Broadly, the ZM6 regulator consists of a timer block, voltage comparison logic, and a Darlington dual output stage.

The timer block is responsible for overseeing the transition between the absorption and float stages, and is user selectable from 0 to 140 minutes according to your battery capacity.  

Also, the user can select a varying choices of Absorption time from zero minutes to 140 minutes

The voltage comparison logic continuously monitors the battery voltage and compares it to the voltage level you have selected with the adjustment control.

Unlike previous versions this new unit now drops out the field in the event of a battery sense line going open circuit.

 If it detects that the battery voltage has fallen below your set point, the output stage will be turned on to increase the field current to the alternator.

Once the voltage level has been raised back to your setting, the field current is disengaged. Hysteresis is built into the comparison logic to ensure the feedback loop remains stable.

A slight amount of current is held to ensure that the ignition light does not come on

Control of reverse polarity is also built into the new design. Better adjusting potentiometers are sealed and provide a more accurate setting

Any type of alternator can be run by this regulator, providing field current draw does not exceed 5 amps continuous. Most alternators only draw 1-3 amps max.

The user can select at any stage switching between Absorption and float settings

Temperature monitoring and shut down of field in the event of an exceedance.

Internal temperature of key switching transistors and shut down in the event of an overtemperature and or fault.

Field Brush Configuration.

There is no performance difference or advantage is more an alternator manufacturer's choice. Some alternators are best suited to P type but the majority are N type.

 The ZM6 N is a negative brush control system, this means that the positive brush requires power at all times and the theory is we control the negative brush which controls the output of the alternator as per the setting on the ZM6,

 The ZM6 P is a positive brush control system, this means that the positive brush is the field control and the negative brush is earthed.