The high energy ignition (HEI) system is a spark voltage generator, using a magnetic pick-up as a contactless sensor and a switching power transistor as a switching device, for automotive gasoline engines.
It has many advantages over conventional breaker ignition system. This system is maintenance-free operation of distributor, extends the spark plug life, improves ignition of duel mixtures, and removes the contact point.
In this paper, the basic operation principle of the HEI system is described and components are selected to fit the proper ignition criteria. The ignition criteria including spark voltage, spark current, duration of spark discharge, voltage rise time are tested in the laboratory satisfactory results are obtained.
