Importance

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Abstract

An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes a switching circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit monitors a voltage level inputted to a switching device which is installed in the switching circuit and connected to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The control circuit includes an overvoltage protection circuit which outputs an energization inhibit signal to inhibit energization of the switching device when the monitored voltage level is higher than an overvoltage threshold level. When the monitored voltage level exceeds the overvoltage threshold level in an output duration in which the energization control signal is outputted, the overvoltage protection circuit stops output of the energization inhibit signal until the output duration expires. This enables the switching device to be protected from damage and an ignition operation to be executed at a correct timing to eliminate a risk of damage to the internal combustion engine.

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First Claim