Voltage Regulator Technologies

Regulator rectifiers mostly fail due to heat. Regulators manage the output voltage by sending extra voltage to ground. The process of switching between the output plug and the ground generates heat. At higher RPM, the stator generates higher voltage, requiring the regulator to switch more often, creating more heat. Right now, there are 2 major types of regulators evolving together on the market: the Shunt technology, which has been there for a long time now, and the Mosfet technology that is making its way as the improved alternative. The difference between a shunt and a Mosfet regulator comes from the way their switching circuits work.

Shunt

The shunt regulators use diodes to switch the current. These diodes open slowly the door until the current slams it fully opened. This process takes time and puts unnecessary stress on the battery since the switches are slow and imprecise. Plus, the resistance it creates generates heat, and lots of it. If it switches too often between the ground and the circuit, it might burn due to that heat.

Mosfet

A Mosfet regulator uses transistors and a dedicated circuit to open and close the door. That way, the switch is fast and precise, helping the battery get the right charging, as well as greatly reducing the heat produced. A Mosfet regulator can sustain a lot more external heat than the Shunt version. This is the new kind of regulator, and it is still not used in most stock vehicles. Riders with recurring regulator problems should try a Mosfet replacement and stop worrying for good.

See a descriptive video showing the difference between Shaunt and Mosfet regulators.