Royland A Walker

US Patent:

6359439, Mar 19, 2002

Filed:

Mar 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/523791

Inventors:

David Ross Crecelius - Indianapolis IN
Gerard Darryl Nichols - Indianapolis IN
Royland Anthony Walker - Indianapolis IN
Steven Mark Bezdek - Haslett MI
Joel Franklin Downey - Kokomo IN

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

F02P 1700

US Classification:

324391, 324388, 324378, 701103, 701114, 701115, 123644, 73116

Abstract:

A compression sense ignition system includes a sensing capacitor having a conductive sensing element disposed in proximity to the secondary winding leads of a first and a second ignition coil for developing a compression sense ignition signal. Epoxy potting material encapsulates the leads and the sensing element to reduce variation of the effective capacitance of the sensing capacitor. The compression sense ignition signal is processed to generate a cylinder identification signal which is used to determine absolute engine position. A fault mode detection and correction scheme is implemented wherein a controller responsive to the cylinder identification signal can determine correct absolute engine position notwithstanding the occurrence of one or more engine or ignition system faults which may impair the cylinder identification signal.