When it comes to cars, there are an infinite number of stories that can be told. From the invention of the automobile to the development of modern technology, there’s a lot of history that goes into how we get around today. But when did electronic ignition and computers go into cars? You might be surprised at the answer. This blog post dives deep into this topic and explains just how computers came to be embedded in our vehicular landscape. From design and engineering to marketing and sales, read on to learn more about this fascinating development.
The History of Electronic Ignition and Computers in Cars
The history of electronic ignition and computers in cars goes back to the early days of automotive technology. Early attempts at creating an electronic ignition system used vacuum tubes, which were bulky and required extensive maintenance. In the early 1950s, engineers at General Motors designed a system that used transistors to control the fuel supply to the engine. However, this system was not successful and was abandoned in favor of mechanical systems.
In 1957, researchers at Ford Motor Company developed a computer-controlled ignition system that used vacuum tubes as switches. The system was initially unsuccessful, but it was eventually improved and became widely accepted. The Ford system paved the way for modern electronic ignition systems and played an important role in the development of automotive technology.
How Electronic Ignition Works in Cars
Electronic ignition is a system that uses electronic circuitry to control the firing of the engine in cars. The first automobiles were fueled by gasoline and started with manual engines. Over time, electric starters became available, but they had poor reliability and were not suitable for high-performance cars. In 1954, Charles F. Kettering and George Westerfield invented the electronic ignition system, which replaced the original mechanical ignition system in most cars.
Today’s electronic ignition systems work by monitoring the voltage supplied to the spark plugs. When the required voltage is reached, the computer triggers the plug wires to fire, thus starting the engine. The advantage of using electronic ignition is that it is much more reliable than traditional mechanical systems. Additionally, it allows for more advanced features such as fuel injection and variable valve timing.
The Advantages of Electronically Igniting Engines
The advantages of electronically igniting engines are many. Electronically igniting engines produce no emissions, and they can run on a variety of fuels. Another advantage is that electronically igniting engines can be smaller and lighter than traditional engines. They also have a longer life expectancy due to their lack of maintenance. Lastly, electronically igniting engines are more fuel efficient than traditional engines.
Disadvantages of Electronically Igniting Engines
Electronically igniting engines have some disadvantages over traditional combusting engines. They are more fuel-efficient, but require a different kind of ignition system. Electronically igniting engines also have a shorter life than traditional engines, and may require more frequent maintenance.
Conclusion
The history of electronic ignition and computers in cars is a long and complicated one. In fact, it’s safe to say that they have been a part of every car since the early days of motorized vehicles. However, there were many bumps along the way – most notably the issue of reliability. Early attempts at using electronics in automotive engines were fraught with problems, largely because the technology simply wasn’t up to the task yet. Over time, though, things changed and electronics became more reliable – eventually becoming standard in modern automobiles.