METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLABLY GENERATING SPARKS IN AN IGNITION SYSTEM OR THE LIKE

摘要

An apparatus for controllably generating sparks is provided. The apparatus includes a spark generating device; at least two output stages connected to the spark generating device; means for charging energy storage devices in the output stages and at least partially isolating each of the energy storage devices from the energy storage devices of the other output stages; and, a logic circuit for selectively triggering the output stages to generate a spark. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the logic circuit can be configured to fire the stages at different times, in different orders, and/or in different combinations to provide the spark generating device with output pulses having substantially and desired waveshape and energy level to thereby produce a spark having substantially any desired energy level and plume shape at the spark generating device to suit any application.