The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 17, 1990
Filed:
Nov. 02, 1989
Robert W Deutsch, Sugar Grove, IL (US);
Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, IL (US);
Abstract
An improved electronic position sensor assembly and engine control system is provided in which two sensing elements in a dual sensor provide separate, independent position signals related to multi-cylinder engine cycle position by sensing the angular position of a engine-rotated slotted wheel. The sensing elements provide identical sensing signals shifted from each other by a predetermined angular amount. In response to the simultaneous occurrence of a pulse by both sensing elements, a first reference signal identifying a reference cylinder is provided for controlling electronic distribution of either spark timing and/or fuel injection signals to the various engine cylinders. In response to one of the sensing elements producing a pulse which has a predetermined longer duration than a preceding produced pulse, a second reference signal is produced indicative of top-dead center engine cylinder cycle position for one of the cylinders. In response to detecting a fault in one of the position signals produced by said sensing elements, a switch selects the other of said sensing elements for utilization in producing said second reference signal, and a substitute reference signal means provides a substitute first reference signal. A less expensive and more reliable engine position sensor assembly and engine control system is provided since proper system operation is maintained despite a fault in one of said sensing signals.