Device and method for ignition detection

US5682860A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Vogt Electronic AG · DE

Inventors

• Ekkehard Kollmann · Passau, DE
• Udo Mai · Hauzenberg, DE
• Roman Schichl · Passau, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 4, 1996
• Grant date: Nov 4, 1997
• Expiry date: Jun 4, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02P2017/125
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The process for ignition detection for an ignition system in a combustion engine wherein a first ignition pulse is generated in a cycle for generating a first ignition spark and at least a second ignition pulse for generating a second ignition spark provides that the alternating voltage for generating at least the second ignition pulse has one or more periods with half-waves having different amplitudes. The first half-wave has an amplitude between the maximum voltage required in the presence of ionization between the electrodes of a spark plug in the ignition system, and between the minimum voltage required in the absence of ionization. The second half-wave has an amplitude exceeding the maximum voltage required. The criterion measured for an ignition of the fuel-air mixture having taken place is whether or not the second ignition spark was generated with the first half-wave of the alternating voltage.