advance angle width. Pole arc angles .alpha. of a pair of stator magnetic poles are set to be equal to each other and an angular interval .alpha. between stator magnetic poles is set to be equal to or less than an angular interval .beta. between rotor magnetic poles adjacent to each other. Also, an angular interval .delta. between the outer ends of the stator magnetic poles is set to be larger than an angular interval .epsilon. between the first rotor magnetic pole and the third rotor magnetic pole.

Abstract: To suppress negative half-waves derived from a magneto armature and not used for ignition without use of external damping networks, the semiconductor switch controlling current flow, and abrupt turn-off to initiate an ignition event, is formed as a monolithic semiconductor element, and the inherent inverse diode of the monolithic element is utilized to pass the reverse voltage half-waves. To prevent damage to the inherent diodes due to over-voltage or current overloading, a damping resistance element is connected in series with the main current carrying path of the monolithic circuit elements, preferably a Darlington transistor, which, preferably, is a semiconductor resistor having a preferred current passage characteristic in the same direction as the current flow through the Darlington transistor, for example a Zener diode, a resistor, or a series of diodes polarized like the inverse diode, bridged by a diode conducting in the same direction as the Darlington transistor, or the like.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for biasing and making conductive an insulated gate semiconductor device having main electrodes at both surfaces of a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode at one surface. Charges are accumulated between the gate electrode and the main electrode at the opposite surface while a voltage is applied across the electrodes storing a charge. The element is made conductive by discharging the accumulated charges when a voltage is applied in the conductive direction to such semiconductor element. The device can be used to drive the primary side of an ignition system in an internal combustion engine.