Engine combustion control using ignition dwell

An engine controller for controlling an internal combustion engine operating

• at an engine operating condition, said controller comprising:
• an input configured to receive a combustion phase signal indicative of a combustion phase characteristic;
• an output configured to output an engine control signal effective to operate an engine control device and control an engine control parameter, wherein the engine control parameter influences when the combustion phase characteristic occurs;
• and
• a processor configured to determine when a prior combustion phase signal occurs, determine a prior ignition dwell based on when the prior combustion phase signal occurs, select a desired ignition dwell based on the engine operating condition, and vary the engine control signal to cause a future ignition dwell that corresponds to the desired ignition dwell.

A method of controlling an internal combustion engine operating at an engine operating condition, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a combustion phase detection means configured to output a combustion phase signal indicative of when a combustion phase characteristic occurs;
• providing an engine control device operable to control an engine control parameter in response to an engine control signal, wherein the engine control parameter influences when the combustion phase characteristic occurs;
• determining a prior ignition dwell based on a when prior injector control signal occurs and when a prior combustion phase signal occurs;
• selecting a desired ignition dwell based on the engine operating condition;
• and
• varying the engine control signal to cause a future ignition dwell that corresponds to the desired ignition dwell.