This paper presents an innovative and effective approach to design and test a regulator for an automotive alternator with programmable functionalities. The prototype system consists of two different parts: an integrated circuit (IC) and a FPGA. The IC, implemented in austriamicrosystems HVCMOS 0.35 μm technology, includes all the high voltage parts and a power switch with very low ON resistance. It is able to manage full reverse polarity on every pin, including the reverse battery condition, and over voltages up to 50 V. The programmability is guaranteed through the FPGA. This prototype system can be used to develop a new type of intelligent smart and flexible regulators which implement many additional programmable functions that give the car maker a better control and allow to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. In the demonstrator all the implemented functions, including regulation, can be changed during the development phase and many properties, including loop stability, can be checked before releasing a final version of the regulator. The proposed system is also included in a standard brush-holder that can be mounted on Valeo Engine and Electrical System mechatronic alternator and verified directly in a real application.