Multiple primary coil ignition system and method

A method of operating an ignition coil comprising:

• supplying a first current to a first primary winding of an ignition coil;
• upon sensing a presence of the first current in the first primary winding of the ignition coil, supplying a second current to a second primary winding of the ignition;
• generating a secondary current in a secondary winding of the ignition coil, the secondary current causing the formation of a voltage across the secondary winding of the ignition coil;
• upon expiration of a predetermined time period, halting the first current to the first primary winding of the ignition coil;
• upon sensing the halting of the first current to the first primary winding, halting the second current to the second primary winding of the ignition coil increasing the voltage in the secondary winding;
• and
• generating a spark at a spark plug coupled to the secondary winding.

An ignition module comprising:

• an ignition coil including a first primary winding, a second primary winding, and a secondary winding;
• a first driver circuit coupled to the first primary winding for selectively controlling a first current supplied to the first primary winding;
• a second driver circuit coupled to the second primary winding, the second driver circuit being connected in a parallel electrical relationship to the first driver circuit for selectively controlling a second current to the second primary winding, the second driver circuit being configured and arranged to sense the first current flowing in the first primary winding, and to responsively supply a second current to the second primary winding upon sensing the first current;
• and
• wherein the first current and the second current act to create a secondary current in the secondary winding, the secondary current being proportional to a sum of the first current and the second current.