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BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
TUCSON, Arizona,
October 14, 2004
Walbro Engine Management's "Digital Plus" ignition
system
Walbro Engine
Management's "Digital Plus" ignition system monitors engine operating
conditions and reacts by adjusting the ignition curve accordingly. The
result is easier operation, improved engine performance and ultimately,
fewer customer returns.
"Digital Plus is an important evolution of ignition system technology,"
notes Art Rollend, Engineering Manager of Electronics/Ignitions. "The
industry started with mechanical points that were unreliable and
required constant adjustment. We then moved to analog electronic systems
that provided greatly improved reliability, easy installation and
manufacturing savings. However, these units still have fixed timing and
a limited feature set."
"Digital ignition was a significant step forward, with custom timing
curves and the easy addition of features. However, the performance
curves were still static. Now, with Digital Plus, we have a truly
reactive system that adjusts the output performance & timing curves to
real world conditions," Rollend says.
The Digital Plus system monitors engine rpm, time, temperature and
acceleration. The system then selects an appropriate sub-routine to
tailor the ignition performance for optimum engine performance.
At startup, Digital Plus eliminates kickback by adjusting timing closer
to top dead center. When the throttle is opened, the system recognizes
the acceleration event and adjusts ignition output for improved engine
response. A speed-limiting feature provides safety, warranty and
durability benefits. During rapid deceleration, engine rpm is prevented
from dropping too low, avoiding stalling. A digital momentary kill
feature stops the engine with a single push, and then automatically
returns to the normal position for trouble-free starting.
"All of these features, especially those that promote easier starting,
can help make power equipment much more user-friendly," Rollend notes.
"This translates into important benefits for equipment manufacturers, as
well as end-users."
"With today's liberal return policies at many retailers, customers often
return equipment merely because they haven't learned to properly operate
it. This puts equipment manufacturers in the business of refurbishing
their products and finding outlets for them, typically at a loss. By
making their equipment more user-friendly, many warranty returns can be
eliminated, with obvious benefits to manufacturers."
Walbro Engine Management, a unit of TI Automotive, is the world's
largest manufacturer of carburetors and a major manufacturer of ignition
systems, fuel injection and air/fuel management components for engines
targeted at outdoor power equipment, marine, recreational and two-wheel
applications. Walbro Engine Management has facilities in the United
States, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Thailand and China.
For more information, please contact:
Ann M. Guernsey
Walbro Engine Management
(520) 877-3000 |
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