Oscilloscope Patterns and Waveforms

Set Oscilloscope Display Alternator

The following image represents the voltage curve of an intact alternator. The height of the individual waves depends on the current load of the alternator. The length of the waves depends on the engine speed. The higher the engine speed the shorter the waves.
At idle speed with consumer units switched on, an error-free alternator should provide approximately this graphic.







Examples of faulty alternators are shown below.
The current as a function of engine speed also applies here.







Alternator with defective diode







Alternator with broken coil