Some Factors to Consider in the Design and Application of Automotive Ignition Systems

Ignition is such a vital factor in the performance, reliability and service life of the internal combustion gasoline engine that its basic design and application deserve major attention from the engine designer. This paper reviews the electrical and mechanical functions of present-day standard, or “Kettering” - type ignition systems, and discusses potential design and application problems, together with ways to avoid them. Distributor mounting and drive, environmental factors such as moisture and dirt, radio frequency suppression, and exhaust emission considerations, are briefly discussed. Advantages and limitations of typical semiconductor systems are also presented because these comparatively new systems offer major advantages that, on many applications, more than justify their premium initial cost.