How does the Silicone Carbide Ignition works?

In order to save energy some stoves use what you call silicone carbide ignition. It is a simple system consisting of an oven control, a gas safety valve, and a silicone carbide ignitor. When you turn on the oven 120 volts goes down to the gas valve and ignitor. The ignitor must pull 3.2 amps or better or the safety valve will not open. If the ignitor is weak it will not pull the amps and the valve won't open. This is a common problem on stoves with a bit of age on them. The gas safety valve itself 99% of the time is NOT the problem. Unless it is leaking or has no continuity between the terminals it is not going to be the problem. All ignitors ain't the same. You cannot substitute a round style one for a flat style one. The ignitor if good should be real bright and the oven should light within a minute or 2. Bang or kicking the stove can sometimes get the bi-metal to open but as soon as the oven comes up to temp and cycles the gas will go back out and you will have to give it another swift kick.