Device for detecting knocking and controlling an internal combustion engine

This invention concerns a device for recognizing knock and controlling a combustion engine in which the output signals of knock sensors are first sent to a preprocessing stage for signals (14) which extracts characteristic features from individual signals and forwards corresponding data to a neuronal network (15) for further processing. In the neuronal network (15), decision criteria are extracted from the data forwarded which make a statement about the presence of knocking possible. The microcomputer of the combustion engine control device calculates control signals for ignition or injection based on the data which are gained from the neuronal network (15) as well as further data typical of combustion engines, ignition being retarded if knocking is recognized.