US 7,063,079 B2Granted

Device for reducing the part count and package size of an in-cylinder ionization detection system by integrating the ionization detection circuit and ignition coil driver into a single package

AssigneeVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.

InventorsGarlan J. Huberts, Michael T. Nation, Guoming G. Zhu, Kevin D. Moran, Bruce Wang, Kenneth L. Gould

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Abstract

Two embodiments of an integrated ionization detection circuit and ignition coil driver, an ASIC and a single electronic package, are disclosed. The apparatuses reduce the cost and complexity of an in-cylinder ionization detection system by combining like functionality into one ASIC or electronic module easing packaging constraints. In both embodiments, a current sink is used. The current sink removes noise in the form of voltage splices. The voltage spikes are high voltage, but of short duration. The current sink prevents these spikes from turning on the IGBT. However, the current sink allows the IGBT command signal to pass. This device also comprises a switch whereby ionization current and coil primary current are multiplexed.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A discrete ignition control and ionization detection circuit comprising:

an ignition coil comprising a primary winding with a first and a second end and a secondary winding with a first and a second end;
coil driver circuit having a first end operably connected to said second end of said primary winding;
an ionization detection circuit having at least two inputs and an output, wherein a first input is operably connected to said second end of said primary winding, and a second input is operably connected to said first end of said secondary winding;
an ignition plug operably connected between said second end of said secondary winding and ground;
a current sink, wherein said current sink comprises a discrete bipolar junction transistor operably connected between said command input of said coil driver circuit and ground;
and
a switch having at least two inputs and an output, wherein a first input is operably connected to said output of said ionization detection circuit, a second input is operably connected to a second end of said coil driver circuit, whereby said output of said switch is multiplexed between an ionization signal and a charge current feedback signal;
and
an amplifier having an input and an output, wherein said input is operably connected to said output of said switch.

6 more elements

A discrete ignition control and ionization detection circuit comprising:

an ignition coil comprising a primary winding with a first and a second end and a secondary winding with a first and a second end;
a coil driver circuit having a first end operably connected to said second end of said primary winding;
an ionization detection circuit having at least two inputs and an output, wherein a first input is operably connected to said second end of said primary winding, and a second input is operably connected to said first end of said secondary winding;
an ignition plug operably connected between said second end of said secondary winding and ground;
and
a current sink, wherein said current sink comprises a discrete bipolar junction transistor operably connected between said command input of said coil driver circuit and ground,
wherein said ionization detection circuit comprises:
a capacitor having a first end operably connected to said second end of said primary winding;
and
a current mirror having a first terminal operably connected to said first end of said secondary winding and a second terminal operably connected to said first end of said capacitor.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/458,492Filed 11 Jun 2003 · us provisional application
Priority: 1 Nov 2002
Published: US 2004/0084034 A16 May 2004
Granted: 20 Jun 2006
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification22 codes

F02P 17/12
Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting ; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines: testing…
F02M 26/01
Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding exhaust gases to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture, e.g. by exhaust gas recirculation [EGR]…
F02P 3/045
Layout of circuits: for control of the dwell or anti dwell time
F02P 3/0453
For control of the dwell or anti dwell time: opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices