Engine position detection for a direct ignition system

摘要

Absolute engine position sensing is provided by monitoring the temporal relationship of energization of multiple spark plugs (46,48) sharing a common source (40) of drive energy in a direct ignition application. The spark plugs (46,48) are connected across the source (40) with opposing electrical polarity, and the relative time of discharge across the plugs (46,48) is compared by sensing the time and polarity of high speed transient activity in proximity to the source (40), and thereby the position of the engine.