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[RFI] COP Ignition systems

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: [RFI] COP Ignition systems
From: wng@daimlerchrysler.com
Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2004 11:24:27 -0400
List-post: <mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
After some exhaustive research and testing here in Auburn Hills, we have 
concluded that the main issue with COP Ignition systems is the inductive 
coupling of primary switching noise  ( >10**7 A/sec) to everything in the 
engine compartment and to body sheet metal.

Briefly, wiring design is often done by the wiring vendor for minimum 
number of different part numbers in the assembly plant and minimum 
material content.  This often leads to a situation that causes the 
switched primary circuit to be a large loop, encompassing much of the 
engine compartment.  This causes a fairly high efficiency coupling mode 
especially to the inside surface of body sheet metal.  Since the net 
current in the panels must add up to zero, an opposite current is induced 
on the outside surface.  This current gives rise to a normal 
(perpendicular to the surface) electric field that, in turn, couples very 
efficiently to our antennas!

The best was we have found to remedy this  is to route the 
ignition-switched-battery, which supplies the COP (and, incidentally, 
injector) switching pulses to a large, low inductance (stacked film) 0.5uF 
capacitor located AT THE GROUND POINT for the high-speed switches (the 
engine controller ground);  then rerouting the feed to the engine IN THE 
HARNESS containing the switched side of the coils and injectors.

This operation provides a near zero area loop for these nasty noise 
currents, thus minimizing coupling to the rest of the world.  This is 
usually enough to cure AM Broadcast reception issues.  It may not be 
sufficient for the high sensitivity HF SSB receiver.  Additional measures, 
such as a high u (type 77 or J) ferrite common mode choke on the engine 
harness, where it leaves the engine for the controller (when mounted on 
the body) keeps both primary and secondary and injector garbage on the 
engine where it belongs (No, you can't get rid of it; you still need to 
make sparks.).  In extreme cases, an RC snubber may need to be installed 
in parallel with each coil primary.  The snubber needs to be the complex 
conjugate impedance of the coil primary (220 ohms and 0.033uF comes to 
mind for one of our COPs).

These remedies, while they are invasive, will not adversely affect 
critical engine control systems (emissions, driveability and fuel economy) 
IF implemented exactly as described.

Try Bytemark.com for high initial permeability ferrites and ferrite 
technical information.

Bill Gilmore  WB8FPQ
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
Core EMC, Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Powertrain Component EMC / SRT & HEV Platform EMC
(248) 576-5813

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