Magneto

Magneto, small electric generator that produces pulses of electricity. Magnetos are used as an ignition source in airplane piston engines and motorcycle engines, among other things. In mining, magnetos are used to fire explosives. The magneto works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It consists of a permanent magnet and a soft iron core wound with wire. The core is rotated between the poles of the magnet, generating a low-voltage alternating current in the coil windings. This low voltage may be transformed to a higher voltage by induction in a second set of coil windings.

See also: Electric generator.