What is a Voltage Regulator Rectifier?

The alternative current (AC) produced by the ATV’s stator cannot be directly used by electrical components. Before it can be used in the vehicles ignition and charging systems, the current must be converted to direct current (DC) and regulated so there is no peak in voltage. That is what a voltage regulator rectifier does.

Presently, there are two main voltage regulator rectifier technologies; the older Shunt type which is used by most OEMs. These regulators use diodes to switch the current, making them slow and creating a lot of resistance within the voltage regulator rectifier, ultimately generating a lot of heat. The Mosfet version, however, uses transistors to switch the current, making the switch a lot faster, and not dependent on the current itself to switch. Using a Mosfet voltage regulator rectifier will make your vehicle more reliable overall as it will also protect your battery from random peaks. See a video that shows the difference between the two.

The Regulator

The regulator part of the voltage regulator rectifier helps create a smoother more constant flow of electricity.  As engine RPMs increase, the stator produces more voltage which is usually higher and very irregular.  At full throttle, some stators can produce up to 120 volts of electricity.  A battery requires constant voltage of 14.4 volts to be charged efficiently as higher voltage will cause the battery to boil. The regulator acts as a filter between the stator and the battery to ensure the battery receives the proper voltage by sending any extra to the ground.

The Rectifier

The rectifier part of the voltage regulator rectifier converts the stator’s alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) that can charge the battery.  Nearly every electronical component requires DC current so every vehicle must be equipped with a rectifier.