Input/output unit modifiable engine ignition control apparatus

Claim 1

An engine ignition control apparatus operatively connectable to receive reference position signals, a crank angle signal, a vacuum signal and to ignition coils, comprising: input-output means, operatively connectable to the ignition coils and to receive the reference position signals, the crank angle signal and the vacuum signal, for shaping the reference position signal and the crank angle signal, for interpolating absent reference position signals and for outputting ignition coil signals, said input-output means comprising: N drivers, operatively connected between the ignition coils and said control means, for driving the ignition coils in dependence upon the ignition signals, where N is an integer equal to the number of engine cylinders divided by 2 and rounded upward; a waveform shape circuit, operatively connectable to receive the reference position signals and the crank angle signal, for shaping the reference position signals and the crank angle signals; and a sensor failure interpolator, operatively connected to said waveform shape circuit, for generating replacement reference position signals when one or more of the reference position signals are absent; and control means, operatively connected to said input-output means, for generating an ignition signal in dependence upon the reference position signals, the crank angle signal and the vacuum signal, said control means being capable of generating ignition signals for an engine having 1 to 6 cylinders, said input-output means generating the ignition coil signals in dependence upon the ignition signals.