SIMPLE CIRCUIT

Intelligent Automotive Ignition System

Author:

The PICmicro would time TDC detections, thereby

determining engine RPM. This RPM would be used in
a lookup table to determine the spark timing (single
sensor) or cylinder detect (dual). Each cylinder would
fire at the appropriate time.

Keith M. Wheeler
Arma Desing
San Diego, Ca.
keithw@armanet.com

System Benefits: (over a mechanical design)

INTRODUCTION
Electronic ignition is nothing new. Many electronic
ignition systems still rely on mechanical properties of
the distributor for RPM sensitive modifications
(advance/retard) and for actual spark distribution.
The proposed system uses a PIC12C508 for total
spark control on a 4-cylinder engine. This system could
be adapted to 6 and 8-cylinder engines by using a
double-fire (firing on power and exhaust strokes).

Inexpensive processing power means system can be

easily tuned for performance/emissions or other criteria.
Stronger, more accurate spark can be delivered.
No parts to wear, arc, or corrode.

FLOWCHART

Determine RPM

In this system, each cylinder has its own high voltage

coil, allowing a hotter spark than is supplied through
the arcing and inaccuracies of a mechanical distributor.

Lookup offset

The PICmicro could use either a single or dual sensor

(IR) reading from a code-wheel. The dual system
would indicate top dead center of cylinder #1 (or some
other relevant timing mark) and single marks for each
cylinder. The single sensor system would only require
the TDC detector.

Wait for time for

cylinder and fire
Look for TDC detect

BLOCK DIAGRAM
Code
Wheel
on distributor
drive with IR Sensors
PICmicro

Driver

Ignition
Coil

Spark
Plug

Lx4

SCHEMATIC
PIC12C508
GP0

To Drivers
for each plug

Microchip Technology Incorporated, has been granted a nonexclusive, worldwide license to reproduce, publish and distribute all submitted materials, in
either original or edited form. The author has affirmed that this work is an original, unpublished work and that he/she owns all rights to such work. All
property rights, such as patents, copyrights and trademarks remain with author.

1998 Microchip Technology Inc.

DS40160A/MP_090-page 1

Simple Circuit
NOTES:

DS40160A/MP_090-page 2

1998 Microchip Technology Inc.