Capacitive sensing apparatus for sensing a plurality of operating parameters associated with an engine

摘要

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for sensing a plurality of operating parameters of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. An energy source supplies electrical energy to the pistons, whereby each piston forms a variable capacitor with the engine housing. The capacitance value of each variable capacitor changes as a function of the relative position of the piston to the housing. An oscillator circuit produces a capacitive signal that is indicative of the capacitance value of each variable capacitor. A microprocessor receives the capacitive signal and responsively determines one of a plurality of operating parameters of the engine.