TECH UPDATE: Detonation Detection by Analyzing Ionization A simple (yet very scientific) way for car and motorcycle manufacturers to sense detonation.

Delphi's ionized current-sensing ignition subsystem uses conventional spark plugs as "in- cylinder" sensors for combustion quality. A few weeks ago, a reader wrote in to ask about the use of detonation detectors on motorcycle engines. I wrote then about the microphone and accelerometer types of...