BERU equips latest Fiat models with top-quality block ignition coils

In the new Fiat 500, Bravo, Grande Punto and Panda models, extremely vibration-resistant BERU ignition coils with preassembled ignition-cable ensure that the voltage is always correct.

(Ludwigsburg, 16 th January 2008). Connector and distributor ignition coils, four and six cylinder ignition modules, five-cylinder ignition coil blocks, rod ignition modules with integrated electronics: In modern vehicles a variety of various types of coil generate the high voltage, which ultimately ensures that the decisive spark over at the spark plug occurs with millisecond precision.

For the 1.2 and 1.4 liter gasoline engines in the latest Fiat models 500, Bravo, Grande Punto and Panda, BERU has worked closely with the Italian original equipment partner to develop a top-quality block ignition coil. The diesel engines in the Fiat models are equipped with glow plugs from the Ludwigsburg-based specialists for Ignition Technology, Diesel Cold-Start Technology, Electronics and Sensors.

The new BERU block ignition-coil system consists of a total of four ignition coils located in a stable plastic housing, connected to each other through a common magnetic circuit, and equipped with a six-pin appliance plug. Loosely based on the motto “a spark plug for every ignition coil” each individual BERU ignition coil routes the required high voltage to the appropriate spark plug. Electrical actuation then takes place with 14 volts and 7 amps. The BERU ignition coils then individually generate an ignition energy of approximately 40 mJ and an ignition voltage of roughly 26 kV at a load of 1 MOhm/20 pF.

The special design features of the new BERU ignition-coil block for Fiat also include:

• a particularly stable attachment of the complete ignition-coil core package on the engine block,
• an ideal ground connection for the core package,
• an extremely high electromagnetic compatibility, as well as
• an extremely-high vibration resistance.

Another technical highlight on the new BERU block ignition coils is the fact that they suppress the closing spark and thus unintended ignitions are now consigned to the past. This is achieved by means of a high-voltage diode connected to the ignition coil's internal ground lead. Also worthy of mentioning is the extremely flat and therefore space-saving design of the new BERU product: The ignition coil block is only 32 millimeters high. BERU block ignition coils come with pre-assembled ignition-cable set, captive fastening screws and compensating elements for any unevenness in the engine block.

BERU ignition coils: Tradition-based innovation

At the BERU site in Muggendorf and at the Group's headquarters in Ludwigsburg, ignition coils are produced on an extremely complex production line, in tried-and-tested BERU quality. The production facilities are modular in design, extremely flexible and they can be expanded, augmented or converted quickly to accommodate customer requirements. This in turn enables the most varied of ignition-coil models to be economically manufactured, in low volume and high-volume production as and when required.

The BERU ignition coil performance characteristics are matched individually to each given service location. This also includes:

• a temperature-resistance of up to 150 degrees Celsius,
• an ignition voltage of more than 30 kV,
• top-quality materials for a longer service life,
• extreme reliability,
• an ideal weight/volume ratio.

All BERU ignition coils are made in close cooperation with our partners in the automobile industry. Currently they are installed in vehicles made by Daewoo, Daimler, Fiat, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Renault and Volkswagen, as well as in Italian motorcycles made by the Ducati company. The extensive BERU product range currently encompasses 160 types of ignition-coil for 3,700 vehicle models, and it is constantly being added to.