Meeting future exhaust emission and fuel consumption guidelines is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge in the development of modern powertrains. In the past, a number of alternative ignition systems have been introduced to replace the conventional transistor spark ignition concept. However, its robust and simple design, low number of components, and high maximum energy input into the combustion chamber justify its continued use to this day. Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG is working with the Ruhr University Bochum to expand this proven ignition concept. The conventional spark ignition system will be retained for this purpose and simply expanded to include a path for coupling a high-energy, high-frequency (HF) signal. During the conventionally generated spark, a conductive channel with low impedance is created between the electrodes of the spark plug. In ignition-critical operating ranges, the energy of the HF signal is then introduced into this channel. This creates an HF plasma discharge between the electrodes. Both the duration and the power of the HF plasma discharge can be adjusted as desired. This means that the energy required to ignite the mixture can also be provided outside the previous operating ranges.
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Last update: Nov 12, 2025
