Adaptive spark energy control

Abstract

A system and method for operating an ignition system. An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.