An engine control apparatus is disclosed for determining
crankshaft position, engine phase, engine loading, and intake
air mass of an
internal combustion engine (10) through monitoring intake air pressure fluctuations (120). The opening of the intake valve (44) is mechanically linked to the
crankshaft position of an engine. When the intake valve (44) opens it creates air pressure fluctuations in the air
induction system (14) of the engine (10). The control apparatus is configured to determine intake air pressure fluctuations indicative of an intake air event (100 to 110) and thus a particular
crankshaft position, and their corresponding period of the
engine cycle. The controller then uses this information to determine crankshaft speed and position for the purpose of
fuel injection and
ignition timing of the
internal combustion engine. Engine phase is also determined on four-
stroke engines. Intake air pressure is used to determine intake
air mass and loading of the engine. This combination results in a single sensor used in a
system to determine intake
air mass, engine loading, injected fuel
mass, and to determine timing for fueling and ignition events. The engine may also include a
crankshaft position sensor in combination with monitoring intake air pressure over time to increase resolution in the determination of crankshaft position.