Thesis

Digital ignition
&
Electronic fuel injection
By
Richard Bohuslav Kosik
Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Submitted for the degree of
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours)
In the division of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
OCTOBER 2000
Richard Kosik
4 Park View Crescent

Shailer Park, 4128
08 August 2000 Australia
The Dean
School of Engineering
The University of Queensland
St Lucia, 4072
Australia
Dear Professor Simmons,
In accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering

in the division of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, I present the following
thesis entitled:-
“DIGITAL IGNITION & ELECTRONIC F UEL INJECTION”
This work was completed under the guidance and supervision of Dr Geoff
Walker.
I declare that the work contained in this document is my own, except as

acknowledged in the text, footnotes or references, and has not been previously
submitted for a degree at the University of Queensland or at any other
institution.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Kosik
Aknowledgments
I thank the following people for their contributions to this project:
Dr Geoff Walker, my thesis supervisor for his non-ending commitment and

consultation time, also for Geoff’s continual suggestions and encouragement
towards the project.
Dr David Mee from the Mechanical Department for allowing me to use the
VTE-2 VISI-Trainer Engine.
My fellow friends in the solar car room for their support, constant questions,
and suggestions.
My parents and family, for their patience during my absences at family outings,
and for their continual support.
-i-
Abstract
The increasing demand for economy and performance combined with

more stringent emissions and legislative requirements has lead to the high level
of complexity in engine control modules. Two underlining factors that
determine engine performance and economy, are ignition timing and fuel
induction. Previous mechanical methods for ignition timing advance and
carburetted fuel induction have proven inefficient and unfriendly to the
environment. Therefore, the need for precise metering of fuel and split-second
ignition timing is of benefit to future human existence on this planet.
In this thesis, a universal ‘digital ignition and electronic fuel injection’

driver was designed, built and tested. The system was tailored to
microcontroller and distributor manipulation, to suit both new and old
automotive control technologies.
In order to design a digital ignition and electronic fuel injection driver,

the principal theory of internal combustion engines, and relevant electrical
components is essential. Various engine management systems from Bosch and
Jaguar Motor Company are reviewed.
A complete description of the hardware and software is explained,

including the reasoning behind crucial design decisions. Where relevant,
PSPICE simulations were used in the aid of the determining device
characteristics for design strategy.
The project was evaluated and tested on a VTE-2 VISI-Trainer engine,

with positive outcomes. It is concluded that the design hardware and software
employed in the project perform as required. Finally, recommendations for
future thesis avenues of this project are provided.
- ii -
Table of Contents
AKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................... I
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................. II
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................ III
TABLE OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... VI
CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 OVERVIEW OF ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS .............................................. 1
1.2 THESIS OVERVIEW ........................................................................................... 3
1.3 SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS THESIS ................................................................... 3
1.4 OUTLINE OF CHAPTER HEADINGS AND CONTENTS ........................................... 4
CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................ 6
BACKGROUND THEORY OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES .............................. 6

2.1 THE MECHANICAL SYSTEM .............................................................................. 6
2.11 OPERATIONAL CONCEPT OF THE FOUR STROKE COMBUSTION ENGINE ............ 6
2.12 AIR / FUEL MIXTURE INFORMATION ................................................................ 8
2.13 IGNITION: THE CONCEPT ................................................................................. 9
2.14 FUEL INDUCTION INTO THE CYLINDER ............................................................12
2.2 THE ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONIC SYSTEM ........................................................15
2.21 IGNITION COILS ..............................................................................................15
2.22 FUEL INJECTOR SOLENOIDS ............................................................................18
CHAPTER 3 .......................................................................................................... 20
AN OVERVIEW OF EXISTING IGNITION & FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS .................. 20

3.1 OVERVIEW OF A COMMERCIAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .....................20
3.2 BOSCH SYSTEMS.............................................................................................21
- iii -
CHAPTER 4 .......................................................................................................... 25
HARDWARE DESIGN & PSPICE MODELLING ....................................................... 25

4.1 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................25
4.2 CIRCUIT DESIGN .............................................................................................26
4.21 IGNITION CIRCUIT...........................................................................................26
4.22 INJECTOR CIRCUIT ..........................................................................................32
4.3 EMI CONSIDERATION FOR PCB DESIGN .........................................................39
CHAPTER 5 .......................................................................................................... 43
SOFTWARE IMPLIMENTATION ............................................................................... 43

5.1 SOFTWARE .....................................................................................................43
5.2 PERIPHERAL INITIALISATION AND CONFIGURATION ........................................44
5.3 MAIN PROGRAM LOOP ....................................................................................46
5.4 TIMER A0 INTERUPT SERVICE ROUTINE (ISR) ................................................47
5.5 EXTERNAL INTERRUPTS ..................................................................................48
5.51 ADVANCE / RETARD ISR.................................................................................49
5.52 ENGINE POSITION ISR ....................................................................................49
5.53 ENGINE TDC ISR ...........................................................................................50
5.6 PROGRAMMING THE MICROCONTROLLER .......................................................51
CHAPTER 6 .......................................................................................................... 52
P ROJECT TESTING AND DESIGN EVALUATION ...................................................... 52

6.1 HARDWARE PERFORMANCE ............................................................................52
6.11 IGNITION CIRCUIT...........................................................................................53
6.12 INJECTION CIRCUIT .........................................................................................56
6.2 SOFTWARE PERFORMANCE .............................................................................58
6.3 PROJECT DOWNFALLS.....................................................................................59
CHAPTER 7 .......................................................................................................... 60
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................. 60
- iv -
7.1 CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................60
7.2 FUTURE WORK ...............................................................................................61
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................62
APPENDIX A – SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS .....................................................................64

APPENDIX B – PCB LAYERS .....................................................................................64
APPENDIX C – PROGRAME C-CODE LISTING .............................................................64
APPENDIX D – DISCRETE COMPONENT DATA ...........................................................64
APPENDIX E – INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR DATA................................................64
-v-
Table of Figures
FIGURE 1 - VISI TRAINER .................................................................................................................2

FIGURE 2 - OPERATING CYCLE FOR A FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE .......................................................8
FIGURE 3 – THE STOICHIOMETRIC AIR/FUEL MIXTURE ....................................................................8
FIGURE 4 – DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION ................................................................................................ 10
FIGURE 5 – DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION ........................................................................................ 10
FIGURE 6 – IGNITION ADVANCE MAP ............................................................................................. 11
FIGURE 7 – COMBUSTION CHAMBER PRESSURE ............................................................................ 11
FIGURE 8 – CARBURETTOR ON VISI-TRAINER ............................................................................. 13
FIGURE 9 - THROTTLE BODY INJECTION ....................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 10 – MULTI POINT INJECTION ............................................................................................ 14
FIGURE 11 – CONICAL SPRAY ......................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 12 – DUAL SPRAY ........................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 13 – IGNITION COIL STRUCTURE ....................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 14 – EQUIVALENT IGNITION COIL MODEL ......................................................................... 17
FIGURE 15 – EQUIVALENT IGNITION PRIMARY SIDE MODEL......................................................... 18
FIGURE 16 – INJECTOR SOLENOID .................................................................................................. 18
FIGURE 17 – EQUIVALENT INJECTOR CIRCUIT MODEL .................................................................. 19
FIGURE 18 – BOSCH IGNITION SYSTEM DEFINITION TABLE ........................................................... 22
FIGURE 19 – BOSCH COIL IGNITION SYSTEM .................................................................................. 23
FIGURE 20 – BOSCH L-JETRONIC CONTROLLER ............................................................................ 24
FIGURE 21 – BOSCH IGNITION MODULE ......................................................................................... 24
FIGURE 22 – IGNITION CIRCUIT MODEL ......................................................................................... 26
FIGURE 23 – COIL RISE- TIME MODEL ............................................................................................. 28
FIGURE 24 – RISE-TIME OF PRIMARY COIL CURRENT ..................................................................... 29
FIGURE 25 – IGNITION CONTROL LOOP .......................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 26 – DIFFERENTIATOR CIRCUIT ......................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 27 – IGNITION DRIVE CIRCUIT............................................................................................ 32
FIGURE 28 – INJECTION CONTROL LOOP ........................................................................................ 32
FIGURE 29 – INJECTION DRIVE CIRCUIT.......................................................................................... 34
FIGURE 30 – INJECTOR COIL CURRENT ........................................................................................... 36
FIGURE 31 – INJECTION HOLD CURRENT CURCUIT ......................................................................... 37
FIGURE 32 – SIGNAL CONDITIONING ............................................................................................. 37
FIGURE 33 – SCHMITT TRIGGER CIRCUIT........................................................................................ 38
- vi -
Chapter 1 - Introduction
FIGURE 34 – DRIVER BOARD........................................................................................................... 39

