Thermal and voltage diagnostics of automotive ignition system

This article describes evaluation principles electronic components in ignition system by using with voltage, current and thermovision analysis. The first of article is focused on theoretical principles of activity of ignition system based on voltage behavior in time for the primary part winding of transformer. In the second part of article is experimental measurement by means of measurement of voltage waveforms and no-contact measurement of thermal field by thermovision camera. In the end of article is performed comparison of both methods and detected the same fault in the part of components of the measured equipment. Both diagnostic methods have certain limitations, as the high-voltage coils and spark plugs are housed in encapsulated metal containers. The biggest problem can occur with thermal imaging diagnostics. If the ignition system is completely inaccessible, it is only necessary to use diagnostics by measuring high-voltage and current pulses by connecting clamp probes.