System and method for controlling load dump voltage of a permanent magnet (PM) alternator

A power generation system for an automotive vehicle comprising:

• a permanent magnet (PM) alternator including a multi-phase stator winding output;
• a bridge coupled to said stator winding and including controllable rectifiers responsive to conduction control signals, said bridge having an output configured to be coupled to a battery and a load;
• a controller configured to generate said conduction control signals operable to control said bridge output to a first predetermined voltage corresponding to an operating voltage;
• a device configured to suppress said conduction control signals when said bridge output exceeds a second predetermined voltage greater than said first predetermined voltage, said device comprising
• a divider network coupled to said bridge output for generating a scaled voltage;
• a peak detector coupled to receive said scaled voltage;
• a comparator configured to determine when said bridge output exceeds said second predetermined voltage, said comparator having a first terminal coupled to said peak detector, said comparator further having a reference voltage coupled to a second terminal thereof, said comparator further having an output that changes logic state when said scaled voltage exceeds said reference voltage.