FIGURE 35 – CONTROL CIRCUITRY ................................................................................................ 40
FIGURE 36 – CONDUCTOR SPACING CHART.................................................................................... 41
FIGURE 37 – TRACK WIDTH GUIDLINE CHART................................................................................ 42
FIGURE 38 – POWER ELECTRONICS CIRCUITRY .............................................................................. 42
FIGURE 39 – ENGINE OPTICAL SENSOR .......................................................................................... 43
FIGURE 40 - PROGRAM FLOW CHART. ............................................................................................ 44
FIGURE 41 – MAIN PROGRAM LOOP ............................................................................................... 45
FIGURE 42 – SUBROUTINE SPARK .................................................................................................. 46
FIGURE 43 – TIMERA0 PROGRAM LOOP ........................................................................................ 47
FIGURE 44 – RETARD ISR ........................................................................................................... 48
FIGURE 45 – ADVANCE ISR ........................................................................................................... 48
FIGURE 46 – ENGINE POSITION ISR ............................................................................................... 49
FIGURE 47 – ENGINE TDC ISR ..................................................................................................... 50
FIGURE 48 – DUAL IGNITION CONCEPT .......................................................................................... 53
FIGURE 49 – IGNITION COIL CURRENT OVER ∆TEMP ..................................................................... 54
FIGURE 50 – IGNITION IGBT VOLTAGE OVER ∆ TEMP ................................................................... 55
FIGURE 51 – IGNITION IGBT VOLTAGE AT T =27°C..................................................................... 56
FIGURE 52 – INJECTOR COIL CURRENT OVER ∆ TEMP ..................................................................... 57
FIGURE 53 – INJECTOR MOSFET VOLTAGE OVER ∆TEMP............................................................ 58
- vii -
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
1.1 Overview of Engine Management Systems

1.2 Thesis Overview
1.3 Scope of Work for this Thesis
1.4 Outline of Chapter Headings and Contents
1.1 Overview of Engine Management Systems
The increasing demand for economy and performance combined with

more stringent legislative emissions requirements has lead to the high level of
complexity in engine management systems (EMS). Modern electro-
mechanical techniques commonly used in efficiently controlling today's
modern cars are techniques that were pioneered on racecars and developed for
consumer automotive applications.
The automotive industry supplies a host of advanced technologies all in

the name of safety, economy, comfort, and luxury. These advancements
include anti-lock braking system (ABS), air bags, traction control, automatic
and tiptronic transmission systems. Engine management systems have been
developed by a multitude of various companies around the world, all having
the same goal; to improve engine performance, better fuel efficiency and
reduce emissions. These are all tasks that require full comprehension of the
Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 1

problem and an understanding of how the improvement of one factor can lead
to the degradation of another.
The technologies that greatly enhanced performance on modern engines

are electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, and closed loop lambda control
together with engine mapping. Electronic fuel injection is a technology that
has many advantages over conventional carburetted induction. The benefits
start with the superior ability to meter fuel with precise accuracy, and a
significant reduction in fuel droplet size. When these benefits are coupled
together with an accurate model, the benefits lead to lower running costs.
Electronic ignition is a technology that can allow the spark voltage to

be constant for most of the engine rpm range. If used in conjunction with anti-
knock control it can greatly increase the lifetime of the engine while providing
performance second-to-none. Closed loop lambda control and engine
mapping are both technologies that close the control loop, providing precise
measurements of fuel passed to the engine. Lambda control works in real
time, sampling the exhaust
emissions and adjusting the fuel
input with the intention of staying
within the legislative emission
requirements. Engine mapping is
a predetermined guide used in
conjunction with lambda control
to improve engine performance
while controlling the volume of
emissions released into the
atmosphere.
Figure 1 – VISI Trainer

1.2 Thesis Overview
The aim of this thesis is to revise, design and build a digital ignition and
electronic fuel injection driver. The hardware should be relatively inexpensive,
and must easily connect to various types of engines, making it a universal EMS
while providing engine performance second-to-none. The Internal
Combustion (IC) engine used is the VTE-2 VISI-Trainer Engine. This engine
is a standard 2.6kw 4-cycle engine that as been highly modified. The
modifications are a reduction in compression to 2.14:1 to enable a glass head
for viewing into the cylinder, while in operation. Plexiglass viewing windows
also enable visibility of the camshaft and valve rotation.
The control system presented in this thesis consists of an ignition and

injection driver board. Both the ignition and injection driver feature closed
loop analogue circuitry. The controller board is a Mitsubishi M16C micro-
controller evaluation board with the microcontroller's timers utilized for the
metering of fuel and the timing of the ignition. Please refer to Appendix E for
complete data on this device. The M16C receives crankshaft position information
from the optical position sensor, giving signals every 10 degrees and every top
dead center (TDC) or 360 degrees. From this data, respective ignition spark
times are calculated and implemented on the coil/plug arrangement.
1.3 Scope of Work for this Thesis
The work achieved in this thesis covers the entire design of hardware
and software, from personal computer (PC) simulations to printed circuit board
(PCB) development and construction, installation and testing of the ignition
and injection driver hardware. High level software C code was written for the
controlled operation of ignition and injection for a single cylinder engine.
However, important sensory information concerning fuel injection was not

practically obtainable due to funding limitations. In this case, estimates were

calculated from velocity sensors, where normally sensors would be as data
inputs, it should be noted that this is not closed loop control of fuelling.
Neither does this provide the benefits of EFI without correct sensory data. For
this reason, fuel injection was not implemented on the engine. However, the
driver is demonstrated operating an injector coil proving the purpose of this
project.
1.4 Outline of Chapter Headings and Contents
Chapter 2 covers the background theory to the internal combustion

engine, which is essential to the design processes of this thesis project. The
stoichiometric ratio is explained and the importance of controlling the air/fuel
ratio, for environmental reasons, is mentioned. The concept of ignition and
fuel induction is clarified and an outline of the essential components that can
be used in conjunction with micro-electronic controllers to increase engine
performance is given. Respective simulation models for the electric / electro-
mechanical elements are produced.
Chapter 3 embodies the overview of existing engine management

systems (EMS) and their comprising modules. The various components of the
Jaguar 4-Litre V8 EMS are outlined, including a historical range of Bosch
engine control products.
Chapter 4 gives the hardware design specifications for the project,

outlining in detail the reasoning behind project decisions. Both ignition and
injection circuit design are discussed, relevant circuit diagrams are given with
explanations of their general operation. The ideas and rationale behind certain
printed circuit board (PCB) layout techniques implemented in the design are
addressed.

Chapter 5 provides a skeletal framework of the software features with

an elaborate detail of issues, which effect engine performance. Complete
software flow charts were developed to convey the program operation. Finally,
a brief description of how to program the microcontroller is specified.
Chapter 6 discusses the performance of the final product as a whole,

and of the hardware and software individually. A complete analysis is given of
the two hardware modules, outlining the effectiveness PSPICE had in the
design processes. Also described are some of the downfalls that were
encountered during the process of this thesis project.
Chapter 7 contains the conclusion and pointers to further work on this

project.

CHAPTER 2
Background Theory of Internal Combustion

Engines
2.1 The Mechanical System

2.11 Operational Concept of the Four Stroke Combustion Engine
2.12 Air / Fuel Mixture Information
2.13 Ignition: The Concept
2.14 Fuel Induction into the Cylinder
2.2 The Electrical / Electronic System
2.21 Ignition Coils
2.22 Fuel Injector Solenoids
2.1 The Mechanical System
2.11 Operational Concept of the Four Stroke Combustion

Engine
The four stroke combustion engine, or the more commonly known

spark ignition engine is an internal combustion (IC) powerplant which relies on
an externally induced ignition spark to ignite the gasoline-air mixture. Today’s
four stroke IC engines rely on an intake manifold to mix petroleum with air

Chapter 2 - Background Theory of Internal Combustion Engines
before introducing this mixture into the combustion chamber during the
induction cycle.
The name four stroke IC combustion engine resides from the distinct
four stroke operating cycle, which supplies kinetic energy to the crankshaft.
The four strokes involve, firstly the induction stroke, secondly the compression
and ignition stroke, thirdly the combustion stroke, and finally the exhaust
stroke. Induction stroke involves an open intake valve, closed exhaust valve,
and the piston travel to be in the downward motion. As the piston moves
downwards, it increases the cylinders effective volume. Thus creating a
vacuum effect, this draws in the gasoline-air mixture through the open intake
valve. The compression stroke sees both the intake and exhaust valves closed,
and the piston moving in the upward motion. The upward sweeping motion of
the piston, combined with the closure of the valves decreases the volume in the
cylinder, thus compressing the mixture within the combustion chamber. The
power stroke comprises of a closed exhaust and intake valve, forcing the piston
downward due to the rapidly expanding hot gasses produced after igniting the
compressed petroleum-air mixture. Finally, the exhaust stroke with a closed
intake valve, open exhaust valve, and the piston moving in the upward motion
expels the hot gasses from the cylinder chamber. The whole cycle then
proceeds to repeat its self again with a new induction stroke. Figure 2
illustrates visually the complete four stroke cycle, and it is seen how one cycle
takes 720 degrees to complete which is equivalent to two turns of the crank
shaft [7].

