Quite a page covering everything you could every likely want to know about ignition systems (and then some).
"A Frenchman named Etienne Lenoir invented the electronic spark plug in 1860. Spark plugs haven't really changed THAT much since then. But "firing" that spark plug has been a better evolution. The Father of ignition is Charles Franklin Kettering (man pictured left). In 1909, Kettering, in association with Edward A. Deeds, organized the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco). As you've already started to guessed from the name... they invented the first automobile generator. That road to the generator invention brought them all the design concepts that would be used to dream up starter motors, ignition system components, etc.. So, it is in 1910 that Kettering began work on new automobiles electrical systems. Also notably, he invented the first "self-starter" in 1912. Within two years, most cars were equipped with this new device. Kettering went on to become head of General Motors research laboratories and Vice President of the Corporation. "Boss Ket" would eventually receive over 160 U.S. patents for his ideas.
It is in 1911 that he developed the first electrical ignition system (or at least the design concepts that lead to that invention). These early patents are hard to trace, but a little research shows Kettering invented the "engine, starting, lighting, and ignition system" (Patent 1171055 featured here in PDF). This early type of ignition design is known as the Kettering system (points/condenser/coil) or "induction" system. It became the standard in the automotive industry replacing magnetos. It is rugged and reliable but has drawbacks as you will see. A "lighting coil", "lighting" system is a more tradition term for an auto/motorcycle type self powered generator system. So you and I know Kettering more as the man who invented the first practical engine-driven generator (known as the "DELCO" generator). This was Patent No 1150523."
http://www.jetav8r.com/Vision/Ignition/CDI.html
Pertronix:
"This is the most widely used type of ignition sensor. The Hall effect (named after the American physicist Edwin Herbert Hall, 1855-1938) involves the generation of an "electric potential perpendicular to both an electric current flowing along a conducting material and an external magnetic field applied at right angles to the current upon application of the magnetic field". SAY W-H-A-T ?!??. Practically speaking, a current is passed though a silicon wafer. When a exposed to a magnetic field this disrupts the current flow and distributes more "potential" on one side of the wafer. This can be measured, conditioned, and amplified to trigger the ignition module. Hall Effect sensors are extremely accurate, they produce a "square" wave signal perfect for solid-state applications, and are very durable against heat / vibration. The rotor magnet does not need to be as strong (you may not feel its pull with a heavy screwdriver).
Most Hall effect rotors involve a stationary Hall Switch and stationary magnet. What rotates is an "Interrupter Blade". When the blade passes between the sensor and the magnet it blocks the magnetic pull on the Hall Switch. When a "shutter blade" is open, the magnetic field projects onto the Hall Sensor switching it on. The easy way to identify a Hall system is the fact that it must be externally powered. So, there's going to be that extra wire."
Can you say Lucas Opus?
"ECKO
"Eddy Current Killed Oscillator" systems were used by Lucas (yeah, the British "Dark Lord"). It involves a 2 coil sensor that has current flowing. The sensor detects the current disruption cause by a magnet passing by. It is similar to "Hall Effect" in that it is extremely accurate and durable. But for whatever reason is only used mainly in manufacturing automation applications."
On my car I am still running with the "Dark Lord"! Have thought about replacing with a Pertronix but haven't as yet. The basic design itself is not bad though, it's more other issues at this point. I have a Pertronix on another car as a points replacement and it works well.
