A high frequency generating device used in a plasma ignition apparatus according to an embodiment includes a high frequency output unit, an output control unit, a current detecting unit, and an abnormality detecting unit. The high frequency output unit outputs a high frequency. The output control unit shifts a state of the high frequency output unit from a non-output state to an output-ready state of the high frequency. The current detecting unit detects a current that flows through a power-supply path to the high frequency output unit. The abnormality detecting unit detects output abnormality of the high frequency in the non-output state when a value of a current detected by the current detecting unit in the non-output state exceeds a non-output threshold.

A high frequency generating device used in a plasma ignition apparatus according to an embodiment includes a high frequency output unit, an output control unit, a current detecting unit, and an abnormality detecting unit. The high frequency output unit outputs a high frequency. The output control unit shifts a state of the high frequency output unit from a non-output state to an output-ready state of the high frequency. The current detecting unit detects a current that flows through a power-supply path to the high frequency output unit. The abnormality detecting unit detects output abnormality of the high frequency in the non-output state when a value of a current detected by the current detecting unit in the non-output state exceeds a non-output threshold.

Methods and systems are provided for inferring spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additives thereon. In one example, an engine controller may infer spark plug hot fouling based on higher than expected exhaust temperatures by correlating the elevated exhaust temperature with late combustion phasing due to additive accumulation. A confidence factor of the spark plug hot fouling detection may be enhanced based on data regarding concurrent misfire and/or pre-ignition events.

Methods and systems are provided for inferring spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additives thereon. In one example, an engine controller may infer spark plug hot fouling based on higher than expected exhaust temperatures by correlating the elevated exhaust temperature with late combustion phasing due to additive accumulation. A confidence factor of the spark plug hot fouling detection may be enhanced based on data regarding concurrent misfire and/or pre-ignition events.

In a control apparatus, a discharge control unit controls an igniter unit so that a flow of current from a primary coil towards a ground side is blocked, thereby generating a high voltage in a secondary coil, and controls a spark plug so that the spark plug generates electric discharge. An energy input control unit controls an energy input unit so as to input electrical energy to an ignition coil after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit. A control unit and an abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality in the igniter unit or the ignition coil based on a first threshold and a first current value that is a value corresponding to a current detected by a current detection circuit at this time, when a first predetermined period elapses after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit.

In a control apparatus, a discharge control unit controls an igniter unit so that a flow of current from a primary coil towards a ground side is blocked, thereby generating a high voltage in a secondary coil, and controls a spark plug so that the spark plug generates electric discharge. An energy input control unit controls an energy input unit so as to input electrical energy to an ignition coil after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit. A control unit and an abnormality detecting unit detects an abnormality in the igniter unit or the ignition coil based on a first threshold and a first current value that is a value corresponding to a current detected by a current detection circuit at this time, when a first predetermined period elapses after the start of control of the spark plug by the discharge control unit.

A high frequency generating device used in a plasma ignition apparatus according to an embodiment includes a high frequency output unit, an output control unit, a current detecting unit, and an abnormality detecting unit. The high frequency output unit outputs a high frequency. The output control unit shifts a state of the high frequency output unit from a non-output state to an output-ready state of the high frequency. The current detecting unit detects a current that flows through a power-supply path to the high frequency output unit. The abnormality detecting unit detects output abnormality of the high frequency in the non-output state when a value of a current detected by the current detecting unit in the non-output state exceeds a non-output threshold.

A high frequency generating device used in a plasma ignition apparatus according to embodiments includes an output unit and a control unit. The output unit outputs a high frequency to an antenna that irradiates the high frequency into a combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine. The control unit instructs the output unit to output the high frequency on the basis of an ignition signal that controls a spark discharge by an ignition plug and a control signal that controls output of the high frequency. Moreover, the control unit determines, when one of the ignition signal and the control signal is input, whether or not the other signal is input within a predetermined detection period, and detects abnormality in an input path of the ignition signal or in an input path of the control signal when the other signal is not input within the predetermined detection period.

A high frequency generating device used in a plasma ignition apparatus according to embodiments includes an output unit and a control unit. The output unit outputs a high frequency to an antenna that irradiates the high frequency into a combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine. The control unit instructs the output unit to output the high frequency on the basis of an ignition signal that controls a spark discharge by an ignition plug and a control signal that controls output of the high frequency. Moreover, the control unit determines, when one of the ignition signal and the control signal is input, whether or not the other signal is input within a predetermined detection period, and detects abnormality in an input path of the ignition signal or in an input path of the control signal when the other signal is not input within the predetermined detection period.

Methods and systems are provided for addressing spark plug soot fouling. In one example, a method may include alternating one or more combustion events with spark timing advanced with one or more combustion events with nominal spark timing. The approach allows spark plug over-heating, and related issues such as knock, to be reduced.