Figure 2 - Operating cycle for a four cylinder engine.
2.12 Air / Fuel Mixture Information
The ideal mixture ratio is known as the stoichiometric ratio or complete

combustion ratio. For petroleum, the stoichiometric ratio is at a value of
14.7:1. This means for every 1 kilogram of fuel, 14.7 kilograms of air by
weight is necessary for a
stoichiometric mixture.
When a stoichiometric
mixture is achieved all the
fuel is burned and emissions
are reduced to a minimum.
Let us consider now what
would happen if the mixture
is too rich or too lean. If the
mixture is too rich, say a
ratio of 13:1 exhaust
emissions increase and fuel
Figure 3 – The stoichiometric air/fuel mixture

consumption rises. If the mixture is at a lean ratio of 15:1 the engine is running
most economically and emissions are low, yet power is running at a loss and
this may cause engine overheating. Figure 3 depicts the output power and fuel
consumption with respect to air/fuel ratio [3].
The by-product of the air/fuel combustion process is CO, HC, and NOX.
To reduce emissions and still have satisfactory engine performance, the air/fuel
ratio should be at the theoretical stoichiometric ratio. To provide a satisfactory
combustion process precise fuel metering combined with fine mixture vapour
are mandatory. If the mixture is not diminutive, then fuel droplets will form
along the walls of the inlet manifold, leading to higher HC emissions.
2.13 Ignition: The Concept
Ignition timing is a very important issue, which strongly influences fuel

consumption, torque characteristics, and exhaust emissions in the IC engine.
The method of ignition has seen many changes over the last twenty years or so.
The first systems were coil ignition; this was a complete mechanical system
where a solid magnet with its magnetic field excited the coil while passing over
it, resulting in the coil firing as the magnetic field collapsed. A number of
electro/mechanical designs had made their way into the automotive industry
following the coil ignition system; these were the transistorised ignition system
and the semiconductor ignition system. Both of these systems have mechanical
counterparts, which are somewhat unreliable, as the mechanical sections are
prone to fault if not maintained correctly. The distributorless semiconductor
ignition, on the other hand, is a complete electric/electronic system less prone
to faults than the preceding mechanical counterparts. In figures 4 and 5 below,
are the differences between distributor and distributorless ignition systems
[14]. It is clear the distributor ignition system has numerous mechanical
sections to the design which are prone to failure if not continually maintained,

as opposed to the distributorless design which has no mechanical moving

sections and requires no maintenance.
Figure 4 – Distributor ignition
The design of ignition systems for the IC engine depends on the

available data for calculating the timing. For instance, the minimum sensor
necessary to ignite the spark plug at TDC is an engine cycle sensor. This
would give a signal every 720 degrees or once every complete engine cycle.
There are equivalent methods, which sense every 360 degrees; these sensors
are generally placed on the crankshaft. However, the problem of determining
which cycle the engine is in arises. There are two possibilities, depending
upon where the sensor is positioned, firstly the engine could be in the induction
stroke or combustion stroke. In most cases this does not become a problem as
TDC occurs at the same time the induction valve begins to open.
Figure 5 – Distributorless ignition

The variables necessary

to calculate sufficiently ignition
advance, are engine load and
engine speed. Both of these
variables can be calculated
directly via sensors, one sensing
intake manifold pressure, and
the other crankshaft velocity.
Figure 6 shows the graph
Figure 6 – Ignition advance map
known as the ignition advance
map, [7]. Every engine has its own advance characteristics, which are
determined via dyno testing. This is a map of the ideal ignition angle for the
optimal power output with minimal exhaust emissions. Ignition timing also
plays a major role in the life expectancy of an engine. Engine knocking is a
phenomenon that has plagued engines for many years now. The term knock
refers to the high-pressure vibrations that occur inside the chamber when the
fuel/air mixture ignites too early. A clear description of this is displayed in
figure 7 below [7]. Curve 2 shows
the effects of engine knocking on
the chamber pressure. These high-
pressurised vibrations harm the
mechanical components in IC
engines and this can lead to
premature failure if ignored.
The factors causing

knocking could be a rich mixture,
while the engine is at high
temperature, causing the air/fuel
mixture to self-combust. There is
a trade-off to the extent of which Figure 7 – Combustion chamber pressure

knocking is deemed acceptable. To run an engine at high-performance,

ignition is normally performed close to the detonation limit in order to improve
fuel economy and increase power output. With a knock sensor placed on the
cylinder head it is possible to sense for knock occurrence. If knocking is over a
preset limit, the EMS can then retard the ignition timing to the particular
cylinder affected.
It is imperative to know the maximum time between ignition sparks for

an engine so a design can provide constant spark energy over a complete
engine operating speed. If we take a single cylinder engine at 10,000rpm for
example, the time between ignition sparks is T = 1/(rps/2). The factor of two
comes from the fact that there is one spark per engine cycle or 720 degrees, but
the engine speed is given with reference to 360 degrees. As rps is equivalent to
Hertz, time T = 1/freq in seconds. The delay time between sparks, for a single
cylinder engine, is then rps = 10,000rpm/60 = 166.66rps, T = 1/(166.66/2) =
12msec. The same calculation for an engine operating at idle (800rpm) yields
rps = 800rpm/60 = 13.33rps, T = 1/(13.33/2)= 150msec. Now with the fastest
ignition interval being 12msec an ignition system can be designed to these
specifications.
2.14 Fuel Induction into the Cylinder
This section plays a major role on the fuel efficiency, the engines
starting performance, overall engine performance, and the ability to control the
effects of knocking in each cylinder. Today’s efficient engines use fuel
injection technology, rather than inefficient carburettors.
Carburettors are a mechanical system that mixes fuel with air. To

accomplish this, carburettors use what is known as the venturi-effect.
Carburettors, as in figure 8, work on the principle of pressure difference
sucking the fuel through a miniature tube, which releases small droplets of fuel

into the air. The first

disadvantage of this system is the
restriction in the air passage to
the cylinder that produces the
necessary pressure difference.
Secondly, the fuel droplet size is
relatively large when compared
to what can be achieved with fuel
injection. This system was very
popular in the past, however
since the development of the fuel
injector solenoid, fuel injection
has become a more popular
method of induction.
Figure 8 – Carburettor on VISI-Trainer
The fuel injector solenoid can be simply described as a logic tap

system. Hence the injector either allows fuel to flow at a fixed flow rate, or
not at all. As the injector changes from one state to another, there is some
non-linear flow characteristics, however this is quite normal.
There are several possibilities of fuel induction that have been used, all
having their own reason or purpose for using that method. The different
methods of induction are as follows, from most primitive to most recent:
carburettor, throttle body injection (TBI), multi-point injection (MPI). The two
last systems mentioned are the fuel injection methods. From these, the MPI is
the most expensive to implement, as it requires one injector solenoid for each
cylinder. TBI on the other hand only requires one injector solenoid for a
multitude of cylinders. The advantages of MPI outweigh the effect of
implementation costs in automobiles. With such a system, the injectors can be
positioned to channel their spray directly into the intake valve, thus reducing
the possibility of fuel touching the chamber walls. The major issues for using
multi-point fuel injection over carburettors or throttle body are lower exhaust

emissions, better fuel efficiency, increased engine performance and individual

fuel control into each cylinder (thus decreasing the effects of knocking). In
figures, 9 and 10 below are the illustrations of how TBI and MPI are
implemented on the intake manifold [14].
Figure 9 - Throttle body injection
As mentioned earlier, to increase fuel consumption and lower exhaust

emissions, it is ideal that all of the fuel expelled from the injector is channelled
into the combustion chamber. During the fuel/air mixing phase, if the minute
fuel droplets make contact with the manifold walls, they will stick to the walls
until enough liquid has built up for the fuel to slide down the manifold walls
into the intake valves. When the valve next opens, the large droplet of fuel
passes through to the chamber. However, the fuel droplet does not completely
ignite because of its size, thus the remnants exit the engine, increasing exhaust
emissions.
Figure 10 – Multi point injection

Fortunately, the phenomenon described above can be reduced to a point

where it can be deemed insignificant. This involves the appropriate selection
of injector solenoid. Figures 11 and 12 show two styles of injector spray
patterns that are readily available [6]. The simplest and first injector built was
the conical spray design. In this style of injector, various values of α can be
achieved, giving different results on the quality of air/fuel mixing. The dual
spray design was implemented to improve the quality of air/fuel mixing thus
having a uniform mixture in the chamber.
Figure 11 – Conical spray Figure 12 – Dual spray
2.2 The Electrical / Electronic System
2.21 Ignition Coils
Conventional coils used in earlier model automobiles utilised larger

cylindrical coils in conjunction with distributors. The secondary winding on
these coils are wound directly onto the laminated iron core and connected
electrically to the centre tower in the cap of the ignition coil. Since the high-
voltage is applied to the core, the core must be insulated by the cap and an
additional insulator inserted in the base. The primary winding is located near

to the outside around the secondary

winding. The primary current,
which is switched on and off by a
switching device (maybe a
distributor, Darlington transistor,
MOSFET or IGBT, depending on
the application) flows through the
primary winding. As the switch is
turned on, current flowing through
the primary winding causes a
magnetic field that magnetises the
iron core. When the switch opens
its contact, the voltage flips from
positive-negative to negative-
positive. In doing so, a voltage
spike is induced on both primary
and secondary side.
Previous studies have shown

that stoichiometric composition
mixtures require a minimum of
0.2mJ of electrical spark energy for
Figure 13 – Ignition coil structure
ignition to occur. For rich or lean
mixtures, the minimum electrical spark energy is 3mJ. If insufficient electric
spark energy is available then ignition does not occur. This causes misfiring,
which degrades performance and increases exhaust emissions. This is why
adequate spark energy is important to ignite any mixture during the worst-case
scenario. The appropriate equation for stored energy in an inductor is
Ws = ½(Lp)(ip²), in Joules, where Lp is the primary inductance of the
autotransformer in Henries, and ip is the current flowing through the primary
winding in Amperes.

