sort of >> The Twin Power ignition amplifier incorporates both the CDI and transistor method ignition to provide optimum spark duration and maximum voltage output, resulting in crisper throttle response and a smoother engine powerband. One of the common issues with running higher boost is the increased possibility of high-boost misfire. This unit helps resolve the high-speed miss on big-boosted cars. The Twin Power Ignition Amplifier continuously monitors the charge condition of the coil to allow the system to recharge to its maximum capacity without overcharging. The Twin Power provides optimum spark duration and voltage output resulting in crisper throttle response & more horsepower. it is a combination of CDI (Capacitive Discharge Igntion) and Transistor ignition in one package. The CDI segment is effective at producing high voltage, but only for a short time period, like most performance igntions on the market. Therefore, the Transistor segment controls current to the coil (impedance matching circuit) & promotes a longer spark duration. The combination of the CDI & Transistor system creates higher RPM horsepower & lower RPM throttle response. In high boosted turbocharged engines the cylinder pressures go up very high and often times "blow-out" the spark created by a spark plug and then you have an engine miss as the spark plug and ignition system are fighting hard to keep up with all that boost you have. The factory ignition system does a great job at standard boost levels, but once you crank up the boost you can have high speed missing problems. Imagine a light switch being turned on and off at a very fast and consistent rate. For that fixed time that the light switch is on you have light. The factory ignition system provides a spark just like this, ON for a very short period of time and this is not adjustable. The Twin Power unit allows for the spark to remain firing or like in the light switch analogy leave the light on a bit longer. This increase in the "duration" (or length of time) that the spark is on helps eliminate HIGH BOOST/MISS.
Still trying to figure out how they work. I suspect that they use capacitors to charge up and then dump into the coil primary, sort of like a CDI does. All of the blurb on the HKS twin power ignitions also claim that they control the coil current via transistors too, but I smell a big festering rat there. The HKS TPI is a piggy back add on that is wired in parallel with the standard PTU (which is itself a transistor ignition). To control the coil current to get any advantage though, they'd have to be wired in series, or replace the standard PTU altogether, which they obviously don't do. If they are a (sort of) capacitor discharge ignition, the biggest advantage which they will provide is to help with a strong initial spark. Once a spark has been formed, it takes much less energy to keep it going, so a strong early spark is a good thing. I'd be interested in pulling one apart to see how they tick, but I'm not interested enough to pay for one to do so.
not sure if I believe it either. I'd rather spend my money on an MSD 6 ignition setup having the MSD coils remote mounted and using plain old 10mm spark plug leads. That way you you know for certain at low rpm the MSD will produce multiple sparks and then at higher rpm it will drop back to a single but stronger spark. $500 USD sounds like a lot for a power amplifier and voltage setup transformer.
