Low tension magneto

A type of magneto designed for reciprocating engines that operate at high altitude. The coil in a low-tension magneto has only one winding. A carbon-brush-type distributor directs the low voltage from the magneto to the proper cylinder. Each spark plug has its own step-up transformer, to change the low distributor voltage to the high voltage needed to jump the gap in the spark plug. Low-tension ignition systems are not popular today because most aircraft that fly at high altitudes are turbine powered.