A typical ignition coil, as in figure 13, has a turns-ratio of primary to

secondary winding 1:100 [7]. The primary resistance and inductance
determine the amount of stored energy, while the secondary inductance
determines the induced voltage, spark characteristic, and spark duration.
Another important factor is the value of coil resistance, as this effects the rate
of charge possible for the ignition coil. Low internal resistance is
advantageous, as faster charge rates and high output voltages are achievable.
Ignition coils, or autotransformers can be modelled via a series resistance R1
representing the coil resistance on the primary side, and R2 representing the
coil resistance on the secondary side. Shown below, in figure 14, the two
resistors are coupled via transformer TX2 with coupling core between the two
coils.
Figure 14 – Equivalent ignition coil model
Knowing primary coil rise time becomes important when calculating

what spark frequency the ignition coil can operate to. For example, when an
engine is running at 10,000rpm, the issue arises of whether the ignition coil is
capable of supplying the same spark energy to the plug as when the engine is
running at 800rpm. If the rise time of the coil is not fast enough to charge the
coil fully at the higher rpm, then the stored energy in the transformer core will
not be sufficient enough to ignite the mixture in the chamber. An appropriate

model for the autotransformer primary side enables the calculation of the coil’s
rise time, and hence the maximum spark frequency can be determined. From
the ignition coil equivalent model, the primary side model is just the resistor
R1 in series with the inductor L1 as illustrated in figure 15.
Figure 15 – Equivalent ignition primary side model
2.22 Fuel Injector Solenoids
The electric fuel injection

solenoid precisely meters the amount
of fuel entering the combustion
chamber. This is achieved via fluid
flow calculations and precise timing.
For example, if you were to measure
the amount of fluid γ, in cubic
centimetres (cc) that passes through
the injector solenoid over a span of
one minute, while the inlet fluid
pressure into the solenoid was
regulated at constant pressure δ, then
the flow rate of the injector solenoid,
at fixed inlet pressure δ, is known.
The flow rate would then be the
quantity of fluid γ divided by the time
Figure 16 – Injector solenoid

the solenoid was open, one minute, thus FLrate = γ in cc per minute.
The injector solenoid, in figure 16, consists of a valve body and the
needle valve with fitted solenoid armature [6]. The valve body contains the
solenoid winding and the guide for the needle valve. When there is no current
flowing in the solenoid winding, the valve needle is pressed against its seat on
the valve outlet by a helical spring. When current is passed through the
solenoid winding, the needle valve is lifted from its seat and the fuel can
stream through the annular orifice. The rise time of the injector valve is
important when calculating the amount of fuel to be injected into the chamber.
This is particularly true because the fuelling equation will need to take this rise
time factor into consideration and suitable flow rate compensation will be
necessary during the transition from fully closed to fully open. Typical rise
times are in the order of 1msec to 1.5 msec depending on the RL circuit values
of the injector and downward force of the spring.
Fuel injector solenoids can be modelled as a resistor R1 in series with

an inductor L1. Figure 17 represents an equivalent electrical circuit model of
an injector solenoid.
Figure 17 – Equivalent injector circuit model
Standard Ohms law V = IR applies here as well as ideal inductor

equation
V = L(di/dt) and power equation P = VI = LI(di/dt).

CHAPTER 3
An Overview of Existing Ignition & Fuel

Injection Systems
3.1 Overview of a Commercial Engine Management System

3.2 Bosch Systems
3.1 Overview of a Commercial Engine Management System
The Engine Management System (EMS) controlling the Jaguar 4-Litre

V8 engine, known as the AJV8, is a complex yet versatile piece of engineering
[1]. This system controls fuel injection, ignition timing, closed loop fuelling,
also controlling an electric throttle body, knock sensing, variable valve timing,
engine cooling fans, and high-speed real-time serial communications using
'computer area network' (CAN) protocol to manage traction control and
automatic transmission systems.
The closed loop EMS calculates variables detected via the various
input sensors on the engine and then sets the completely separate timer module
that runs the engine. Every new scan cycle of the program, new variables are
calculated. If change has occurred from the previous cycle, the timer module
will be updated. A sophisticated on board diagnostics (OBD) system monitors
the engine sensors and actuators to determine a fault, if one were to occur.

Chapter 3 - An Overview of Existing Ignition & Fuel Injection Systems
The Jaguar EMS has a 50% coding split reserved for OBD. This is particularly
important as faults could prove to be disastrous.
The EMS consists of two 16 bit Motorola 68HC16 microprocessors,

each with a memory capacity of 96kB operating at a clock speed of 16MHz.
A backup IC is included as a means of drivability if the main microcontroller
were to malfunction. When a failure occurs, it is helpful to know the engine
variables and the sensors state at the time of the failure. This can help
determine the cause of the problem. The program stores the failure type with
freeze frame sensor data at the time of the failure. Input sensors are
continually analysed against known correct values for open and short circuit
diagnostics. Correct known values are determined via theoretical analysis and
practical testing. Various factors including ambient temperature and
atmospheric pressure are given specific ranges of operation against expected
engine and vehicle running conditions.
Actuator failure is determined via additional monitoring circuitry for

failure diagnostics. The diagnostics circuitry can simply consist of a feedback
comparator, measuring the output driver and testing it with the desired
operating point. If they are not equal, a fault has occurred. Using these fault
detection methods, the chance of a disaster is greatly reduced as additional
coding can be implemented to shut off certain cylinders (or the whole engine, if
necessary) to eliminate the destruction of the engine.
3.2 Bosch Systems
The well-known company Bosch, has developed a series of engine

ignition and fuel injection systems, incorporating closed loop control into some
later microcontroller designs. The variety of designs carried out by Bosch
automotive division is rather extensive, in all cases providing innovative
technology to the automotive environment for the particular time the design

was released. The table in figure 18, illustrates the component sections for the
different ignition designs proposed [7]. Moving from left to right, the table
begins with the first ignition system to the most recent and advanced system
available on the market today. The system provides the following advantages
over other systems;
• Lower electro magnetic interference.
• No rotating components, leading to higher system reliability.
• Ease of manufacturing.
Figure 18 – Bosch ignition system definition table
Bosch’s first ignition method was the coil ignition system (see figure
19, below) [7]. This system was a mechanical feat at the time, requiring no
fixed magnets and providing mechanical advance, the first for the time.

Figure 19 – Bosch coil ignition system
Some of the hardware that was included in the designs of the time is
reproduced in black and white in figure 20, [7]. This illustrates the prime of
semiconductor ignition systems that were introduced at the time. Systems like
this one include electronic advance, knock control, and engine map storage
capabilities. The printed circuitry board (PCB) technology was preceded with
predominantly surface mount device (SMD) components, leading to the ease of
manufacturing.
Equally, the injection circuit PCB is of similar standard to that of the

ignition module. A picture of the Bosch L-Jetronic controller module is
represented in figure 21 [6].

Figure 21 – Bosch ignition module
Figure 20 – Bosch L-Jetronic controller

CHAPTER 4
Hardware Design & PSPICE Modelling
4.1 Specifications
4.2 Circuit Design
4.21 Ignition Circuit
4.22 Injector Circuit
4.3 EMI Consideration for PCB Design
4.1 Specifications
This digital ignition and electronic fuel injection was designed to be

universal, so it could be ported to any engine while being fully configurable for
standard ignition and injection elements, as well as performance components.
The ignition and injection driver must have the following features:
• Adjustable current limiting through the ignition coil.
• Adjustable max current limit through the injector coil.
• Adjustable hold current through the injector coil.
• Relatively simple, inexpensive to manufacture, with minimal

component count.

Chapter 4 – Hardware Design & PSPICE Modelling
The system should also be easy to integrate to different control

modules, for example; could be controlled via microcontroller or older
distributor systems as well.
4.2 Circuit Design
There are two major options to the operation of this system. Firstly,
the features mentioned above could be integrated into a microcontroller-based
system, although this may be rather costly if it could be achieved via analogue
circuitry. The analogue circuitry consists of an operational amplifier being
used as a comparator stage, controlling the flow of current through the coil.
The implementation cost of a system like this would be far more economical
than a microcontroller system. The benefits of such a system include no
programming of microcontrollers, hardware is less expensive, and users could
easily adjust limits to their system via potentiometers.
The ignition coil chosen for

the project, was a high-performance
coil manufactured by Robert Bosch in
Australia. The MEC717 coil, as
labelled on the packaging, is a 12 volt
coil with low primary resistance of 1
Ohm and coil inductance of Lp =
2.58mH by inspection. A safe
ignition energy value of 20mJ, for a
spark to occur under all conditions, is
selected. To calculate the necessary Figure 22 – Ignition circuit model

current through the coil, the equation Ws = ½(Lp)(ip²) is used, where Ws =

20mJ and Lp is known. Then ip² is calculated to be 40/2.58 = 15.5 and ip is
√15.5 = 3.94A ≈ 4A, therefore roughly 4A is required to flow through the
primary winding to produce an energy level of 20mJ in the coil.
Figure 22 is a respective model of an ignition circuit. R1 and R2

represent the winding resistance for primary and secondary coils, and R3
represents a high resistance spark gap of air. (R3 does not correctly model a
spark gap, yet this is however not the issue being raised.) Switch U4 closes the
current loop for the primary winding, allowing the core to be magnetised. As
U4 open circuits, the voltage across the primary coil inverts, causing a large
voltage spike, which is passed through to the secondary coil, causing a spark
across the spark plug. The large voltage spike evident on the secondary coil is
also present (in smaller magnitude) at the switch U4 on the primary coil.
There is a compromise as to how large a voltage spike can be produced on the
output coil, because of the proportionality with voltage levels at the switch, not
to mention issues of electro magnetic interference (EMI), that can affect every
piece of electronic circuitry in the automotive environment.
The large voltage spikes present on the secondary coil when the switch
is turned off are also present at the primary coil, with different magnitude.
This can become a problem for a semiconductor-switching device. Different
types of semiconductor switches have different resistance to high-voltage
spikes. The types of semiconductor switching devices considered for the
circuit, to name a few, are; Thyristor, BJT, Darlington transistor, MOSFET,
and IGBT. From these devices the switches with highest resistances to voltage
transients (in order from highest to lowest) are; Thyristor, IGBT, Darlington
transistor, BJT, MOSFET, with the last three devices having very similar high-
voltage resistances. Thyristors and IGBTs are best suited to the high-voltage
characteristic and cost effective demands. However, it is possible to select
MOSFET’s that will sufficiently handle the high-voltage demands, but these
are several times more expensive. As the switching device must be able to

