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The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel ignition system for a direct-injected 2-cycle engine. This system was developed and is utilized on Bombardier Recreational Products' E-TEC™ engine platforms for marine outboard engines and snowmobiles. Traditionally, powersport products have relied on capacitor discharge ignition systems due to the relatively short secondary voltage rise time seen at the plug gap during initial ionization. This characteristic provides a robust spark resulting in ionization at the gap of a contaminated spark plug nose cone. In other words, an ignition spark with a short rise time can fire a fouled spark plug in most instances. The disadvantage of a capacitor discharge system is the relatively short arc duration at the gap. With tighter emission requirements and customer expectations, the combustion quality has become more important than ever.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a power generation system capable of supplying electrical power to start an engine when a battery is not available to provide system power. The paper will focus on a system developed for Bombardier Recreational Products' E-TEC™ engine management system. Traditionally, magneto systems have only had to supply the relatively low power required for the ignition system. With tighter emission requirements, new engine management technologies have emerged resulting in higher electrical demands on the alternator. When the battery is not present in the system, these electrical demands must still be met in order for the engine to start and run. This paper outlines methods for accomplishing this task while maintaining acceptable alternator geometries.