Abstract: In an automobile electrical system having an alternator drivingly connected to a vehicle engine the alternator has a polyphase output winding producing a polyphase output in the form of a polyphase alternator voltage for each phase. A load dump apparatus and method for varying the output of the alternator employs a bridge coupled to the polyphase output winding and having a pair of direct voltage output terminals. The bridge has lower and upper switchable elements for each corresponding phase winding, the switchable elements are forward biased and connected in series across the output of the bridge and have a common or neutral input note connected to the corresponding phase winding. Each switchable element is controllable in accordance with a respective conduction signal applied thereto.

Abstract: In an automobile electrical system having an alternator drivingly connected to a vehicle engine the alternator has a polyphase output winding producing a polyphase output in the form of a polyphase alternator voltage for each phase. A load dump apparatus and method for varying the output of the alternator employs a bridge coupled to the polyphase output winding and having a pair of direct voltage output terminals. The bridge has lower and upper switchable elements for each corresponding phase winding, the switchable elements are forward biased and connected in series across the output of the bridge and have a common or neutral input note connected to the corresponding phase winding. Each switchable element is controllable in accordance with a respective conduction signal applied thereto.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling the field current of an alternating current generator in a vehicle electrical generator system includes a digital to analog converter for converting a digital command signal to an analog voltage. A first comparator compares the system field current with the converted analog voltage. A switched component, operatively connected to a power switch, is switchable in response to the comparator output. A frequency generator, operatively connected to the switched component, provides timed pulses to periodically tell the switched component to turn on the power switch.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling the field current of an alternating current generator in a vehicle electrical generator system includes a digital to analog converter for converting a digital command signal to an analog voltage. A first comparator compares the system field current with the converted analog voltage. A switched component, operatively connected to a power switch, is switchable in response to the comparator output. A frequency generator, operatively connected to the switched component, provides timed pulses to periodically tell the switched component to turn on the power switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the output and torque of a synchronous alternator has a controlled bridge rectifier operable off synchronous for rectifying the alternating output and establishing a desired phase relationship between the alternating voltage and alternating current of the output winding. Phase locked loop control may be employed for establishing and maintaining a desired phase relationship to control the output and torque.