Engine ignition systems

An engine ignition system, comprising:

• a multifunction controller comprising:
• a first driver;
• a second driver;
• a logic block electronically connected to the first driver and to the second driver;
• and
• a processing module electronically connected to the logic block, wherein the logic block is configured to control operation of the first driver and to control operation of the second driver based on commands issued to the logic block by the processing module;
• and
• an exciter operatively connected to the multifunction controller and electrically connected to a power source and to an ignitor, the exciter comprising:
• an energy storage device for storing electric energy;
• a step up transformer connected between the power source and the energy storage device;
• a step up driver that is:
• electronically connected to the first driver, such that the first driver is able to control operation of the step up driver, and
• electronically connected to the step up transformer, such that the step up driver is able to control operation of the step up transformer;
• a firing switch connected between the energy storage device and the ignitor;
• and
• a power switch driver that is:
• electronically connected to the second driver, such that the second driver is able to control operation of the power switch driver, and
• electronically connected to the firing switch, such that the power switch driver is able to control operation of the firing switch.