Circuit Operation - Charging System

CHARGING
The Generator provides voltage to operate the electrical system and to charge the Battery. A magnetic field is created when current flows through the Rotor. This field rotates as the Rotor is driven by the engine, creating an AC voltage in the Stator windings. The AC voltage is converted to DC by the rectifier bridge and is supplied to the electrical system at the Battery terminal.

The Generator's regulator uses digital techniques to supply the Rotor current, thereby controlling output voltage. The Rotor current is proportional to the width of the electrical pulses supplied to it by the Regulator. When the Ignition Switch is placed in RUN, narrow width pulses are supplied to the Rotor, creating a weak magnetic field. When the engine is started, the regulator senses Generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the Starter through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the Regulator varies the field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the Generator output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation.

The digital Regulator controls the GEN Indicator lamp with a solid-state lamp driver. The lamp driver turns on the GEN lamp in the instrument cluster whenever undervoltage, overvoltage or a stopped Generator is detected.