Engine ignition control unit for improved engine starting

A method of operating an ignition system for a combustion engine, comprising:

• charging an energy storage device during at least a portion of the time when the engine is operating;
• permitting the level of energy stored on the energy storage device to decrease over time after the engine ceases to operate;
• determining the energy level on the energy storage device when the engine is restarted after having ceased operating;
• and
• setting at least one engine operational parameter as a function of the determined energy level, wherein a switch is provided that has a first state in which charging of the energy storage device is not permitted and a second state in which charging of the energy storage device is permitted, the switch being in the first state absent power being supplied to the switch, and wherein the method includes the step of providing power to the switch when the engine is operating so that the switch is in the second state and charging of the energy storage device is permitted, and wherein power is not provided to the switch until the energy level on the energy storage device, when the engine is restarted after having ceased operating, has been determined.

An engine control system, comprising:

• a main energy storage device adapted to be communicated with an energy source;
• an ignition switch coupled to the main energy storage device to control discharge of energy from the main energy storage device;
• a timing circuit including a second energy storage device, a second switch coupled to the second energy storage device and having a first state permitting current flow to the second energy storage device and a second state that does not permit current flow to the second energy storage device;
• and
• a controller coupled to the second switch and to the second energy storage device, the controller being operable to control the state of the switch and to determine an energy level of the second energy storage device.