I have found a general schematic for the regulator / rectifier in my motorcycle. I am having a really hard time understanding what is happening in this circuit. I have tried analyzing the Zener diode circuity and how this is being used to regulate the system DC voltage, but I cannot make sense of it.

How is the voltage to the battery regulated?

If a zener diode is used to regulate the voltage, how is that that the output for autos changes from 12 to 14 volts as the RPMs increase?

Is this circuit utilizing power from all three phases of the alternator?

What devices limit how much current can be drawn from this circuit?

Thanks for help with understanding this!

-Isaac

 

How about posting the schematic you are referring to and asking specific questions.

Just saying you do not understand something without specific information as to what it is you are talking about does not help anyone address your desire to understand. You have to do your part to make it happen.