Control system for an operating event in a vehicular power train

Abstract

To reduce the data processing requirements within operating cycles of an automotive-type microprocessor or computer, the input/output unit has an angle increment counter receiving angle increment signals synchronized with rotation of the crankshaft of the engine, the counter providing output signals to comparators which, when the count state reaches predetermined values as applied from a data bus, derived from the microprocessor, to the comparator, then provides output signals to control the engine, for example by providing ignition control output signals, fuel injection control output signals, or the like. To further simplify computational tasks of the microprocessor, the input/output unit contains a timing element, for example a counter, which can provide variable timing intervals, for example by controlling the clock rate of the counter or a count number, under control of the data bus, and a transfer switch which selectively applies to a further counter either the signals from the timing circuit or from the crankshaft angle increment counter so that, as desired, data then being processed in the microprocessor can be selectively based on or compared with engine speed, or predetermined timing intervals, for consequential control of other operating parameters of the engine and the entire power train system of which it is a part.