Page 141 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Generator
waveforms are used for testing purposes in the design, troubleshooting,
and alignment of electronic apparatus.
Electric generator
An electric generator is constructed somewhat like a conventional electric
motor, although it functions in the opposite sense. Some generators can
also operate as motors; they are called motor/generators. Generators, like
motors, are energy transducers of a special sort.
A typical generator produces AC when a coil is rotated rapidly in a
strong magnetic field. The magnetic field can be provided by a pair of
permanent magnets (Fig. 2). The rotating shaft is driven by a gasoline-
powered motor, a turbine, or some other source of mechanical energy. A
commutator can be used with a generator to produce pulsating direct-
current (DC) output, which can be filtered to obtain pure DC for use
with precision equipment.
See also MOTOR.
Coil
Permanent Permanent
magnet magnet

N S N S

Applied
torque

AC output

Generator—Fig. 2

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