limit the current through the ignition coil, the use of a Thyristor is
unquestionable, with its inability to turn off on demand. The IGBT is
perceived as the best-suited semiconductor-switching device, considering cost
and functionality for this application.
Having chosen the switching device for this application, the switch, U4
in figure 22, can now be replaced with the equivalent model IGBT. The IGBT
used in this design was the SGP10n60, manufactured by Infineon
Technologies. Please refer to Appendix D for complete data on this device. The next
important matter to look at is the rise time of the primary coil and switch to
determine the time for ip to reach 4A, from an initial open circuit. By doing
this, it is possible to find out two things; firstly what the maximum spark
frequency is, while delivering 20mJ of energy; secondly, in a timed based
control system, like a microcontroller system, the delay time for the current to
build up to 4A can be incorporated into control calculations. Thus, minimising
the power that would normally be dissipated in the form of heat, for a
distributor control system. The model, which can be used for determining the
rise time, is shown in figure 23. V2 is used in this instance to drive the IGBT
gate on and off. When this circuit is simulated in OrCAD - PSPICE, the
following rise time was observed, as portrayed in
figure 24. It is visually evident here that the delay time for 4A to be reached is
roughly 1.25msec. From this, it is
possible to calculate the amount of
power loss for a time based control
system, assuming the turn-on time is
1.25msec. Determined from the data
sheets, the voltage across the IGBT
switch at 4A is 1.5V, so P = IV(D)
where D is the ratio of time the
switch is on divided by the time it
takes to complete one engine cycle at
Figure 23 – Coil rise-time model

10,000rpm, D = ton/tcycle where tcycle = 12msec. This calculation only gives the
maximum possible power dissipation. The actual power loss would be several
times less. The calculation is ⇒ P = 1.5 x 4 x (1.2/12) = 0.6W worst case
scenario for a time based control system. Equally, the power dissipation for an
engine at idle (800rpm) is ⇒ P = 1.5 x 4 x (1.2/150) = 0.048W. It is clear that
the IGBT would not need to be mounted to a heatsink (operating in the ohmic
region reduces power dissipation) for this proposed design. However, were the
ignition circuit controlled via a distributor, where precise values of ton =
1.2msec are not realistic (anywhere in the area of > 5msec), the power
dissipation of the switching device will rapidly increase. In this case, a
heatsink would be necessary as the device would be using the current
regulation circuitry, thus the IGBT would be operating in the active region of
the component.
Figure 24 – Rise-time of primary coil current
To limit the current in a distributor control system, the control loop for
the IGBT needs to hold the current at 4A until such time when the coil will be
fired. For this type of system the controller necessary is that shown in figure

25. From the diagram, a measure of

output current needs to be fed into
the controller, as well as the
reference current level. The control
loop is implemented electronically
via an operational amplifier
configured as a differential
amplifier, which controls the IGBT. Figure 25 – Ignition control loop
The amplifier incorporated in the control circuit is a general-purpose

single supply operational amplifier, the LM324. This op-amp is manufactured
by National Semiconductor, for a more complete data specification please refer
to Appendix E. The differentiator circuit appears in figure 26. The reference
voltage is on the positive input of the amplifier, and its voltage level is adjusted
via P4. Both C5 and C4 operate as smoothing capacitors to eliminate any
voltage spikes that may interfere with the op-amps response.
Figure 26 – Differentiator circuit

The differentiator circuitry has been designed to regulate current

through the primary ignition coil from 8A down to 1.5A. As impractical as it
may seem, some high-performance ignition coils may require currents in the
magnitude of 8A to supply maximum spark energy and longer spark duration,
ensuring complete fuel combustion. The IGBT chosen for this application is
the SGP10N60, manufactured by Infineon technologies. The device is capable
of handling constant currents of up to 10A at 150 degrees Celsius, it can
withstand voltage levels of up to 600V, and it comes in a TO-220AB package.
The output from the differential amplifier then couples to the control line input,
through a series current limiting resistor, of the ignition drive circuit displayed
in figure 27.
The ignition coil primary is connected to the collector of the IGBT and
positive 12V rail. In case of external micro control, or if triggering from a
distributor, the input, Ing Trig Sig 01, allows triggering of the ignition coil in
case of a +ve 5V signal. Effectively, by supplying a +ve 5V signal to M2 gate,
M2 will close circuit, forcing the gate of G1 to ground, which open circuits G1,
disallowing current to flow through the device. R28 supplies a source of
voltage feedback, to close the control loop of the differential amplifier in figure
26. The other circuitry to the right of the IGBT constitutes a snubber circuit
and over voltage protection for the IGBT. The voltage transient suppressor
diode D2, clamps at a maximum voltage of 548V across G1 so its limits are
never exceeded. Please refer to Appendix D for complete data on this device. The
snubber circuit of D5, C10 and R18 limits the rate of voltage rise time (dv/dt)
across the IGBT, assisting in the reduction of voltage transients that appear
across G1 during ignition. Please refer to Appendix A for a complete schematic
diagram of the design.

Figure 27 – Ignition drive circuit
4.22 Injector Circuit
The injector solenoid used in the project was a Bosch injector solenoid
with the product inscriptions 0208 150 203. This particular injector is
considered to have standard coil characteristics, not comparable to a
performance solenoid. The equivalent injector coil model from figure 17 of the
Bosch injector is as follows; R1 = 16.5 Ohms and L1 = 17mH. These values
were obtained by inspection. The
typical values for a performance
injector coil are; R1 = 1 Ohms and
L1 = 2mH. For this reason, the
following design revolves around
the worst-case scenario of the
performance injector coil while
providing the ability of driving the
high resistance counterpart of the Figure 28 – Injection control loop
Bosch coil.

The control loop for the injector coil is somewhat similar to the
ignition controller, with only some extra things added for the max limit level.
The whole idea for the max current limit level and hold current level is to
provide performance injectors with the fastest rise time response possible. This
is achieved by supplying an initial higher current through the coil, so the
solenoid overcomes the initial mechanically resistive force from the helical
spring. Once the maximum limit is achieved and the solenoid is fully open, the
controller lowers the current through the coil to a suitable holding current limit.
This minimises the power dissipation through the solenoid while holding the
solenoid in the on state. Both maximum and hold current limits are fully
adjustable to suit every coil. The maximum current level break points are from
1A up to 5A with the hold current levels ranging from 0.5A to 4A. This
provides more than enough leeway for all performance injectors, while still
having the ability of servicing standard injector coils such as the Bosch injector
integrated in this design.
The control block diagram in figure 28 has only one additional voltage
reference of Vref2 to the diagram from that of the ignition constituent. The
injector coil has less (negligible in some cases) voltage spike when the switch
open circuits. Here the same switching devices were taken into consideration
as for the ignition circuit. The following switching technologies were
evaluated; thyristor, BJT, Darlington transistor, MOSFET and IGBT. As this
controller requires the ability to limit the amount of current flowing through the
device, the thyristor is automatically eliminated. As the current through the
coil can reach up to 5A, the switch needs a rating of at least 5A. Ideally, a
component with minimal power dissipation would be preferable, allowing
smaller space restrictions. The BJT, Darlington transistor and IGBT all have a
BJT final drive in common, thus restricting the devices on resistance to a
higher value than that of a MOSFET. Although the BJT has better spike
voltage resistance over the MOSFET, these phenomena can be reduced via
appropriate snubbing and voltage transient suppressing techniques. The

appropriate switching device chosen was the MOSFET, because of its lower
power dissipation and higher switching speeds, with relatively similar costs.
Figure 29 – Injection drive circuit
The injector drive circuit (as shown in figure 29) is identical to the
ignition final drive circuit in figure 27, with only some minor component
selection differences. The operation is identical, so its functionality will not be
repeated here. However, the component selection of M3 and D2 is different to
that of the ignition circuit. M3 is a BUZ11 MOSFET device with a 50V
maximum voltage limit. This device is manufactured by ST Microelectronics,
for complete data on this device please refer to Appendix D. To protect the M3
from large voltage spikes that are present during the switching off transition,
the snubber circuit reduces the rate dv/dt. D2 with its maximum clamping
voltage of 22.5V ensures M3 will never be damaged by over voltage spikes.
The on resistance of the switching device is Ron = 0.03 Ohms. The
corresponding conduction losses for the circuit can then be calculated.
Assuming the performance model described previously to be valid and the
maximum current level to be 4A with standard holding current of 1A, the
initial current rise time is displayed in figure 30.

For the power loss calculation, it must be noted that this value is
dependent on the input fuel pressure into the injector as this dictates, from a
fluid flow perspective, the length of time the injector is required to be open. In
addition, engine speed is proportional to the time the injector is needed to be
held open. Ultimately, the variable that determines the fuel pressure will be the
ability of the fuelling system to provide adequate amounts of fuel into the
combustion chamber while the engine is operating at maximum rpm. As a
guide, it is possible to calculate the maximum time the intake valve may take to
inject fuel into the cylinder, assuming worst-case of 10,000rpm engine speed
for a high-performance engine. The corresponding rps = 10,000/60 =
166.66rps, this is equivalent to 166.66Hz or T = 1/166.66 = 6msec.
This value of T is only for 360 degrees, so one engine cycle, or 720
degrees, is 2 x 6msec = 12msec. Now the induction cycle, from figure 2, takes
¼ of one full cycle to complete. Thus, 12msec/4 = 3msec for the induction
cycle. It should be noted however, the actual time available for injecting fuel
into the combustion chamber will be somewhat less than 3msec. A maximum
current limit of 4A, and a hold current level of 1A were assumed. From figure
30, the time duration for the current in the coil to rise to a value of 4A is
roughly 1msec, thus leaving 3-1 = 2msec in the hold state. During the hold
state period the MOSFET is operating in the active region of the device. This
means significant power will be dissipated through the device during this
period.

