Firebird V8-305 5.0L VIN E (1992)
Alternator: Description and Operation
Description
CHARGING SYSTEM
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 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 terminal F via the 250
(BRN) wire 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 voltage at the stator through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the regulator monitors the
battery voltage at terminal S via the 2 (RED) wire and varies the required field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the generator
output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation.
