Method for reducing pin count of an integrated coil with driver and ionization detection circuit by multiplexing ionization and coil charge current feedback signals
US6951201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a first preferred embodiment, the present feature of the invention multiplexes both the ionization and driver current feedback signals into one signal, thus reducing cost and making coil packaging easier. The multiplexed signal first outputs the ionization detection signal and then replaces the ionization signal with the charge current feedback signal when the charge command Vin is enabled. In other words, the multiplexed feedback signal outputs the ionization feedback signal and switches to the charge current feedback signal when the charge command Vin is active. In a second preferred embodiment, the present feature of the invention comprises a method and apparatus to multiplex the ignition driver gate signal with both the ignition coil charge current feedback signal and the ionization signal, thus reducing the package pin count by two.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.