Figure 30 – Injector coil current
It is now possible to work out the power loss in the switching device.
The working in this section is similar to the ignition power loss calculations
and equations. The equation for power loss is P = IV(D), where D is ton/tcycle,
the maximum rise time loss, while in the ohmic region, is Pr = (4)(0.12)(1/12)
= 0.04W. The maximum conduction loss, during active region operation, is
Pc = (1)(11)(2/12) = 1.833W. The 11V was determined from V = IR, if 1A
current is passing through the coil, then V = IR = (1)(1) = 1V across the coil.
So the MOSFET has to carry the other 12V – 1V = 11V. The total power loss
of the MOSFET at 10,000rpm engine speed is Pt = Pr + Pc = 0.04 + 1.833 =
1.873W, which is at absolute worse case. Again it should be mentioned, the
power dissipation under normal operation would be several magnitudes smaller
than the figure for continuous extreme running conditions.
The controller circuitry has the following differential amplifier, in

figure 31, as the variable current hold level regulator. Here P4 is used to vary
the hold current from 0.5A up to 4A. The circuit is much the same as the
ignition controller circuit.

Figure 31 – Injection hold current curcuit
The two new additions to the injector controller are a maximum current
limit Schmitt trigger circuit and a voltage signal amplifier-conditioner feeding
into the Schmitt trigger circuitry. Firstly, the signal conditioner and non-
inverting amplifier, as presented in figure 32, takes the voltage across R28 in
figure 29 and amplifies it using the operational amplifier LM324. With the
feedback capacitance, the output
voltage spikes are reduced. The
amplifier is tuned to a gain factor of
48. This signal then supplies the
Schmitt trigger circuit the input
signal, which controls the maximum
current limit.
The Schmitt trigger circuit,

portrayed in figure 33, comprises
an LM324 operational amplifier and
corresponding circuitry. Both P3 Figure 32 – Signal conditioning

and P5 together allow the adjustment of the maximum current limit value. The
BJT labelled M4 is a BC807-40 surface mount device (SMD) transistor that
acts as a switch which either allows or disallows the hold circuit to operate.
The section that permits the initial turning on of the MOSFET M3 from figure
29 is the input of M2.
Figure 33 – Schmitt trigger circuit
Please refer to Appendix A for a complete schematic diagram of the design.

4.3 EMI Consideration for PCB Design
The effects of EMI on

the control circuitry and other
electrical/electronic elements in
the automotive environments
can be harmful to other
systems. The particular issue
which need addressing in high-
power, fast switching designs is
the particularly careful layout
of components, to ensure
minimal interference between
modules. This includes
controlling potential load
Figure 34 – Driver board
dumps onto the supply rails that
could severely damage or otherwise interfere with the operation of other
equipment if not correctly filtered.
The photograph of figure 34 is the digital ignition and electronic fuel

injection driver proposed in this design. SMD components were used where
possible, reducing PCB size and a ground plane covers the entire control circuit
layout to reduce the effects of EMI from the high power switching circuit.
The ground plane can be seen from a better angle in figure 35. The ground
plane is very important in designs like this, where interference in the control
circuitry from external sources could cause undesirable responses to sensitive
circuitry. Introducing a ground plane into the system is very important. The
placing of the high power and sensitive control circuitry is a crucial issue,
which has to be addressed. As evident from figure 34, the high power and
control circuitry has been separated into two sections on the board. The two

low impedance capacitors,

towering from the board,
allow the voltage rail to
experience minimal voltage
fluctuations that could effect
other modules connected to
the same power rail.
Track widths and track

spacings are another
Figure 35 – Control circuitry
important issue in the design
of any PCB, whether it is high power, high-voltage, sensitive circuitry, or just
micro components. Figure 36 is the conductor spacing chart that was used for
the high power circuit layout design [13]. It is important to include such
spacings for the high-voltage spikes that are incurred from the ignition and
injection coil. The ignition PCB track spacing was designed for a maximum of
600V, which would need the spacing between tracks to be 120thou or 3mm
apart. The injector track spacing needs to be resistant to 300V and the
corresponding track width would be 50thou or 1.3mm. However, for the PCB
to look aesthetically pleasing the spacing was identical to that of the ignition
side.

Figure 36 – Conductor spacing chart
In addition, an important aspect of PCB design is the track widths for

high current carrying circuits. The high power section of the circuit was
designed to withstand constant currents of 8A with a temperature difference of
20 degrees from ambient temperature, this required the track width to be
130thou or 3.33mm. The injector circuit was similarly designed for
temperature differences of 20 degrees Celsius however with a constant current
rating of 6A, the track-width would need to be 90thou or 2.3mm in this case.
Again, the actual track width was left as 3.33mm for the injector circuit for an
identical appearance between the two circuits. The guidelines used for track
width calculations were derived from figure 37 [13].

Figure 37 – Track width guidline chart
Figure 38 shows the final high power PCB section design of the
ignition and injection circuits. The power connectors seen towards the bottom
of the board below are Mini-Fit, Jr headers manufactured by Molex. This
connector can withstand voltages of up to 600V with currents up to 9 Amperes.
This selection of component leaves adequate leverage for this design. To make
integration to external microcontroller or distributor easy, a three-way header
is supplied in the control section. Please refer to Appendix B for the complete PCB
artwork of the design.
Figure 38 – Power electronics circuitry

CHAPTER 5
Software Implimentation
5.1 Software
5.2 Peripheral Initialisation and Configuration
5.3 Main Program Loop
5.4 Timer A0 Interupt Service Routine (ISR)
5.5 External Interupts
5.51 Advance / Retard ISR
5.52 Engine Position ISR
5.53 Engine TDC ISR
5.6 Programming the Microcontroller
5.1 Software
The two sensory inputs

from the engine supply the M16C
microcontroller with the necessary
information to trigger the ignition,
supplying ignition advance during
higher speed operation. Figure 39
exhibits the positioning of the two
optical sensors placed on the
engine flywheel. Both 10 degree Figure 39 – Engine optical sensor

Chapter 5 – Software Implimentation
and 360 degree information is passed to the microcontroller for calculation of

ignition timing. These signals are passed to the M16C in the form of external
interrupts with their respective interrupt levels set accordingly to importance of
calculation. The entire program for the M16C microcontroller was written in
C-code, please refer to Appendix C for the complete program listing for the design.
The different interrupt service routines (ISR's) are shown in Figure 40, below, and
described in the following sections.
Peripheral Initilisation and

Configuration
Main Program Loop
TDC Position Ignition timer Timer TA1 Timer TA2

Interupt Interupt TA0 Interupt Interupt Interupt
Figure 40. Program flow chart.
5.2 Peripheral Initialisation and Configuration
Several peripherals require initialisation before the program can control

the ignition-timing program. Firstly, the initialisations of the I/O pins are
configured, together with their corresponding internal pull-up resistors, to
prevent false input states from the sensors. All the output ports are then
cleared to zero.

Next, the three 16 bit timers are initialised. Timer 0 is used for the
ignition coil rise time counter. It is placed in continuous counting mode and is
set to down-count with 1.2msec stored in its reload register. An interrupt
occurs every time counting reaches
zero. The timer flag is activated,
initialising counting, every 1.2msec Start Main
Program
before the ignition coil is to be
triggered, thus allowing 4A current to
Initialise interupts, timers, port data
flow through the ignition coil. Timer 1 direction, pull-ups, clear ignition & injection
port, initialise & clear variables.
is placed into free running counter
mode and is used for calculating the
average time between every 10 degrees
Coil On time No
of the flywheel rotation. The reload <=
Actual time
counter register is reset to 0xFFFF,
corresponding to a maximum count of
Yes
131msec, for a frequency pre-scaling
of f/32 from the main clock at 16Mhz.
Has TA2 Overflow Yes
An interrupt is generated every time
occured?
the counter reaches zero. Timer 2 is
set into free running counter mode and
No
operates as the real time base for each
360 degrees cycle. The reload register
Spark count No
is set to 0xFFFF, equivalent to =
0?
131msec, with the system configured
to automatically reload every time an
Yes
interrupt occurs. The timer’s interrupt
Add one to Spark count,
levels are initialised to 3, 4, and 5 clear Multiple Spark,
One time Spark
respectively before both timers 1 and 2
are activated by writing a one to their
corresponding counter flag.
Figure 41 – Main program loop

The four external interrupts from 0 to 3 are enabled and their

corresponding interrupts are set to 7, 7, 2 and 1 respectively. External interrupt
0 and 1 both service the advance or retard feature which enables the addition or
subtraction of one degree from top dead centre (TDC). However, there is a
programmed restriction on the amount of advance or retard that may be
applied; that is from TDC, 0 degrees to 40 degrees before TDC. External
interrupt 2 is connected to the optical sensor that signals every 10 degrees and
external interrupt 3 is connected to the optical sensor which reports every 360
degrees of revolution.
5.3 Main Program Loop
The main program loop checks continually whether the calculated spark
time equals or is smaller than the actual elapsed time from the beginning of the
cycle. If this is true, the program goes on to check whether a timer overflow
has occurred. If no overflow occurred during the cycle and if no other spark
occurred during the current cycle, the program
will branch to the subroutine ‘one time spark’. Start
The operational flow chart of the main program One time
Spark
can be referred to in figure 41. The program
loop is checked continually while not servicing
ISRs or subroutines. For this reason a record of
Set ignition bit to zero,
whether a spark occurred during this cycle is start Ignition timer TA0
important to eliminate the chance of repeated
sparks. However, the program is written in such
a way that if the above were to happen, no spark
Return from
would be induced at all. This happens as the One time
Spark
subroutine ‘one time spark’ only initiates the
counter flag, enabling counting of timer 0.
Figure 42- Subroutine spark

