Battery charging, far from being a simple, standardized function, requires a smart controller to:

• Regulate the AC voltage generated by the alternator into a stable DC voltage to recharge the battery
• Work within the specific temperature characteristics and dynamic responses required by each carmaker

ST offers a set of monolithic, multifunction alternator-voltage regulators that include:

• The control section
• The field power stage
• The fault diagnostic circuit that drives a warning lamp
• Protection against short circuits