Altronic`s latest ignition system features secondary diagnostics
Few issues continue to cause more distress for operators of gas engines and integral compressors than spark plug life. Altronic`s new CPU-95 ignition system was developed for use on medium and high-speed gas-fueled engines driving compressors, generators and pumps. In addition to the new secondary prognostic capability, the 24 V dc-powered CPU-95 system is designed to handle all the functions of a modern digital ignition. This includes spark characteristic control, global and individual cylinder timing adjustments, and extensive user display and serial communications capabilities. But the most revolutionary feature of the CPU-95 system is its built-in secondary ignition diagnosis capabilities, which provide a prognosis of spark plug life. The system displays a number that is an indicator of how much voltage is required at each cylinder. As the spark plug gap erodes the number increases. In addition to displaying and alarming relative voltage demand, the secondary-side diagnosis can also alarm for high or low spark voltage (by cylinder), or no secondary spark. Primary-side diagnostic capabilities (also annunciated by cylinder) include open or shorted circuits. The system can also diagnose for faults in the gear tooth pickup, reset pickup, four-cycle pickup, ring gear, microprocessor, current loop, EEPROM checksum, analog timing input (4-20 mA) being out of range, and a failure to charge the capacitor.
- OSTI ID:
- 380867
- Journal Information:
- Diesel and Gas Turbine Worldwide, Vol. 28, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Jul-Aug 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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