The subroutine ‘one time spark’, as exhibited in figure 42, allows the
flow of current through the ignition coil via activating G1. At the same time,
timer 0 initiates counting of 1.2msec and the program returns from the
subroutine to the main program. The
spark at the plug occurs only when the Start Timer A0
Interupt
timer 0 reaches a count of zero, and it’s
respective ISR is serviced.
Set Ignition bit to one,
reload timer TA0, restart
timer TA0, reset interupts
5.4 Timer A0 Interupt

Service Routine (ISR)
Yes Multiple Spark
=
The flow-chart for Timer A0 1?
interrupt is portrayed in figure 43,

No
below. To aid with fuel combustion at
start-up, an extra feature has been
Multiple Spark No
added to the program, which supplies a =
2?
dual spark, one after the other in
concession until the engine speed has Yes
reached 500rpm. This feature is

nevertheless serviced from the TDC One Shot Spark, add one to
Multiple Spark
interrupt only. From 500rpm upward,
only one ignition spark is provided to
the plug. The timer 0 ISR begins with Start timer TA0 delay, add
one to Multiple Spark
setting the ignition bit to one,
disallowing current to flow through the
coil and ultimately inducing a spark
across the plug. The timer is then re- Return from
Timer A0 Interupt
initialised to the original counting
value of 1.2msec or 0x01F4 in
Figure 43 – TimerA0 program loop

Start Interupt 0 Start Interupt 1
Advance No Advance No
< >=
40? 1?
Yes Yes
Add 1 degree to Subtract 1 degree

Advance from Advance
Return from Return from

Interupt 0 Interupt 1
Figure 45 – Advance ISR Figure 44 – Retard ISR
hexadecimal.
The program then checks if the variable multi-spark has been activated. If so,
the program initialises spark counting before adding one to the variable multi-
spark. Otherwise, if multiple sparking has not been selected only one spark
will be activated before exiting the ISR. If the variable multi-spark is set to
two then a delay of 0.5msec is activated between spark ignition, and allowing
the coil to charge again.
5.5 External Interrupts
All of the external interrupts are edge triggered, so require the

transitional change from logic level 0 ⇒ 1 or 1 ⇒ 0, as per configuration, to
activate an interrupt service routine. There are a limited number of external

interrupt sources, so programming of the microcontroller and hardware set up

must be efficient. Interrupts INT0 through to INT3 were used in the program.
5.51 Advance / Retard ISR
As already mentioned, external interrupts INT0 and INT1 both service

the advance and retard feature for the ignition spark control. From the
development board, INT0 correlates to SW1 and INT1 correlates to SW2. The
schematic for the development board may be found in the appendix. The
whole purpose of the advance and retard switches is for the ability to determine
easily an engine ignition map that can then be entered into the software
program. This enables the user to tailor the software advance and retard amp
to maximise the performance capable from
their engine. Figures 44 and 45 illustrate
Start Interupt 2
the flow charts for these ISR. The variable
advance is then used by the engine position
ISR to calculate the desirable ignition point Stop timer TA1, Calculate
value for New time (delta
10 degrees), reload timer
in degrees for that engine cycle. TA1, restart timer TA1
Average time
5.52 Engine Position ISR =
1/4(New t) + 3/4(Ave t)
The engine position ISR is triggered

Calculate time till Coil
via optical sensors every 10 degrees on
rotation of the flywheel. This enables the

system to recalculate the idealised ignition
point so that the system data is always up to Return from
Interupt 2
date. To the right, figure 46 is the flow
chart of the engine position ISR. Here the
program calculates the average time over a Figure 46 – Engine position ISR

span of 40 degrees. This is a working average, which means the variable gets
updated every 10 degrees. The average time is with respect to 10 degrees of
rotation. This system calculates the spark time over a 360 degree span. The
ignition would normally be at the end of every half a cycle or 360 degrees, due
to lack of sensory data. The calculation then becomes ⇒ spark time = [(360 –
advance) x (average time)]/10, from this the coil start time can be calculated ⇒
coil time = spark time – 1.2msec. The coil time is then the time, with reference
to the last TDC, at which current should be
allowed to flow through the coil for ignition to
occur another 1.2msec after activation. Start Interupt 3
Stop timer TA2, reload timer

5.53 Engine TDC ISR TA2, restart timer TA2, clear
multiple spark count
The TDC ISR’s main function is to re-

initialise TimerA2, which is used as a real time
reference for the ‘actual time’, in the main No Spark count
=
program loop, figure 47. The main 0?
programming issue here was the complications

that could arise if the engine is in the starting Yes
phase, while the engine speed may be lower

Let Multiple Spark
than 500rpm. The time that would elapse equal to one, One
Time Spark
during this engine speed is 120msec, for 360
degrees of revolution. The timers maximal
timing capacity is 131msec. Before the timer Clear Spark count,
clear Overflow TA2
overflows, a suitable method for handling the
overlap transition from starting and running
needs to be addressed. A valid starting Return from
Interupt 3
method proposed for this design, was to check
for the occurrence of a spark in the elapsed
Figure 47 – Engine TDC ISR

cycle. If no spark occurred and TimerA2 had overflowed, then it can be

presumed the engine is in the starting phase, or below 500rpm, in which case
multiple sparking is activated and the first ignition take place 1.2msec after
TDC, followed by another spark 1.7msec later. The spark variable is then reset
to zero and the overflow count for TimerA2 is cleared.
5.6 Programming the Microcontroller
The M16C evaluation board comes with its own C compiler and
download program from Mitsubishi. After compiling the C program the .x30
target file can be downloaded to controller via the Windows-run KD30
software program. Downloading the compiled C code is done across a DB-9
serial link to the development board. On completion of downloading the C
program, the microcontroller requires resetting before the controller can be run.
During any period the controller board is not running, power to the driver
board must be cut to prevent burning of the MOSFET and IGBT. Their inputs
are prone to floating which can lead to the ramping of current through the
ignition and injector coil. The pull-up resistors that are a feature built into the
microcontroller, are disabled while power down.

CHAPTER 6
Project Testing and Design Evaluation
6.1 Hardware Performance

6.12 Injection Circuit
6.2 Software Performance
6.3 Project Downfalls
6.1 Hardware Performance
The hardware performance is conceptually good with all the

simulations closely correlating to the real world results. The PSPICE
simulation data was performed over a temperature ranging between –40
degrees Celsius to +150 degrees Celsius, providing stability across the
complete range. Practical testing was, however, limited to room temperature.
As the operational amplifier and MOSFET devices have considerably good
tolerance to temperature difference, I perceive the simulation results will prove
to be realistic for different temperatures in the real world.
The effects of dual ignition during the starting phase, as discussed in

the programming section, can be viewed in figure 48. Both of the waveforms
labelled (1) and (2), are the signals received from the optical sensor.
Waveform (1) corresponds to 10 degrees of rotation, and (2) is the TDC signal.

Chapter 6 – Project Testing and Design Evaluation
Figure 48 – Dual ignition concept
The waveform marked with (3) is the ignition drive signal. A logic of
‘1’ corresponds to the IGBT being open circuited, inversely if the signal has a
logic ‘0’ then the IGBT is closed circuited, allowing current to flow through
the coil. In total a time span of 2.4msec is necessary between spark
occurrence. This allows the coil harmonics to settle after triggering, and
energise the coil a second time.
The simulations that were carried out through the aid of PSPICE for the
ignition circuit showed confidence of successful operation. The current
waveform, once set to regulate at 4A, levelled out quite nicely to store 20mJ of
energy in the core of the ignition coil. To test the ignition circuit a 5V square
wave input signal with a period of 6msec was connected to the ignition driver

input. The PSPICE simulated current waveform through the coil is displayed
in figure 49, below. The consistent temperature range that was used for all
simulations is in the following order; -40°C, 0°C, 27°C, 100°C and 150°C
consecutively.
Figure 49 – Ignition coil current over ∆temp
This reinforces the design being strongly resistant to temperature

change and able to be used in an automotive environment. The overshoot in
the current waveform is considerably negligible, <5%, showing the controller
has good characteristics, comparable to a finely tuned control loop.
The voltage spike induced across the IGBT during ignition can reach
dangerous levels if not effectively suppressed. However, there is an inversely
proportional ratio between the amount of suppression applied and the voltage
at the spark plug. There has to be a compromise to the amount of suppression,
which is acceptable. Pushing the IGBT to its upper limits is not always
desirable, yet setting the spike to ¾ the IGBT’s limit is quite acceptable for
continuous operation. Thus, voltage levels of around 450V under normal

operational conditions are favourable. Figure 50 illustrates the voltage spikes

simulated in PSPICE with voltage levels in the order of that mentioned above.
Figure 50 – Ignition IGBT voltage over ∆ temp
The actual voltage at the IGBT, in figure 51, during a spike occurrence,
closely correlates to the simulated version in figure 50, above. Close
inspection indicates the maximum primary coil spike voltage to be at ≈450V.
In both the simulated and actual graphs, this level is acceptable for continuous
operational mode of the ignition circuit. This reinforces the importance of the
snubber and suppression circuitry, and the effect they have on constraining the
voltages across the IGBT to conservative levels, which ensure the life of the
device.

