Electronic ignition systems are a modern way of generating a spark to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine. They enable the engine to run smoothly and start. This is a complete change in how engines start and operate.
They are used in modern vehicles, are more reliable, and offer better control than older mechanical systems. They replace conventional mechanical ignition systems and use advanced electronic components to accurately manage the ignition timing and deliver sparks to the spark plugs at the right times.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what an electronic ignition system is, its applications, parts, diagram, and how it works. We’ll also look at its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s get started!
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What is Electronic Ignition System?
An electronic ignition system is a type of ignition system that works in electronic circuits, usually by transistors. The transistors are controlled by sensors to generate electric pulses.
These pulses are then used to generate a high-voltage spark that can burn the lean mixture and provide a better economy and lower emissions. The electronic ignition system is fully controlled electronically.
The electronic ignition system, a feature that has become standard in contemporary cars due to its adaptability to changing driving conditions, helps engines run more smoothly, emit fewer emissions, and use fuel more efficiently.
With the vast use of an ignition system in spark-ignition internal combustion engines, electronic is also a common type. The spark is responsible for producing light. In automotive, the chemical energy (air-fuel mixture) is converted into mechanical energy (crankshaft rotation). The spark is essential for this to be achieved.
Although the electronic ignition system is widely used in aircraft engines, bikes, motorcycles, and cars, it performs the same purpose as other types of ignition systems.
The function of an electronic ignition system is to remain the same as it produces a high-voltage spark to the spark plug so that the fuel-air mixture can be burned or ignited. Because sensors are used in the system, it improves reliability and mileage and decreases emissions.
Electronic Ignition System Applications
With the various uses in contemporary vehicles, below are the applications of an electronic ignition system:
- The electronic ignition system has several uses and is increasingly being used in a wide range of businesses and automobiles.
- It is widely used in contemporary, high-performance automobiles, notably hypercars, where accuracy and effectiveness are important.
- Well-known automakers like Audi, Mahindra, KTM, Ducat, and many others use the electronic ignition system to maximize fuel economy and improve engine performance.
- Beyond the automobile industry, the electronic ignition system is widely used in aircraft engines to provide accurate and dependable ignition control.
- The system is a great option for a variety of applications because of its powerful electronic components and programmable features, which enable modification and adaptation to particular vehicle requirements.
- The electronic ignition system is widely used in high-performance vehicles and passenger cars, and it also improves the performance and efficiency of commercial and industrial engines.
- It is a popular choice in the automobile industry for meeting strict pollution requirements and enhancing overall engine performance because of its capacity to efficiently create high-voltage sparks and precisely manage ignition timing.
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Components of an Electronic Ignition System
Below are the components of an electronic ignition system and their functions:
Battery:
The battery is the power source of the ignition system, as it transfers the required energy to the system as the ignition switch is on. The battery type used is an electrochemical system that stores charges and releases them whenever they’re needed. This battery has two terminals: positive and negative. The positive terminal is connected to the key (ignition switch), while the negative terminal is grounded.
Ignition switch:
The ignition switch is the power button that turns the system ON and OFF. When it’s on, power is supplied from the battery, and when off, the power supply is terminated.
Electronic Control Module:
This is where electronic work begins in the system as it turns on and off the primary current. The component is also known as the control unit of an ignition system. it’s what monitors and controls the timing and intensity of the spark automatically.
The device receives voltage signals from the armature and sets the primary coil on and off. Electronic control modules are placed separately outside the distributor or placed in the electronic control unit box of the vehicle.
Armature:
The armature is what generates a magnetic field in the system. Unlike the battery ignition system that has contact breaker points, it’s being replaced with the armature in the electronic ignition system. This armature consists of a reluctor with teeth that is the moving part, a vacuum advance, and a pickup coil to catch the voltage signals.
The electronic module collects the voltage signals from the armature so that the circuit can be made and broken. This sets the timing of the distributor to accurately supply current to the spark plugs.
