US3808513A - Ignition system including dc-ac inverter - Google Patents

Ignition system including dc-ac inverter Download PDF

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Publication number
US3808513A
US3808513A US00246212A US24621272A US3808513A US 3808513 A US3808513 A US 3808513A US 00246212 A US00246212 A US 00246212A US 24621272 A US24621272 A US 24621272A US 3808513 A US3808513 A US 3808513A
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United States
Prior art keywords
transistors
base
transformer
winding
emitter
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00246212A
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English (en)
Inventor
R Canup
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Texaco Inc
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Texaco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Texaco Inc filed Critical Texaco Inc
Priority to US00246212A priority Critical patent/US3808513A/en
Priority to GB795573A priority patent/GB1362163A/en
Priority to DE19732309363 priority patent/DE2309363A1/de
Priority to CH290373A priority patent/CH566088A5/xx
Priority to NL7302933A priority patent/NL7302933A/xx
Priority to AU53088/73A priority patent/AU478703B2/en
Priority to CA165,988A priority patent/CA997824A/en
Priority to IT22934/73A priority patent/IT983814B/it
Priority to BR2876/73A priority patent/BR7302876D0/pt
Priority to FR7314193A priority patent/FR2180970B1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3808513A publication Critical patent/US3808513A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/53—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M7/537—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
    • H02M7/5383—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a self-oscillating arrangement
    • H02M7/53832—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a self-oscillating arrangement in a push-pull arrangement
    • H02M7/53835—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a self-oscillating arrangement in a push-pull arrangement of the parallel type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P3/00—Other installations
    • F02P3/01—Electric spark ignition installations without subsequent energy storage, i.e. energy supplied by an electrical oscillator