Figure 51 – Ignition IGBT voltage at T =27°°C
6.12 Injection Circuit
The injector circuit was configured to have an upper current limit of 4A

and a hold current limit of 1A. The test configuration that was implemented on
the injector driver circuitry was a 5V square wave with signal period of 6msec.
This signal was passed to the input on the injection driver. The current
waveform simulated in PSPICE is displayed in figure 52. The upper limit
Schmitt trigger circuit controller shows little resilience to temperature
variation, though the hold current circuitry exhibits some large deviations in
steady state current with the fluctuation in temperature. The variation in steady
state hold current can be traced back to the BJT used in the control loop
circuitry. BJT devices are strongly affected to temperature change. The device
could possibly be substituted with a low voltage MOSFET transistor with
similar current characteristics to avoid the undesirable (yet tolerable) response.

Figure 52 – Injector coil current over ∆ temp
On the other hand, the voltage suppression of the injection circuit is

handled very well, with voltage surges reaching no more than 60V in PSPICE
simulations. The simulation results can be seen in figure 53.
The first large voltage spike at 4msec corresponds to the reduction in

coil current from 4A to 1A. Once the maximum current limit is reached, the
current through the coil is reduced to a holding current level. The final voltage
spike relates to the holding current being ceased and the injector closing the
valve. The larger the reduction in current through the coil as well as the di/dt
rate associates proportionally with the size of the voltage spike across the
MOSFET switching device.

Figure 53 – Injector MOSFET voltage over ∆temp
6.2 Software Performance
Although no extravagantly involved or complicated coding was

included into this project the software operated efficiently and most
importantly correctly as planned. The complete software code was written in C
code. The reason behind this was the easy readability of the program as in
comparison to assembler code. In addition, the C code could be generated at a
faster rate then that of tedious assembler code. The most important thing in
any project is whether the program does what the requirements specified. This
is exactly what this program does.

6.3 Project Downfalls
The stresses of this project set in during the sudden departure from the
software programmer at the end of the first semester. This has set back the
project’s initial goal of a complete ‘engine management system’ to just ‘digital
ignition and electronic fuel injection’. The workload of the initial goal was too
involved for only one thesis student, as both software and hardware were to be
developed. The project continued with the development of hardware and
software, however on a slightly smaller scale then initially sought.
The project suffered no other major problems. Nevertheless, the above

predicament set the project back further than was initially imagined.

CHAPTER 7
Conclusions and Recommendations
7.1 Conclusion
7.2 Future Work
7.1 Conclusion
This project was entirely successful in its aim of producing the

hardware for a modern digital ignition and electronic fuel injection control
system for the VTE-2 VISI-Trainer Engine. More work is needed on the
software before the engine controller can be used with a complete engine
ignition map for high-performance operation. The task of designing and
implementing an optimal controller for this engine is not a small one, and could
easily be the subject of another thesis. Although the ignition and injection
driver hardware was only built to service a single cylinder engine, there is no
difficulty in rearranging the components to produce a PCB that will service a
multiple cylinder engine. However, the controller software would require
minimal alteration to compensate for this.

Chapter 7 – Conclusions and Recommendations
7.2 Future Work
Internal combustion engines will still be used as a primary mover of

automobiles until such time a more efficient and environmentally friendly
power plant, suitable for mass production, is introduced into the industry.
Until such time, the further development of the IC engine, improving its
efficiency, response characteristics and effect on the environment is crucial if
the IC engine is to stay ahead of fully electric or hybrid vehicles. Further work
on this project may include:
• Mechanically integrating the fuel injector to an induction manifold

on the engine.
• Software may be developed to include a digital ignition map of the

engine and provide closed loop fuelling feed back control using a
lambda sensor .
• Knock control could be added as an extra feature, ensuring longer

life of the mechanical components of the engine.
• A separate controller board using the M16C could be designed to

encapsulate the features mentioned above, with the inclusion of
other technologies, such as variable valve timing (VVT), that may
be added to the hardware for future integration.

References
[1] M. Gallagher, “The XK8 engine management system and electronic

engine control module,” IEE Colloquium on The Electrical System of the
Jaguar XK8, IEE, London, UK, 1996, pp. 1/1-13.
[2] P.D. Jordan, “Microprocessor-controlled engine management,”

Electronics-&-Wireless-World, Vol. 90, No. 1622, Sep. 1987, pp. 876-880.
[3] P.D. Jordan, “Advanced engine management systems,” Electronics-&-

Wireless-World, Vol. 93, No. 1622, Dec. 1987, pp. 1225-8.
[4] H.A. Kuck, H.D. Erdmann, and M. Lowel, “The knock detection of
Volkswagen’s supercharged 1.3 L SI-Engine,” Sixth International Conference
on Automotive Electronics, IEE, London, UK, pp.70-76.
[5] L. Simpson, R. De-Jong, “Transistor-assisted ignition system with

dwell extension and full protection,” Electronics-Australia, Vol. 41, No. 9,
Dec. 1979, pp. 60-3, 65-6.
[6] A. Beer, A. Cypra, “Gasoline Fuel-Injection System L-Jetronic,”

Robert Bosch GmbH, Automotive Equipment Business Sector, Stuttgart, 1997.
[7] A. Beer, A. Cypra, “Ignition,” Robert Bosch GmbH, Automotive

Equipment Business Sector, Stuttgart, 1999.
[8] J.L. Lumley, Engines An Introduction, Cambridge University Press,

Cambridge, 1999.
[9] T. Wakabayashi, H. Mitomo, A. Kida, Y. Ikeya, “Electronic control

ignition for 2-wheeled vehicles,” Oki-Technical-Review, Vol. 57, No. 139, July
1991, pp. 1-4.

[10] T. Kattwinkel, “16-bit microcontroller C167R with full-CAN module:
tuning up automotive networks with the CAN bus,” Siemens-Components, Vol.
30, No. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1995, pp. 18-20.
[11] EFI 332 engine management system development,

http://efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu/efi332/
[12] J. Clarke, “Universal High Energy Ignition System,” Silicon Chip, Vol.
11, No. 6, June. 1998, pp. 18-27.
[13] G. Patrick, Praegitzer Industries,

http://www.aracnet.com/~gpatrick/welcome.html
[14] ACDelco, http://www.acdelco.com/parts/tech/1530b.htm

Appendix A – Schematic Diagrams
A.1 – Digital Ignition and Electronic Fuel Injector Driver
Appendix B – PCB layers
B.1 – Digital Ignition and Electronic Fuel Injector Driver
Appendix C – Programe C-code Listing
C.1 – Motor3.c
Appendix D – Discrete Component Data
D.1 – MOSFET Data
D.2 – IGBT Data
D.3 – BJT Data
D.4 – Diode Data
Appendix E – Integrated Semiconductor Data
E.1 – M16C Microcontroller Data
E.2 – LM324M Operational Amplifier Data

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Digital ignition

Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Submitted for the degree of

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours)

In the division of Electrical & Electronic Engineering

4 Park View Crescent

Dear Professor Simmons,

In accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering

“DIGITAL IGNITION & ELECTRONIC F UEL INJECTION”

I declare that the work contained in this document is my own, except as

I thank the following people for their contributions to this project:

Dr Geoff Walker, my thesis supervisor for his non-ending commitment and

The increasing demand for economy and performance combined with

In this thesis, a universal ‘digital ignition and electronic fuel injection’

In order to design a digital ignition and electronic fuel injection driver,

A complete description of the hardware and software is explained,

The project was evaluated and tested on a VTE-2 VISI-Trainer engine,

BACKGROUND THEORY OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES .............................. 6

AN OVERVIEW OF EXISTING IGNITION & FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS .................. 20

HARDWARE DESIGN & PSPICE MODELLING ....................................................... 25

SOFTWARE IMPLIMENTATION ............................................................................... 43

P ROJECT TESTING AND DESIGN EVALUATION ...................................................... 52

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................. 60

APPENDIX A – SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS .....................................................................64

FIGURE 1 - VISI TRAINER .................................................................................................................2

FIGURE 34 – DRIVER BOARD........................................................................................................... 39

1.1 Overview of Engine Management Systems

1.1 Overview of Engine Management Systems

The increasing demand for economy and performance combined with

The automotive industry supplies a host of advanced technologies all in

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 1

The technologies that greatly enhanced performance on modern engines

Electronic ignition is a technology that can allow the spark voltage to

Figure 1 – VISI Trainer

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 2

1.2 Thesis Overview

The control system presented in this thesis consists of an ignition and

1.3 Scope of Work for this Thesis

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 3

practically obtainable due to funding limitations. In this case, estimates were

1.4 Outline of Chapter Headings and Contents

Chapter 2 covers the background theory to the internal combustion

Chapter 3 embodies the overview of existing engine management

Chapter 4 gives the hardware design specifications for the project,

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 4

Chapter 5 provides a skeletal framework of the software features with

Chapter 6 discusses the performance of the final product as a whole,

Chapter 7 contains the conclusion and pointers to further work on this

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 5

Background Theory of Internal Combustion

2.1 The Mechanical System

2.1 The Mechanical System

2.11 Operational Concept of the Four Stroke Combustion

The four stroke combustion engine, or the more commonly known

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 6

Digital Ignition & Electronic Fuel Injection Page 7

Figure 2 - Operating cycle for a four cylinder engine.

2.12 Air / Fuel Mixture Information

The ideal mixture ratio is known as the stoichiometric ratio or complete