Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is an apparatus that includes an alternator field coil, a driver coupled to the alternator field coil to provide excitation current thereto, and a recirculation circuit coupled to the alternator field coil. The recirculation circuit includes a unidirectional current device and a current sensing device electrically coupled in series. The driver is electrically coupled between a first electrical power supply node and the field coil, and the recirculation circuit is electrically coupled between the driver and a second electrical power supply node.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is an apparatus that includes an alternator and circuitry operable to regulate electrical power output by the alternator. This circuitry includes an analog-to-digital converter with an analog signal input node. The converter is responsive to three or more different analog signal levels provided to this input node to correspondingly generate three or more different multibit control word values. The circuitry is programmable with any of these values to correspondingly operate in three or more different operating configurations depending on the value selection.

Abstract: An enhanced charging system for a motor vehicle includes an alternator, a voltage regulator, and an engine controller. The voltage regulator and engine controller are connected by two circuits. One of the circuits provides the engine controller with a measure of the torque about to be applied to the engine by the alternator. The other circuit allows the engine controller to command the target voltage at which the voltage regulator is to control the alternator. The engine controller determines the target voltage based on intake air temperature, a measure of the temperature of the air at the intake of the engine. The engine controller then modifies the target voltage based on (1) whether the throttle of the engine is near wide-open-throttle; (2) whether the brakes of the vehicle are applied; and (3) whether the alternator is about to apply an increased torque to the engine.