Multimedia Video Engine: an Embedded Video Processing System Based on a DSP

A capacitive discharge ignition system for an internal combustion engine and for use with a generator powered current source comprises a storage capacitor, at least one thyristor for discharging the storage capacitor to transfer energy to at least one spark plug and a trigger circuit for gating the at least one thyristor in synchronism with an internal combustion engine with which the ignition system may be associated. The improvement according to this disclosure comprises the storage capacitor is discharged through a diode circuit, a solid state device for switching the output of the generator to ground, a circuit sensing flow in the discharge diode circuit and generating a discharge signal indicative thereof, and a circuit gating the solid state device into conduction in response to said discharge signal.