Apparatus and method for distinguishing between faults due to alternator failure and interruption of stator phase signals in automotive battery charging systems

摘要

An automotive charging circuit fault detection circuit includes a pseudo stator-phase signal generator and a stator-phase existence circuit for determining if a stator-phase signal is below a predetermined threshold. A pseudo stator-phase signal control circuit selectively applies the pseudo stator-phase signal to replace the stator- phase signal when the stator-phase existence circuit determines that the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold. A voltage detector circuit continues the application of the pseudo stator-phase signal if an output voltage from the charging circuit is above a minimum voltage. A timer times a predetermined time the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold to enable the voltage detection circuit, and a warning indicator provides a warning if the pseudo stator-phase signal is applied and if an output voltage from the charging circuit is below the minimum voltage.