Ignition diagnostic monitor

Patent · Tue Apr 28 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6564087

Anderson, R L

An ignition diagnostic monitor is described for detecting an ignition malfunction in an internal combustion engine having an engine control module coupled to an ignition module. The ignition diagnostic monitor includes: PIP means for monitoring crankshaft position of an engine and providing an input to the engine control module; SPOUT means for monitoring the occurrence of a signal from the engine control module for initiating an ignition spark; a SPOUT comparison means for comparing the output of the PIP means and SPOUT means to detect faulty operation in the engine control module; the SPOUT comparison means include a first flip-flop circuit having a reset input coupled to the output of the SPOUT means. A set input having a set input coupled to the PIP means an AND gate have a first input coupled the the PIP means and a second input coupled to the output of the first flip-flop circuit. A second flip-flop circuit has an input coupled to the output of the AND gate and an output indicating a missed ignition pulse; the second flip-flop circuit has a reset input coupled to a reset signal for resetting the logic level of the output of the second flip-flop circuit; TACH means for monitoring the occurrence of a signal from the ignition module for initiating the occurrence of an ignition spark; a TACH comparison means for comparing the output of the TACH means and the PIP means to detect faulty operation in the combination of the ignition module and the engine control module.

• Assignee: Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, MI
• Patent Number(s): US 4661778
• OSTI ID: 6564087
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330101* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
COMPARATOR CIRCUITS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC SPARKS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
IGNITION SYSTEMS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINE PARTS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
MONITORS
PULSES
SHAFTS
SIGNALS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES