US Patent 9297346 Camshaft position determination

Various methods for determining camshaft position based on position indicated by an electric motor controller are provided. In one example, a method comprises: during cranking of an engine, driving a camshaft of the engine by an electric motor controlled by a motor controller which indicates motor position and position of the camshaft; determining one or more engine operating parameters for controlling the engine during the cranking by an engine controller from the indicated cam position; and after the cranking, identifying the cam position from a sensor coupled to the camshaft.