[chrisser]

If the alternator for a `68 Ford is unaffected by EMP, why should the alternator from say a `93 Pontiac have problems? It's a coil, a magnet and a voltage regulator.

I don't know for certain, but I believe most modern alternators are controlled by a pulse width modulated signal from the engine computer. I would assume there's a module on the alternator that has to decode the signal and convert it to actual voltage changes in the unit itself. Perhaps that module is where the vulnerability lies.

[fso301]

I don't know for certain, but I believe most modern alternators are controlled by a pulse width modulated signal from the engine computer. I would assume there's a module on the alternator that has to decode the signal and convert it to actual voltage changes in the unit itself. Perhaps that module is where the vulnerability lies.

Isn't anything near an alternator in a harsh electrical environment?

[babygene]

“I don’t know for certain, but I believe most modern alternators are controlled by a pulse width modulated signal from the engine computer. I would assume there’s a module on the alternator that has to decode the signal and convert it to actual voltage changes in the unit itself. Perhaps that module is where the vulnerability lies. “

Nope... the three phase voltage that is rectified for the output of an alternator is simply controlled by the dc voltage applied to the stator...

[OldMagazine]

An alternator in a vehicle has diodes (Usually 6) that are vulnerable to any voltage spike (as low as 250 volts.) Every alternator that I have seen the inside of was like this. Generators have brushes that did what the diodes now do.
If you had an old vehicle with points type ignition you could downgrade to a generator.
However, I think that the fine wire inside an ignition coil may be vulnerable to an EMP.