Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for controlling multiple sources of electric power using inter-regulator control. The regulators in the system may be of a universal type that may operate either as a master regulator or a follower regulator. Determination whether a regulator operates as a master or a follower regulator may occur before operation of the system, during operation of the system, or may reverse the role of master and follower regulators in response to operating conditions. The master regulator may control its source of electric power and may send signals to the follower regulators to control their sources of electric power. The control of the sources of electric power may be based on sensing output of at least one of the sources of electric power and based on the operational characteristics of at least one of the sources of electric power. Further, the follower regulator may verify the instructions sent from the master regulator.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting against battery overcharging is used with an automotive electrical system having an alternator that supplies an output voltage VOUT to a string of at least first and second series-connected rechargeable batteries, an equalizer coupled to at least the first and second batteries, and at least a higher voltage load or a lower voltage load connected across respective sets of batteries of the string. The voltage VOUT is regulated to a target value VTARGET, and this target value VTARGET is reduced when either the voltage V1 across the first battery exceeds a first threshold value T1 or when a voltage V2 across the second battery exceeds a second threshold value T2. In this way, both of the batteries are protected against over-voltage conditions. A warning signal is illuminated to indicate to a user when either of the batteries is outside of its normal operating range.