Alternator testing method and system using ripple detection

A system for evaluating the operation of an alternator comprising:

• a terminal for receiving an alternator output signal representative of an output of the alternator;
• a frequency detection device for detecting a frequency component of the alternator output signal;
• a controller for comparing the frequency component of the alternator output signal to a threshold frequency, and generating an indication signal based a result of the comparison;
• and
• an indication device responsive to the content of the indication signal for indicating the operation of the alternator.

A system for evaluating the operation of an alternator comprising:

• a terminal for receiving an alternator output signal representative of an output of the alternator;
• an adaptive threshold device for generating a reference threshold based on the level of the alternator output signal according to a predetermined rule;
• a comparator for comparing the level of the alternator output signal with the reference threshold and generating a frequency signal indicating the frequency component of the alternator output signal based on the comparison result;
• a controller for comparing the frequency component of the alternator output signal with a threshold frequency, and generating an indication signal representative of the operation of the alternator based on the comparison result of the frequency component and the threshold frequency;
• and
• an indication device responsive to the content of the indication signal for indicating the operation of the alternator.

A system for evaluating the operation of an alternator comprising:

• means for receiving an alternator output signal representative of an output of the alternator;
• means for detecting a frequency component of the alternator output signal;
• means for comparing the frequency component of the alternator output signal to a threshold frequency;
• means for generating an indication signal based the comparison result;
• and
• an indication device responsive to the content of the indication signal for indicating the operation of the alternator.