Method and apparatus for producing fault signals responsive to

Abstract

Dynamic engine diagnostic devices are useful for detecting engine faults such as a misfiring cylinder during normal engine operation. Identification of the particular cylinder having the fault enables repairs to be made more efficiently. In the subject application, an apparatus is provided for detecting malfunctions in individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine having a rotating member driven by a plurality of cylinders. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the time between successive angular positions as the member rotates through at least one engine cycle and producing a plurality of period signals responsive respectively to the measured time intervals. Each engine cylinder has an equal number of the angular positions associated therewith, and the member makes one rotation per engine cycle. A deviation circuit receives the period signals and produces a deviation signal for each engine cylinder. Each deviation signal is responsive to a difference between period signals of a respective cylinder. An averaging circuit receives the deviation signals and produces an average signal responsive to an average of the deviation signals. A comparator receives the deviation and average signals, compares each deviation signal to the average signal, and produces respective fault signals in response to individual deviation signals differing from the average signal by more than a first threshold.