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Electronic ignition system (2)

The document discusses the advantages of transistorized ignition systems over traditional point-type ignition systems, highlighting issues such as high maintenance, timing changes, and fuel inefficiency in the latter. It explains the role of a signal generator and how it operates to control the ignition coil's primary current using transistors. The document also outlines the components of the igniter and the operating principles of the transistorized ignition system during engine operation.

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Mesafint Kassie
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27 views4 pages

Electronic ignition system (2)

The document discusses the advantages of transistorized ignition systems over traditional point-type ignition systems, highlighting issues such as high maintenance, timing changes, and fuel inefficiency in the latter. It explains the role of a signal generator and how it operates to control the ignition coil's primary current using transistors. The document also outlines the components of the igniter and the operating principles of the transistorized ignition system during engine operation.

Uploaded by

Mesafint Kassie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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6.

4 Transistorized ignition system

The point-type ignition system function well for many years, but has the following
disadvantage:
1. High maintenance requirements, due to rubbing block and point wear.
2. Timing change due to point gap change
3. High fuel consumption and increase exhaust emission, due to resulting retarded
timing change
4. Limited ability to ignite fuel mixtures, due to lower spark energy.
The key to solving the problems noted above was to eliminate the mechanical
contact points replacing them with non-wearing electronic components that could
perform the same functions points.
Different manufacturers have different arrangements for the use of transistors in the
ignition system. Even though the arrangements are different and complex, it has
advantages over the contact point ignition system

In the transistorized ignition system, a signal generator is provided in the distributor in


place of the cam and breaker points. It generates a voltage which switching on the
transistors in the igniter to interrupt the primary current in the ignition coil.

Conventional ignition system Transistorized Ignition system

Signal generator
A signal generator consists of:
1. A permanent magnet (stationary)
2. A pole piece /pick-up coil (stationary)
3. A reluctor / signal rotor (rotary)
The various component parts of s pulse generator differs among various
manufacturers:
Stationary Rotating
Manufacturer Pick-up coil trigger wheel
AMC Sensor Trigger wheel
Chrysler Pick-up coil Reluctor
Ford Stator Armature
Toyota Pick-up coil Signal rotor
GM Pole piece & magnetic pick-up Timer core

The signal generator switches on the power transistors in the igniter to interrupt the
ignition coil primary current at the correct ignition timing.

1
The signal generator consists of permanent magnets which magnetize the pick up
coil, the pick up coil for AC generation, and the signal rotor which reduces an AC
voltage in the pick up coil in accordance with the ignition timing. The signal rotor has
as many teeth as the number of cylinders.

How a signal generator works

Surrounding the pick up coil is a magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet.
When a conductor come closer to the magnet line of force, reluctance (resistance) to
the magnetic line of force decreases. Therefore the moveable armature is often
called a reluctor because it decreases the reluctance of the magnetic field
surrounding the pick-up coil.
As the signal rotor (armature) tooth approaches the centre of the stator (pick up coil),
a strong magnetic field begins to build around the magnetic pick-up, permitting the
primary coil to build up a strong magnetic field. When the reluctor tooth passes the
centre of the magnetic pick-up and starts away from it, it reverse the induced voltage
and turn off the base of the switching transistor. This, in turns, switches off the
emitter-collector of transistor and turns off the primary ignition coil current. The very
rapid cut off primary current collapse the magnetic field in the ignition to produce the
high secondary voltage required to fire the spark plug.

IGNITER

The igniter consists of detector, which


detects the EMF generated by the
signal generator, a signal amplifier, and
a power transistor, which carries out
accurate interruption of the ignition coil
primary current according to the
amplified signal. Dwell angle control for
correction of the primary signal
according to increasing engine speed is
also incorporated in to the igniter.
Some type of the igniters also provide
with a current limiting circuit for control
of the maximum primary current.

2
Operating Principle of transistorised ignition
A. Engine Stopped

When the ignition switch is turned on, a voltage is applied to point 'P'. This voltage is
kept below the base voltage required for transistor operation through voltage division
by resistor R1 and R2. As a result, the transistor remains off while the engine is
stopped, so no primary current flows in the ignition coil.

B. Engine Running (positive voltage generated in the pick up coil)

When the engine is cranked, the signal rotor of the distributor rotates, generating an
alternating voltage in the pickup coil. If the generated voltage is positive, it is added
to the voltage from the battery at point, 'P' raising the voltage at 'Q' base voltage
above the transistor operating voltage, thus turning on the transistor as a result, the
ignition coil primary current flows through the transistor from the collector (C) to the
emitter (E).

3
C. Engine Running (Negative voltage generated in the pick up coil)

When the alternating current voltage generated in the pick up coil is negative, this
voltage is added to the voltage at point 'P' so the voltage at point Q decreases bellow
the transistor operating voltage, turning off the transistor. As a result, the primary
circuit current is turned off and a high voltage is induced in the secondary coil.

Reading Assignment

 Direct fire ignition system (Distributor less)


 Hall-Effect Ignition System
 Electronic Spark Advance (ESA)
 Dwell angle control in electronic ignition system

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