Ferrari Knock Sensor |
Sports cars like the Ferrari have many types of sensors that continuously monitor the different parameters of the car such as speed, torque, and power. One of the many standard sensors found in a Ferrari car is the Ferrari knock sensor. The knock sensor is piezoelectric microphone embedded on the engine block and it is connected to the electronic control unit (ECU) of the engine. Its main function is to detect the tell tale signs of engine knock or fuel detonation based on specific frequency range at various RPM rates. The knock sensor sends electrical signal to the ECU for this purpose. In turns, the ECU interprets the electrical signal and makes appropriate adjustments. If engine knock is detected, the ECU automatically reduces the ignition timing.
Engine knock is the fuel detonation that occurs inside the combustion chambers. It is disruptive to the normal function of the engine because it can cause the engine to lose power. Normally, fuel is burned rapidly to create enough pressure to push the pistons. On the other hand, fuel detonation is an explosion that is destructive because of the sudden release of energy. The pistons will not have enough time to adjust. Engine knocking is the sudden release of pressure which can also cause the sudden drop in pressure. Therefore, there would be no enough air to compress during compression stroke.
Ironically, although engine knock is more energetic than normal combustion, the optimal energy of the fuel is not harnessed because the four-stroke cycle is interrupted. The shockwave of engine knocking reverberates throughout the combustion chamber, which is detectable as a characteristic metallic “pinging” sound. The gas pressure inside the chambers also increases in catastrophic manner. Extreme pressure may rupture the gaskets and even cause the pistons and crankshaft to be dislocated. In extreme cases, the engine itself might explode. When this happens, the damage is irreversible. Since engine knocking may happen in smaller intensity, an engine knock sensor is necessary to detect these less intense engine knocks.
Normally, under the right conditions, the engine burns fuel/air mixture in the cylinder in controlled and orderly manner. Combustion is initiated by the sparkplug when the crankshaft is at 15 to 40 degrees prior to top dead center or the point of maximum compression. Normal ignition allows enough time for pressure to build at optimal level at the correct timing in order for the pistons to maximize power stroke and recovery. However, if engine knocking occurs, even at lesser intensity, the process of combustion is disrupted. Parts Train provides the most reliable aftermarket knock sensors to detect and help counteract engine knocking.
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