Transistor Ignition question

Arnaud Westenberg arnaud at casema.net
Thu Feb 8 09:59:09 GMT 2001


Hi,

I have some questions about my motorcycle ignition. It's a transistor
ignition from 1980 for four cylinders with pick up sensors and wasted
spark setup (Suzuki gsx1100 '80). Problem is that one of the two
transistors is broken and I don't have a clue what type it is.

I've tried replacing it with a 'normal' transistor rated at high
voltage, can't remember the voltage exactly but I believe it was around
400V. This worked for a while, although with a less powerfull spark at
low rpm, but like expected it broke again. I guess it couldn't handle
the high levels of voltage and current at the same time?

I've read an application note about IGBTs and I think that such a
transistor might work in the old ignition system. Reading about the
IGBTs protection/operating area makes me quite confident that such a
transistor wouldn't break in this application. Probably IGBT's are
specifically designed for automotive use?

I'd like to know if you think a IGBT would work, how to select one and
where (what kind of store) I can order one without having to buy 10,000
of them. (I'm from the Netherlands).

The only selection criteria I can think of is the basis lead voltage
level at wich the transistor switches, but again I don't know this level
either. I could try to get an indication of this voltage with an
oscilloscope (PC card) provided this voltage isn't influenced by
removing the transistor??

Could someone please talk me through this because a new ignition module
costs around $400 (USD) so there's quite some budget available to find a
suitable transistor? Guess I don't have to mention that I'm not an EE
:-))

Thanks for any help.

Greetings Arnaud
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