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Apparatus for identifying faulty diodes in automotive alternators

  • US 4,156,845 A
  • Filed: 06/06/1977
  • Issued: 05/29/1979
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/06/1977
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In an automotive electrical system containing, an alternator having a polyphase output winding with a full wave bridge rectifier connected thereto, a battery connected across the direct current output terminals of said bridge rectifier to be charged thereby, and a voltage regulator interconnected with said battery and said rectifier output, an electric circuit for identifying a failure therein, comprising:

  • (a) first electrical connection with a first terminal of said battery;

    (b) a second electrical connection with the other terminal of said battery;

    (c) means including a differential comparator, for comparing the difference between two signals input thereto and for establishing an output state therefrom as a function of said compared difference exceeding a predetermined minimum, said comparing means having a reference input and a sensing input, said comparing means and said second electrical connection being electrically referenced to a common electrical potential;

    (d) means for providing a photo signal of current flow, said photo signal means being connected between said comparing means output and said first battery connection;

    (e) means for coupling both said comparing means reference input and sensing input to said first battery connection, said coupling means providing an AC and DC current path; and

    (f) means for additional AC coupling only, of said first battery connection to said comparing means sensing input.

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