Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module including a housing. The module can include an electric machine positioned within the housing. The electric machine can include a field coil and a stator assembly. The module can include a rectifier assembly coupled to the housing and electrically connect to the stator assembly. The rectifier assembly can include at least one output post. A voltage regulator is coupled to the housing and includes at least one field post and a sense post. The voltage regulator is electrically connected to the rectifier assembly. The module can include a remote sense terminal coupled to the housing. A sense switch circuit is electrically coupled to at least the remote sense terminal, the sense post, and the at least one output post.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a regulator configured to control the electric current to a field coil. The regulator includes a field driver circuit, the field driver circuit configured to deliver the electric current to the field coil at a switching frequency. The regulator further includes a controller configured to vary the switching frequency of the field driver circuit between a plurality of different switching frequencies. The alternator further comprises a sensor configured to detect a predetermined alternator condition, and the controller is configured to adjust the switching frequency of the field driver circuit in response to the sensed predetermined condition such as, for example, a rotor speed, a pulse width from the field driver circuit, an efficiency of the alternator, a temperature within the alternator, a temperature outside of the alternator, or magnetic noise of the alternator.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a regulator configured to control the electric current to a field coil. The regulator includes a field driver circuit, the field driver circuit configured to deliver the electric current to the field coil at a switching frequency. The regulator further includes a controller configured to vary the switching frequency of the field driver circuit between a plurality of different switching frequencies. The alternator further comprises a sensor configured to detect a predetermined alternator condition, and the controller is configured to adjust the switching frequency of the field driver circuit in response to the sensed predetermined condition such as, for example, a rotor speed, a pulse width from the field driver circuit, an efficiency of the alternator, a temperature within the alternator, a temperature outside of the alternator, or magnetic noise of the alternator.