Definitions

  • This invention concerns DC-to-AC inverters in genera] and, more specifically, relates to an improvement for an electronic circuit employing a transistor oscillator.
  • the invention pertains to a particular use of the foregoing inverter in an ignition system for internal combustion engines.
  • the invention concerns a DC-to-AC inverter for use in an ignition system and the like. It comprises a pair of transistors, and oscillator circuit means for connecting said transistors to conduct alternatively over the base-emitter path of each. It also comprises means for limiting the reverse voltage applied over said paths to protect against breakdown of said transistors.
  • the invention concerns a combination for use in a single-transformer high-frequency continuous-wave ignition system for internal combustion engines.
  • Such combination comprises a transformer having a high-voltage secondary winding for delivering spark voltages to said internal combustion engine, and a center-tapped primary winding on said transformer. It also comprises a pair of transistors connected to said primary winding, the said transistors each having base,
  • collector and emitter electrodes It also comprises at least one oscillator feedback winding on said transformer, and circuit means for connecting said transistors into an oscillator having base-to-emitter voltage paths.
  • the said circuit means comprises means for limiting the amplitude of reverse-polarity voltages on said base-to-emitter voltage paths.
  • the invention concerns a combination for use in a single-transformer high-frequency continuous-wave ignition system for internal combustion engines. It comprises a transformer having a highvoltage secondary winding for delivering spark voltages to said internal combustion engine, and a centertapped primary winding on said transformer, as well as a pair of transistors. The said transistors each have base, collector and emitter electrodes.
  • the combination also comprises an oscillator feedback winding on said transformer, and first circuit means for connecting a DC voltage to said centertap of said primary winding. It also comprises second circuit means for connecting said collector electrodes to the ends of said primary winding, and third circuit means for connecting said emitter electrodes to ground.
  • the third and fourth circuit means comprise portions of a complete circuit including the baseemitter paths of said transistors.
  • the combination also comprises a pair of diodes, one connected between each of said base electrodes and ground, with the polarity being such that the reverse voltages at said baseemitter paths are limited to the forward voltages of said diodes.
  • the combination also comprises an ignition control winding on said transformer, and anenginecontrolled means for cutting off and applying DC bias current in said control winding.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a preferred modification according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is another schematic circuit diagram illustrating a different modification according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is yet another schematic circuit diagram illustrating a third modification of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same modification as FIG. I, but using a grounded positive and PNP transistors. 9
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same modification as FIG. 2, but using a grounded positive and PNP transistors.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same modification as FIG. 3, but using a grounded positive and PNP transistors.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a DC-to-AC inverter, or oscillator 11. While it will be understood that there may be other and different uses for an inverter of this type, it is here being described as being employed in a high-frequency continuous-wave ignition system. Such system makes use of a transformer 12 that has a high-voltage output, or secondary winding 13. Also, as indicated by an arrow 16 and the caption HIGH VOLTAGE TO DISTRIBUTOR," the highvoltage circuit leads to the usual distributor arrangement (not shown) for an internal combustion engine.
  • the ignition system also includes a control winding 17 on the transformer 12. This control winding determines the timing for the ignition spark signals by controlling the oscillations of the oscillator 1 1.
  • the oscilla- -tor when oscillating develops input energy in a centertapped primary winding 18 that is located on the transformer 12.
  • ' lator l1 employs two NPN-type transistors and 31.
  • each transistor 30 and 31 is connected via a circuit connector 32 and 33, respectively, to the ends of the center-tapped winding 18 on the transformer 12.
  • the emitter electrodes of transistors 30 and 31 are each connected to ground by a circuit connector 36 and 37, respectively.
  • the center tap of winding 18 is connected to a DC-voltage source via a connector 40 that joins the connector 21 mentioned earlier.
  • a capacitor 41 that is preferably connected with its physical location being close to the center tap of winding 18 and to engine ground.
  • a feedback winding 44 on the transformer-l2 that has the ends thereof connected to the base electrodes of the transistors 30 and 31. These connections are made via circuit connectors 46 and 47, respectively. And, there is a resistor 48 connected in series in this circuit so as to limit the current flow which will develop as the oscillator is oscillating and, thus, limit the current in the highvoltage winding 13 during the ignition event.
  • these diodes 50 and 51 are connected with the polarity of each such that any substantial reverse-voltage generated current flow across the base-emitter path of the transistors 30 and 31 will be bypassed through the diode having a low-resistance path.
  • the reverse voltage that is rising across the base-to-emitter path of each transistor exceeds whatever forward-voltage rating the corresponding diode has, it will be limited from any further increase by the shunting effect of the low forward resistance through the diode. In this manner, the reverse voltage which would have been applied to each transistor during one-half of the oscillator cycles, will be limited to a safe value.
  • the foregoing circuit provides a combination such that the transistors 30 and 31, which must pass a large current, do not need to have a large base-to-emitter reverse-voltage breakdown capability. Consequently, use may be made of transistors having low emitter-to-base breakdown voltage but which have excellent collector-to-emitter saturation voltage and switching characteristics.
  • FIG. 2 there is illustrated a modified form of inverter which is being used in the same type of ignition system for providing high-frequency continuous-wave spark signals.
  • a transformer 59 that has a secondary, or high-voltage winding 60 to supply the spark signals to an engine distributor (not shown) or the like.
  • an engine distributor not shown
  • the control winding 65 acts in the same manner as was described in connection with FIG. 1 and, similarly, there is a circuit connector 68 at one end of the winding 65 which leads to engine-controlled means such as breaker points, as indicated by the caption. Connected to the other end of the winding 65, there are a resistor 69 and a diode 70, with the resistor 69 connected in series to a DC supply over circuit connection 71.
  • NPN transistors 74 and 75 that have the oscillator electrodes of each connected to the ends of winding 63, while the emitter electrodes are connected to ground, as illustrated.
  • the base electrodes of the transistors are connected into a series circuit with the winding 64. This circuit may be followed from the base of transistor 74 over a circuit connector 78, and via a diode 79 to a circuit connection point 81 and a connector which leads to the one end of the winding 64.
  • the other end of the winding 64 is connected over a connector 83 to a circuit connection point 84 and then via a diode 85, and on over a circuit connector 86 to the base electrode of transistor 75.
  • there are two additional diodes 90 and 91 that are connected with one electrode to the common circuit points 81 and 84, while the opposite electrode of each is connected to ground, as illustrated.
  • the operation of the oscillator is substantially like that. described above in connection with FIG. 1. It will be sufficient to note that the oscillator starts upon the opening of the circuit for energizing winding 65 which produces a decaying magnetic flux in the transformer 59. Such decaying flux induces a voltage in all of the other windings of the transformer, and when the lower end of the winding 64 is positive with respect to the upper end, current will flow from the lower end through diode 79, the base of transistor 74, and back through diode 91, and then via a resistor 92 to complete a circuit to the upper end of the winding 64. Such current flow turns on the transistor 74 and starts the oscillator into oscillation.
  • the reverse voltage across the base-emitter junction of transistor 75 will be only the voltage drop across the diode 91 in its forward direction which is approximately 7/10 of a volt.
  • the opposite action takes place so that the reverse voltage across the baseemitter junction of transistor 74 will have only the voltage drop across diode 90 applied.
  • this modification illustrates a modified oscillator circuit being used in an ignition system of a similar type as those described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • a transformer 95 that has a high-voltage secondary winding 96.
  • a control winding 97 as well as a center-tapped primary winding 98.
  • an oscillator 99 and the feedback for the oscillator is obtained from two separate windings 100 and 101. These windings have one end of each connected to ground, as illustrated. The other end of each of these feedback windings is connected in each case to the base electrode of each of a pair of transistors 104 and 105, respectively.
  • resistors 108 and 109 with diodes 110 and 111 respectively connected in shunt thereof.
  • diodes 114 and 115 that are connected between the base electrodes and ground, i.e., across the base-emitter paths of the transistors 105 and 104, respectively.
  • the operation of the FIG. 3 system is in substance the same as the two other modifications. It may be noted that the resistors 108 and 109 are provided for limiting the amount of current drawn during the reverse-voltage conditions for each half of the oscillation cycle. Also, as with the other modifications, the entire ignition system includes a source of DC voltage, such as a battery 116. The control of the oscillator for creating the debreakdown voltage ratings, particularly silicon-type transistors. Consequently, the high-temperature characteristics of silicon-type transistors may be taken advantage of while obviating the disadvantages of a type of transistor that has low reverse-voltage capability.
  • FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are each substantially the same in principle as the corresponding FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
  • the differences relate to the fact that the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 modifications make use of PNP transistors instead of NPN type.
  • the operating principles are the same and need not be described in detail. It will be noted that these modifications result in a reverse polarity, i.e. a positive ground circuit in each case.
  • a transformer having a high-voltage secondary winding for delivering AC spark voltages directly to said internal combustion engine
  • said transistors each havine base, collector and emitter electrodes
  • At least one oscillator feedback winding on said transformer circuit means for connecting said transistors into an oscillator having base-to-emitter voltage paths, said circuit means comprising a diode in shunt of said base-to-emitter voltage paths, for limiting the amplitude of the reverse-polarity voltages, and the combination further comprises a control winding on said transformer, and engine-controlled means for cutting off and applying a DC bias current in said control winding.
  • the combination further comprises a pair of oscillator feedback windings on said transformer, a resistor in series with each of said feedback windings, and a diode in shunt of each of said resistors for permitting full current flow in the forward direction over said base-to-emitter path.
  • said transistors are diffused-base type.
  • said transistors each having base, collector and emitter electrodes
  • fourth circuit means including a resistor therein, for connecting the ends of said feedback winding to said base electrodes,
  • transistors are silicon type.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
US00246212A 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter Expired - Lifetime US3808513A (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00246212A US3808513A (en) 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter
GB795573A GB1362163A (en) 1972-04-21 1973-02-19 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter
DE19732309363 DE2309363A1 (de) 1972-04-21 1973-02-24 Gleichstrom-wechselstrom-inverter, insbesondere fuer eine zuendanordnung fuer verbrennungsmotore
CH290373A CH566088A5 (xx) 1972-04-21 1973-02-26
NL7302933A NL7302933A (xx) 1972-04-21 1973-03-02
AU53088/73A AU478703B2 (en) 1972-04-21 1973-03-08 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter
CA165,988A CA997824A (en) 1972-04-21 1973-03-13 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter
IT22934/73A IT983814B (it) 1972-04-21 1973-04-12 Dispositivo invertitore da cor rente continua a corrente alter nata particolarmente utile in circuiti elettronici
BR2876/73A BR7302876D0 (pt) 1972-04-21 1973-04-18 Conjunto inversor de cc em ca eletronico e instalacao de iconjunto inversor de cc em ca eletronico e instalacao de ignicao para motores de combustao interna empregando o ditognicao para motores de combustao interna empregando o dito conjunto conjunto
FR7314193A FR2180970B1 (xx) 1972-04-21 1973-04-18

