A common problem exists when driving automotive alternators via motors. In the process of attempting to regulate the charging voltage of a low battery, the alternator shaft torque usually exceeds the ...

Current often is derived from the voltage drop measured across a shunt of known value. However, as the paper states, “It is common practice for current shunts to be calibrated at a single current ...

Many of today's applications require current measurement for power estimation, regulation purposes, or for diagnostics. This article focuses on circuits with analog outputs that are needed for loop ...

Disconnecting the battery while the engine is running isn't a valid test for alternator function and may damage sensitive electronic parts. Instead, use a common voltmeter and the following test ...

Zak is new to the CarBuzz team, working as a freelance content writer. When Zak isn't writing How To articles for CarBuzz he's working as a high school automotive technology instructor. Before ...

Open-loop current sensors have a definite price advantage over closed-loop counterparts. While you can use them in drive applications where torque accuracy isn't demanding — such as pump and fan ...

Q: Could you explain how an alternator works and how it should be tested? A: Vehicles built since the 1970s employ a belt-driven AC generator (alternator) to produce electrical power for all needed ...