E-Mag is a next-generation electronic ignition, designed to serve as an upgrade or replacement for traditional aircraft engine magnetos.  The idea behind a next-generation "anything" is that it 1) builds on what came before, and 2) gives more of what the customer wants.  

What Does The Customer Want? 

Reliability, performance, economy, and convenience is a short and familiar list.  The challenge for designers is getting all these features into a single package.  It's rare when a single modification can:

• Benefit so many areas (reliability, performance, economy, convenience).
• Require so little investment.
• Require so little time.  

What Came Before? 

Automobiles have used electronic ignitions for decades.  Most of us have experienced worn-out car tires, batteries, brakes, etc.  But have you ever worn out you car's electronic ignition?  Likely not.  Alternatively, when did you last pull your mags for inspection/repair/replacement?  How many hours until your next mag appointment?  Even so, the automotive analogy has its limits. Auto ignitions evolved to serve different types of engines.  Fortunately, aircraft ignitions are undergoing a similar evolution, one that's oriented to their environment and engine-specific needs.  

The basic advantages of electronic ignition are very straight forward, and "first-generation" aircraft ignitions perform them well.  

• Stronger Spark - Electronic ignitions deliver greater energy, allowing spark plug gaps to be set much wider.  The result is a hotter, longer length, and longer duration spark.    
• Variable Timing - Variable spark timing improves efficiency over a wider range of operating speeds and conditions. Smoother idle, efficient cruise, etc.
• Multi-Strike Start - High-energy multi-strike start mode helps overcome a variety of start-up challenges (cold engine, low battery, poor mixture, oily plugs, etc.).  
• Fewer Moving Parts - Parts that don’t exist don't wear out.