Distributor Ignition (DI)

The universal distributor operates by using a Hall effect vane switch assembly, causing the ignition coil to be switched off and on by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 12A650 and Ignition Control Module (ICM) 12A297. The vane switch is an encapsulated package consisting of a Hall sensor on one side and a permanent magnet on the other side.

A rotary vane cup, made of ferrous metal, is used to trigger the signal off and on.

When the window of the vane cup is between the magnet and the Hall effect device, a magnetic flux field is completed from the magnet through the Hall effect device and back to the magnet.

As the vane passes through this opening, the flux lines are shunted through the vane and back to the magnet.

During this time, a voltage is produced as the vane passes through the opening. When the vane clears the opening, the window edge causes the signal to go to zero volts. The signal is then used by the PCM for crankshaft position sensing and the computation of the desired spark advance based on engine demand and calibration. The conditioned spark advance and voltage distribution is accomplished through a conventional rotor, cap and ignition wires.





Distributor Ignition System with Open Bowl Distributor