Ignition coil:
The ignition coil is advantageous as it helps to produce high voltage to the spark plug. The component is a pulse-type transformer, and it produces the short fire or spark of high voltage for the combustion.
The ignition coil is two sets of windings, which include primary winding (outer winding) and secondary winding (inner winding).
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Distributor:
Current flows from the primary winding, while the distributor controls the on and off of the cycle of the current flow. It’s used to distribute current to each spark plug in multi-cylinder engines. Finally,
Spark plugs:
The spark plug is the component that generates the spark inside the cylinder, using the ignition coil’s high voltages to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
Diagram:
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How does an electronic ignition system work?
Just like other types of ignition systems, the electronic ignition system is less complex and can be easy to understand. Its working begins as the engine starts running, which is when the ignition switch is on.
The battery supplies power as the negative terminal is grounded and the positive is connected to the ignition switch. The power is sent to the ignition coil, which has two windings, if you can recall: primary and secondary windings.
These windings are insulated, but the primary is thicker than the secondary winding. There is an iron rod between them that helps to generate a magnetic field.
The armature produces power as it rotates; it’s connected to the electronic module, and magnetic pick-up occurs. When the magnetic pick-up and armature touch, the voltage signal is created. It generates further until a strong voltage signal is generated.
The voltage is sent to the distributor that contains a rotor, which rotates, and there are distributor points that are set according to the ignition timing.
The rotor comes in front of any of the distributor points, causing a jumping of voltage through the air gap from the rotor to the distributor point. It’s then sent to the adjacent spark plug terminal through the high-tension cable.
A voltage difference is then generated between the central electrode and ground electrode, which is the reason for generating a spark at the tip of the spark plug and the combustion occurring.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Ignition System
Advantages:
- Electronic ignition systems have low maintenance compared to other ignition types.
- They save costs and reduce downtime
- No moving parts, making them durable and reliable.
- They increase engine efficiency, increasing their overall working performance.
- Electronic ignition systems offer high accuracy and precision compared to magneto ignition.
- Advance igniton version.
Disadvantages:
- Electronic ignition systems are more complex than the traditional types.
- They are more expensive
- Electrical issues might occur
- Since they depend on electronics, they might malfunction or fail if there is an electrical failure.
- It is a no-go area for DIY repair because of its complexity.
- Replacement costs can be high.
- Voltage fluctuation might occur.
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Conclusion
The Electronic Ignition System is a modern and efficient alternative to traditional ignition systems. It offers better fuel efficiency, more reliable spark, reduced maintenance, and enhanced engine performance.
By eliminating mechanical components like breaker points, it reduces wear and tear and improves spark timing. Today, this system is widely used in cars, motorcycles, and even some small engines due to its precision and durability.
FAQs on Electronic Ignition System
What is an electronic ignition system?
It is an ignition system that uses electronic components (like transistors and control modules) to trigger the spark plug, eliminating the need for mechanical breaker points.
What are the components of an electronic ignition system?
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
- Ignition coil
- Pickup coil / sensor
- Ignition module
- Spark plugs
What are the advantages of an electronic ignition system?
- More reliable and consistent spark
- Less maintenance (no contact points to wear out)
- Improved fuel economy
- Better cold starts and engine performance
What types of electronic ignition systems are there?
- Transistorized Ignition System (TI)
- Capacitor Discharge Ignition System (CDI)
- Distributor-less Ignition System (DIS)
- Direct Ignition System (DI)
How is it different from conventional ignition systems?
Electronic ignition systems use solid-state electronics instead of mechanical parts, which leads to more accurate timing and fewer moving parts that can fail.
Where is the electronic ignition system commonly used?
- Modern cars and motorcycles
- Generators
- High-performance engines
What causes electronic ignition system failure?
- Faulty ECU or ignition module
- Damaged pickup coil or sensor
- Worn-out spark plugs
- Overheating or electrical faults