Control system and method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine

A method of controlling operation of an intake valve of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

• receiving first schedule data indicative of when opening of an intake valve of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine is to be performed;
• causing opening of the intake valve at a time defined by the first schedule data;
• during a period in which the intake valve is open within at least one combustion cycle, receiving second schedule data indicative of when closing of the intake valve is to be performed;
• and
• causing closing of the intake valve at a time defined by the second schedule data.

A method of controlling an internal combustion engine comprising:

• receiving a first request signal indicative of first torque demand;
• determining a schedule defining an opening timing of an intake valve and a closing timing of the intake valve for a cylinder of the internal combustion engine in dependence on the first torque demand;
• causing the intake valve to open in accordance with the schedule;
• and
• during a period in which the intake valve is open:
• receiving a second torque request signal indicative of a second torque demand different to the first torque demand;
• determining an updated schedule defining an updated closing timing of the intake valve in dependence on the second torque demand;
• and
• causing the intake valve to close in accordance with the updated schedule,
• wherein the method comprises determining the updated schedule in dependence on the second torque request being received before an injection of fuel that is scheduled to start during said period in which the intake valve is open.