(19)
(11) EP 0 682 180 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
24.01.1996 Bulletin 1996/04

(43) Date of publication A2:
15.11.1995 Bulletin 1995/46

(21) Application number: 95110314.2

(22) Date of filing: 20.04.1989
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)6F02P 7/077, F02P 15/00, F02P 11/06
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB IT

(30) Priority: 16.05.1988 US 194237

(62) Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
89107080.7 / 0342376

(71) Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
Schaumburg, IL 60196 (US)

(72) Inventor:
  • Deutsch, Robert W.
    Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554 (US)

(74) Representative: Spaulding, Sarah Jane et al
Motorola European Intellectual Property Midpoint Alencon Link
Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 1PL
Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 1PL (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
     
    Remarks:
    This application was filed on 03 - 07 - 1995 as a divisional application to the application mentioned under INID code 60.
     


    (54) Electronic position sensor assembly and control system


    (57) An electronic position sensor assembly and engine control system (10) in which two sensing elements (13, 14) in a dual sensor (12) provide separate, independent position signals (A, B) related to multi-cylinder engine cycle position by sensing the angular position of a engine-rotated slotted wheel (11). The sensing elements provide identical sensing signals shifted from each other by a predetermined angular amount (d). In response to the simultaneous providing of a pulse by both sensing elements, a first reference signal (at 22) identifying a reference cylinder is provided for controlling electronic distribution of spark timing and/or fuel injection signals to engine cylinders (17-20). In response to a selected one of the sensing elements producing a pulse which has a predetermined longer duration than a preceding produced pulse, a second reference signal (after 50) is produced indicative of top-dead center engine cylinder cycle position for one of the cylinders. In response to detecting a fault in the position signal produced by the one selected sensing element, a switch (27) selects the other of the sensing elements for utilization in producing the second reference signal, and a substitute reference signal circuit (40) 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 the position signals.







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