Abstract: An assembly of a main stage and exciter stage of an electric machine includes a main stage including a main stage winding, an exciter stage including an exciter winding, and a bus bar assembly to electrically connect the main stage winding to the exciter stage winding. The bus bar assembly includes a terminal post installed to the main stage and extending at least partially through the exciter stage. The main stage winding electrically is connected to the terminal post. A power band contact is installed to the terminal post and is electrically connected thereto. The exciter winding is electrically connected to the power band contact.