Electronic distributor and method of operating same

Abstract

A method is disclosed for controlling spark distribution for an internal combustion engine. The method incorporates the use of an electronic distributor that is capable of being used with a number of internal combustion engines. The electronic distributor receives signals from the crankshaft and the camshaft with respect to their respective locations to identify which of the cylinders is to have the fuel found therein ignited. The electronic distributor is versatile because it uses the crankshaft position sensor as a clock signal. This enables the electronic distributor to be timed with any engine control unit/internal combustion engine combination having the same required inputs as the electronic distributor has outputs. Further, an electronic distributor is disclosed having an engine selection device that matches a counter incorporated into the electronic distributor to the internal combustion engine. This allows the electronic distributor to be retrofit to be utilized by a plurality of internal combustion engines. The engine selection device determines what type of internal combustion engine it is being incorporated into and what type of signals are being received from the sensors used to identify the rotational position of the camshaft and the crankshaft.