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Measurement Principle

The method of engine misfire detection is based on monitoring the crankshaft acceleration.

The engine roughness is derived from the differences from the segment periods (90° crank angle) duration, which are corrected and compared to load and engine-speed dependent thresholds. Different statistical methods are used to distinguish between normal changes of the segment duration and changes due to misfire.

Segment period measurement

Fig 1: Segment Period Measurement
G04562132Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The segment periods are measured through an angular range of 90° crank angle. The segment starts 54° before TDC. The beginning and end of the segments are located at the same angle. The duration of the crankshaft segments is measured continuously.