Fault tolerant architecture for permanent magnet starter generator subsystem

A permanent magnet starter/generator system including:

• a permanent magnet generator (PMG) unit;
• and
• a power conversion unit (PCU) connected to the PMG, the PCU including;
• a plurality of converter modules connected to a power output bus, and
• a control module connected to the plurality of converter modules, the control module being configured to implement starter and generator modes of operation;
• wherein in the starter mode an AC excitation is generated in the PCU and applied to the PMG to cause a rotor assembly in the PMG to rotate and enable an engine start operation, and
• wherein in the generator mode an AC voltage is generated in the PMG when the rotor assembly is rotated by a prime mover driven by the engine, and the PCU converts the AC voltage to a desired voltage form;
• and
• wherein the power output bus is connected to at least one of a vehicle electrical load and a vehicle electrical power distribution system.