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00246212A US3808513A (en) 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter

Publications (1)

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US3808513A true US3808513A (en) 1974-04-30

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US00246212A Expired - Lifetime US3808513A (en) 1972-04-21 1972-04-21 Ignition system including dc-ac inverter

Country Status (9)

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US (1) US3808513A (xx)
BR (1) BR7302876D0 (xx)
CA (1) CA997824A (xx)
CH (1) CH566088A5 (xx)
DE (1) DE2309363A1 (xx)
FR (1) FR2180970B1 (xx)
GB (1) GB1362163A (xx)
IT (1) IT983814B (xx)
NL (1) NL7302933A (xx)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3897767A (en) * 1972-11-13 1975-08-05 Edwards Edwin Melville Internal combustion engine ignition
US3903861A (en) * 1972-06-23 1975-09-09 Safe Electronic Systems Electronic circuit by which electric current is fed to spark plugs of an engine
US3973545A (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-08-10 Gte Laboratories Incorporated Contactless ignition system utilizing a saturable core transformer
US3976043A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-08-24 Texaco Inc. Means and method for controlling the occurrence and the duration of time intervals during which sparks are provided in a multicylinder internal combustion engine
US3996911A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-12-14 Texaco Inc. Means and method for controlling the occurrence and the duration of time intervals during which sparks are provided in a multicylinder internal combustion engine
US4051828A (en) * 1975-12-29 1977-10-04 Eugene Frank Topic Ignition system for use with internal combustion engines
DE3519414A1 (de) * 1985-05-30 1986-12-04 Otto Kreutzer Transistorwechselrichterschaltung

