Crankshaft Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor or Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) sensor detects position and speed of the engine crankshaft. The sensor relays this information in the form of a square wave signal to be used by the Electronic Control Assembly (ECA) and Distributorless Ignition System (DIS).

LOCATION
The CKP is mounted to the engine block near the crankshaft pulley and hub assembly.

CONSTRUCTION
The stationary Hall effect sensor is a digital output device.

OPERATION
The PIP vane generates three PIP signals per crankshaft revolution. Base timing is 10 degrees BTDC, therefore a vane cup is aligned so the leading edge of a PIP signal occurs 60 degrees before the pistons reach TDC. The signal is ON for 60 degrees of crankshaft rotation. The signal is then OFF for 60 degrees of crankshaft revolution. This is a 50% duty cycle that results in a digital square wave.