shogun
03-29-2014, 08:10 PM
Understanding the Alternator
Charging System Circuit
Four wires connect the alternator to the rest of the charging system.
• B is the alternator output wire that supplies current to the battery.
• IG is the ignition input that turns on the alternator/regulator assembly.
• S is used by the regulator to monitor charging voltage at the battery.
• L is the wire the regulator uses to ground the charge warning lamp.
Alternator Terminal Identification
“S” Terminal Senses Battery Voltage
“F” Terminal Regulator Bypass Full Field Testing
“IG” Terminal Ignition Switch Signal Turns Regulator ON
“L” Terminal Grounds Warning Lamp
“B” Terminal Alternator Output Terminal to Battery
Rectifier Operation
The Diode Rectifier Bridge is responsible for for the conversion or rectification the AC voltage into DC voltage. Two diodes are connected to each stator lead. One positive the other negative. Because a single diode will only block half the the AC voltage.
Six or eight diodes are used to rectify the AC stator voltage to DC voltage. Diodes used in this configuration will redirect both the positive and negative polarity signals of the AC voltage to produce DC voltage. This process is called ‘Full - Wave Rectification’.
Diodes
Diodes are used as one-way electrical check valves. Passing current in only one direction, never in reverse. • Diodes are mounted in a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the diodes. • Diodes redirect the AC voltage into DC voltage so the battery
receives the correct polarity.
Voltage Regulation
The regulator will attempt to maintain a pre-determined charging system voltage level. When charging system voltage falls below this point, the regulator will increase the field current, thus strengthening the magnetic field, which results in an increase of
alternator output. When charging system voltage raises above this point, the regulator will decrease field current , thus weakening the magnetic field, and results in a decrease of alternator output.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/alt_bwoh.pdf
Charging System Circuit
Four wires connect the alternator to the rest of the charging system.
• B is the alternator output wire that supplies current to the battery.
• IG is the ignition input that turns on the alternator/regulator assembly.
• S is used by the regulator to monitor charging voltage at the battery.
• L is the wire the regulator uses to ground the charge warning lamp.
Alternator Terminal Identification
“S” Terminal Senses Battery Voltage
“F” Terminal Regulator Bypass Full Field Testing
“IG” Terminal Ignition Switch Signal Turns Regulator ON
“L” Terminal Grounds Warning Lamp
“B” Terminal Alternator Output Terminal to Battery
Rectifier Operation
The Diode Rectifier Bridge is responsible for for the conversion or rectification the AC voltage into DC voltage. Two diodes are connected to each stator lead. One positive the other negative. Because a single diode will only block half the the AC voltage.
Six or eight diodes are used to rectify the AC stator voltage to DC voltage. Diodes used in this configuration will redirect both the positive and negative polarity signals of the AC voltage to produce DC voltage. This process is called ‘Full - Wave Rectification’.
Diodes
Diodes are used as one-way electrical check valves. Passing current in only one direction, never in reverse. • Diodes are mounted in a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the diodes. • Diodes redirect the AC voltage into DC voltage so the battery
receives the correct polarity.
Voltage Regulation
The regulator will attempt to maintain a pre-determined charging system voltage level. When charging system voltage falls below this point, the regulator will increase the field current, thus strengthening the magnetic field, which results in an increase of
alternator output. When charging system voltage raises above this point, the regulator will decrease field current , thus weakening the magnetic field, and results in a decrease of alternator output.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/alt_bwoh.pdf