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4453073A (en) * 1980-12-22 1984-06-05 Crucible Societe Anonyme High frequency welding apparatus
US4520255A (en) * 1982-06-22 1985-05-28 Crucible Societe Anonyme High frequency self-oscillating welding apparatus

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3018413A (en) * 1960-01-21 1962-01-23 Shurhit Products Inc Transistorized ignition system
US3119972A (en) * 1961-12-27 1964-01-28 Gen Telephone & Elect Transistor pulse oscillator with series resonant circuit
US3164786A (en) * 1961-12-20 1965-01-05 Gen Motors Corp Transistor oscillator inverter with series load in feedback circuit
US3536955A (en) * 1968-03-26 1970-10-27 Holotron Corp Lightweight semi-conductor power supply for discharge lamps with means for utilizing inductive high voltage spikes to start the lamps
US3582733A (en) * 1968-05-20 1971-06-01 Tappan Co The Ultrasonic dishwasher
US3596646A (en) * 1969-04-18 1971-08-03 August C Weiss Capacitor-discharge electronic ignition system
US3635202A (en) * 1969-06-20 1972-01-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Ignition arrangements for internal combustion engines
US3660749A (en) * 1971-03-25 1972-05-02 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Dc to dc converter with voltage regulation through pulse width modulation by control of the distribution of flux variations in a dual core transformer
US3662249A (en) * 1969-09-18 1972-05-09 Philips Corp Dc-ac converter

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3018413A (en) * 1960-01-21 1962-01-23 Shurhit Products Inc Transistorized ignition system
US3164786A (en) * 1961-12-20 1965-01-05 Gen Motors Corp Transistor oscillator inverter with series load in feedback circuit
US3119972A (en) * 1961-12-27 1964-01-28 Gen Telephone & Elect Transistor pulse oscillator with series resonant circuit
US3536955A (en) * 1968-03-26 1970-10-27 Holotron Corp Lightweight semi-conductor power supply for discharge lamps with means for utilizing inductive high voltage spikes to start the lamps
US3582733A (en) * 1968-05-20 1971-06-01 Tappan Co The Ultrasonic dishwasher
US3596646A (en) * 1969-04-18 1971-08-03 August C Weiss Capacitor-discharge electronic ignition system
US3635202A (en) * 1969-06-20 1972-01-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Ignition arrangements for internal combustion engines
US3662249A (en) * 1969-09-18 1972-05-09 Philips Corp Dc-ac converter
US3660749A (en) * 1971-03-25 1972-05-02 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Dc to dc converter with voltage regulation through pulse width modulation by control of the distribution of flux variations in a dual core transformer

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3903861A (en) * 1972-06-23 1975-09-09 Safe Electronic Systems Electronic circuit by which electric current is fed to spark plugs of an engine
US3897767A (en) * 1972-11-13 1975-08-05 Edwards Edwin Melville Internal combustion engine ignition
US3976043A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-08-24 Texaco Inc. Means and method for controlling the occurrence and the duration of time intervals during which sparks are provided in a multicylinder internal combustion engine
US3996911A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-12-14 Texaco Inc. Means and method for controlling the occurrence and the duration of time intervals during which sparks are provided in a multicylinder internal combustion engine
US3973545A (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-08-10 Gte Laboratories Incorporated Contactless ignition system utilizing a saturable core transformer
US4051828A (en) * 1975-12-29 1977-10-04 Eugene Frank Topic Ignition system for use with internal combustion engines
DE3519414A1 (de) * 1985-05-30 1986-12-04 Otto Kreutzer Transistorwechselrichterschaltung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2180970B1 (xx) 1981-02-27
AU5308873A (en) 1974-09-12
NL7302933A (xx) 1973-10-23
CH566088A5 (xx) 1975-08-29
GB1362163A (en) 1974-07-30
IT983814B (it) 1974-11-11
FR2180970A1 (xx) 1973-11-30
BR7302876D0 (pt) 1974-06-27
DE2309363A1 (de) 1973-12-13
CA997824A (en) 1976-09-28

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