The Exponential Generator is a device created by the human scientist Doctor Arkeville in his secret laboratory on Earth. Its precise specifications are unknown, but it has an almost unlimited power output; some speculate that it has the ability to destroy the entire universe.^[1]

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

Starscream learned from Doctor Arkeville of the generator in his secret laboratory. Locating the device, Starscream wired the generator to build up to an overload, which would have destroyed the entire planet Earth. Megatron discovered the generator and attempted to use it as a power source, not knowing about the danger. Optimus Prime made Megatron aware of this and the two launched the weapon into space, where it exploded, incidentally knocking Starscream back towards Earth after attempting to escape - tough luck. Countdown to Extinction

Story of Binaltech

When Swindle stole Autobot Binaltech bodies for himself and Dead End, the two were banned from the human electro-cell recharging centers and had to rely on unstable Exponential Generator technology. Expose All of Evil's Designs!

TransTech

Hubcap claimed that he'd been rigged with an Exponential Generator. Gone Too Far

Shattered Glass

Cyclonus is powered by one of these. Cyclonus's profile

Games

Transformers Legends

Doctor Arkeville's Exponential Generator was stolen by Starscream, who planned to use it to destroy Earth and use the energy released to restore Cybertron. Ironhide, Sideswipe and Red Alert eventually managed to defeat the Decepticons and launched the generator into orbit. Countdown to Extinction

Notes

• In the original script for "Countdown to Extinction", the generator was referred to only as "the Ultimate Power Source". Ron Friedman apparently renamed it to something a bit more descriptive.
• Although not exactly the same thing, the G.I. Joe episode "Raise the Flagg" features an item that looks identical to the exponential generator and performs a similar function by powering a Cobra helicarrier that has sunken into the ocean.

Foreign names

• Japanese: Exponential Generator (エクスポネンシャル・ジェネレータ Ekusuponensharu Jenerēta)
• French: Générateur Expotentiel (Europe, Expotential Generator)

References