Achieva V6-3300 3.3L (1992)
Alternator: Description and Operation
The Generator provides voltage to operate the car's electrical system and to charge its battery. A magnetic field is created when current flows through the
Rotor. This field rotates as the Rotor is driven by the engine, creating an AC voltage in the Stator windings. The AC voltage is converted to DC by the
Rectifier Bridge and is supplied to the electrical system at the battery terminal.
The Generator's Regulator uses digital techniques to supply the Rotor current and thereby control the output voltage. The Rotor current is proportional to
the width of the electrical pulses supplied by the Regulator. When the Ignition Switch is placed in "RUN," voltage is supplied to terminals "L" and "F,"
turning on the Regulator. Narrow width pulses are supplied to the Rotor, creating a weak magnetic field. When the engine is started, the Regulator senses
Generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the Stator through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the Regulator varies the field current by
controlling the pulse width. This regulates the Generator output voltage for proper Battery charging and electrical system operation.
The digital Regulator controls the Charge Indicator light with a solid state lamp driver. The lamp driver turns on the light whenever an undervoltage,
overvoltage, or stopped Generator is detected.
