I need to test the primary voltage output of custom ignitions I build for racing applications. The voltage present on the primary side of the ignition coil is 1,400 volts AC with a max of 900volts positive swing and 600 volts negative swing.
Do you have a 50/1 or 100/1 high impedance probe that will work for my application?
I am able to watch the secondary side with the adaptors provided in the kit. I have circuitry that monitors the coil saturation current in real time and makes adjustments accroding to battery voltage, temp of the coil(resistance increases with temp), and it also detects coil saturation. This allows me to extract the maximum energy from the ignition system and to maintain this energy without variation. I have been using a Fluke scopemeter but prefer to use the Pico Scope to insure the controllers are functioning correctly before sending to my customers. I like the idea of having a print out of the actual test values for the customer also.
I have the 4-channel Automotive kit.
I also need 2 coil on plug adaptors. I have figured out what I need to order for these though.
Yeah, but That's the closest thing that Pico has that I know of. 1000v rms cat III. This is also differential isolating. Maybe your other choice would be more suitable. Unless someone at Pico has something to add...
Are those high voltages you mention just the inductive kicks?
Tom Roberts
(The Picotologist) http://www.autonerdz.com
skype: autonerdz
THE PicoScope Automotive Authority
In North America
The peak voltages are from the primary field colapsing when the IGBT is turned off to the coil to produce the ignition spark. I use 1,200 volt IGBT's to drive the igntion coils. The higher the cylinder pressure the higher the voltage produced, there is a clamp at +/-880 volts to protect the IGBT's in the event of a sparkplug wire coming off, plug fouling, etc...
I use a special ignition coil that can withstand the high voltages induced by the drive circuitry. When I turn the system up to maxium energy I can throw a 5" spark in open air up to 20,000 RPM
It is crucial that I test new units, I am hoping to eventually write some custom software to detect out of spec readings and produce an alert. Or is there software available that I can download and use with the 4-channel Automotive scope to do this now? I would also like to have a prgram that can calculate actual ignition timing and display in numeric form real time. Is there an example project in C++ for the Automotive Scope?
I downloaded the sample projects for the 4-Channel non-automotive scope and was able to succesfuly compile and run the code. It did find the device and I was able to retrieve data, there were issues with communication though. Maybe it is just something I over looked.