Multi-pole high speed generator with a modular rectifier circuit

A rectifier module assembly for rectifying one phase of a multi-phase AC signal generated in a plurality of exciter armature windings wound on an exciter of a multi-pole high speed generator, comprising:

• a substantially flat base including a plurality of conductive circuit runs on a surface thereof, the base being dimensioned to mount within the exciter;
• a first diode circuit, including an anode and a cathode, having the anode electrically coupled to at least a first of said plurality conductive circuit runs;
• a second diode circuit, including an anode and a cathode, having its cathode electrically coupled to at least a second of said plurality of conductive circuit runs;
• and
• a conductive element electrically coupling together the cathode of said first diode circuit and the anode of said second diode circuit.

A rectifier module assembly for rectifying one phase of a multiphase AC signal generated in a plurality of exciter armature windings of a multi-pole high speed generator, comprising:

• a substantially flat base including a plurality of conductive circuit runs formed on a surface thereof;
• a first diode circuit, including an anode and a cathode, having the anode electrically coupled to at least a first of said plurality conductive circuit runs;
• a second diode circuit, including an anode and a cathode, having the cathode electrically coupled to at least a second of said plurality of conductive circuit runs;
• a resistive element electrically coupled between said first and said second conductive circuit runs;
• and
• a conductive element electrically coupling together the cathode of said first diode circuit and the anode of said second diode circuit.

A rectifier module assembly for mounting within a hub of an exciter of a multi-pole high speed generator, comprising:

• a substantially flat base including at least a first, a second, and a third conductive circuit run on a surface thereof;
• a first DC output terminal electrically coupled to at least said first conductive circuit run;
• a second DC output terminal electrically coupled to at least said second conductive circuit run;
• an AC input terminal electrically coupled to at least said third conductive circuit run;
• a first plurality of parallel-connected diodes, each including an anode and a cathode, and each having its anode electrically coupled to at least said first conductive circuit run;
• a second plurality of parallel-connected diodes, each including an anode and a cathode, and each having its cathode electrically coupled to at least said second conductive circuit run;
• a thin-film resistive element electrically coupled between said first and said second conductive circuit runs;
• and
• a conductive element electrically coupling together the cathodes of said first plurality of parallel-connected diodes, the anodes of said second plurality of parallel-connected diodes, and said AC input terminal.

A rectifier circuit for rectifying a multi-phase AC signal generated in a plurality of exciter armature windings of a multi-pole high speed generator and providing a DC signal to a field winding of the generator, the rectifier circuit comprising:

• a plurality of parallel-connected rectification circuits each including (i) an AC input terminal for receiving one phase of the multi-phase AC signal and (ii) first and second DC output terminals for providing the DC signal to the field winding, wherein each of said plurality of rectification circuits comprises:
• a first diode circuit having its anode electrically coupled to said AC input terminal and its cathode electrically coupled to said first DC output terminal;
• a second diode circuit having its cathode electrically coupled to said AC input terminal and its anode electrically coupled to said second DC output terminal;
• and
• a resistive element electrically coupled between said first and second DC output terminals.