Editing Ignition system (section)

== Magneto and mechanical systems ==
=== Ignition magneto systems===
[[File:Magnetzuend.jpg|thumb|right|Ignition magneto]]
{{main|Ignition magneto}}

An ''ignition magneto'' (also called a ''high-tension magneto'') is an older type of ignition system used in [[spark-ignition engine]]s (such as petrol engines). It uses a [[ignition magneto|magneto]] and a [[transformer]] to make pulses of high voltage for the spark plugs. The older term "high-tension" means "high-voltage".

Used on many cars in the early 20th century, ignition magnetos were largely replaced by induction coil ignition systems. The use of ignition magnetos is now confined mainly to engines without a battery, for example in lawnmowers and chainsaws. It is also used in modern piston-engined aircraft{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} (even though a battery is present), to avoid the engine relying on an electrical system.

==={{anchor|Battery and coil}}Induction coil systems===
{{main|Trembler coil}}
As [[Battery (electricity)|batteries]] became more common in cars (due to the increased usage of electric starter motors), magneto systems were replaced by systems using an [[induction coil]]. The 1886 [[Benz Patent-Motorwagen]] and the 1908 [[Ford Model T]] used a ''trembler coil'' ignition system, whereby the trembler interrupted the current through the coil and caused a rapid series of sparks during each firing. The trembler coil would be energized at an appropriate point in the engine cycle. In the Model T, the four-cylinder engine had a trembler coil for each cylinder.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Patterson |first1=Ron |last2=Coniff |first2=Steve |title=The Model T Ford Ignition System & Spark Timing |journal=Model T Times |date=November–December 2003 |url=http://www.fordmodelt.net/downloads/Model%20T%20Ignition.pdf}}</ref>

=== Distributor-based systems ===
[[File:Distributor cap of AMC inline-6, underside.jpg|thumb|upright|Rotor contacts inside distributor cap]]
{{main|Distributor}}
An improved ignition system was invented by [[Charles Kettering]] at Delco in the United States and introduced in Cadillac's 1912 cars.<ref>{{cite web |title=Charles F. Kettering, inventor of electric self-starter, is born |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/charles-f-kettering-inventor-of-electric-self-starter-is-born |website=HISTORY |language=en}}</ref> The Kettering ignition system consisted of a single ignition coil, breaker points, a [[capacitor]] (to prevent the points from arcing at break) and a [[distributor]] (to direct the electricity from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kettering |first1=Charles F. |title=Ignition apparatus for explosion-motors |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US1037491 |access-date=1 May 2023 |date=3 September 1912}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kettering |first1=Charles F. |title=Ignition system |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US1037492 |access-date=1 May 2023 |date=3 September 1912}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kettering |first1=Charles F. |title=Ignition system |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US1223180 |access-date=1 May 2023 |date=17 April 1917}}</ref> The Kettering system became the primary ignition system for many years in the automotive industry<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hawthorne |first1=John A. |title=Ignition system |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US3327165 |access-date=1 May 2023 |date=20 June 1967}}</ref> due to its lower cost and relative simplicity.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
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