Ignition device for internal combustion engine

An ignition device for an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• an angle signal generator for producing a timing signal in synchronism with an engine rotation, an ignition control device responsive to an output signal of said angle signal generator for performing a predetermined ignition timing calculation to produce an ignition timing control signal, and for detecting an engine stop condition to produce a stop signal, a semiconductor switch element having a control gate supplied with said ignition timing control signal for supplying current to an ignition coil upon receipt of said ignition timing control signal to on-off control the current supply to said ignition coil, a capacitor for supplying charge to said control gate of said semiconductor switch element, a switch circuit for maintaining said capacitor fully charged by continuously supplying a current thereto during normal running of the engine, and means for cutting said current to said capacitor off when either said ignition control device produces said stop signal or a stop switch is operated such that said capacitor gradually discharges to a level at which said switch element is rendered non-conductive, to thereby preclude dieseling or the like.