Patent ID: 6283103
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: F02P

Abstract:
A capacitance discharge ignition system of the type comprising a spark plug; an ignition coil having a primary winding, and having a secondary winding connected to the spark plug; an energy storage capacitance element connected to the primary winding of the coil; a power supply connected to the energy storage capacitance element; and timing means for controlling the timing of the discharge of the energy storage capacitance element to the primary winding to effect generation of a spark in the spark plug; the ignition system being characterized by further comprising:means for setting a first signal indicative of a desired setpoint for spark duration in the spark plug;means for providing a second signal indicative of the actual spark duration based on current flowing through the primary winding;means for determining an error signal between said first and second indicative signals; andmeans for modulating the energy delivered to the energy storage capacitance element as a function of said error signal so as to adjust the actual spark duration toward the desired spark duration.