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Ion Sense

Early versions of our own DIY hardware have been tested on an engine with in-cylinder pressure sensing. The data from this has been analysed and we have had some promising results.
Our board has been able to produce a strong correlation for the angle of peak cylinder pressure.

While we have had success with the peak pressure, the current version of the board is unable to produce the flame progression or the MFB50 angle at this time, we feel that this may be possible to correct with further signal processing or improved hardware.

The DIY hardware is undergoing a revision to provide better protection from ground loops as at present there is a risk of damage to the ECU should the secondary voltage make it back to the ECU.

Further information will become available as things progress; for now the graph below shows the correlation of the angle ATDC of the Ion sensed pressure peak (IC) vs the pressure sensor sensed peak pressure (PC).

Ion Angle Graph

We like

  • Saab 9-3 COP 2003-on ecotec engine
  • Mazda skyactiv COP 2016-on
  • Mini r50 coil pack (for use with DIY board)
  • BMW M5 v-10 COP usable for ion sense. M5 coils, Bremi PN/20631 BMW 12 13 7 835 108

Q: Is Saab/Mazda smart coil unusual in any way?
A: the problem with many smart coils is that you can't apply a voltage/sense current on the primary since it's grounded internally. The Mazda/Saab coils have the voltage generation internally.

The three pins on BMW are just both sides of the primary, and one side of the secondary. They are a normal dumb coil, all the magic is in the box.

There is no magic in the BMW coil. It's just a transformer, no silicon.

The Mazda/Saab coils have the voltage generation internally. They have gnd/12v/trigger/sense.

In the Mazda, they cut the BMW box in half: half is in the coil, half is in the ECU.

On Saab, they put half in the coil, and half in the extra module.

Background on Mazda Skyactiv Coil-on-plug https://www.hexorcism.com/16ND/sh13084/

BMW M5 ionic control module... for reference... we do not use this --

AndreiKA latest--- cheap cylinder pressure sensor option - smart diesel glow plug with pressure sensor Ion Sense