How does CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) work?

CDI technology in bikes

What is CDI?

CDI stands for Capacitor Discharge Ignition. The CDI unit consists of a microcomputer which precisely controls the timing of the spark.

CDI Unit (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)
CDI Unit (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)

For – precisely timed Spark and reliability. By – Bajaj Discover, Hero HF Deluxe.

How it Works:

Hero MotoCorp implemented the Capacitor Discharge Ignition technology in Hero HF Deluxe while Bajaj employs it in its Discover bike. The battery powers the ‘DCCDI’ module which consists of a small transformer, a charging circuit, a triggering circuit and a main capacitor. A power supply within the unit raises the battery voltage from 12V DC to 250 – 600V DC. The electric current charges the capacitor thru’ the charging circuit.

In this system, the ignition coil plays a role of a pulse transformer as opposed to the energy storage device that the conventional inductive system used. Furthermore, the vehicles that use DCCDI system have more precise ignition timing. Besides, it helps to start the engine more easily when it is cold.

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