Reverse Polarity Protection for Audio – Save Your Speakers!
Audio circuits—whether for Bluetooth speakers, DIY amplifiers, or headphone drivers—are sensitive to power polarity. A single reversed connection can burn out your audio IC, distort output, or even damage your speaker coils. Here’s how to protect your audio projects with a simple, low-cost fix.
🔍 The Problem: Wrong Polarity = Fried Audio Gear
Connecting your 12V or 5V supply the wrong way, even once, can damage delicate op-amps, Class-D amplifiers, or preamp circuits. Many audio ICs don’t have internal protection—and reversing power can be fatal.
✅ The Solution: Use a Diode or P-Channel MOSFET
Add a Schottky diode in series to block reverse current, or use a P-Channel MOSFET wired as a “high-side switch” for more efficient protection with minimal voltage drop. This way, even if the polarity is reversed, your components stay safe.
🔧 Practical Example
You’re powering a 5V mini amplifier with a 5V wall adapter. Accidentally connect the wires in reverse. With a P-Channel MOSFET, the circuit stays protected and doesn’t conduct in reverse mode—saving your amplifier and speakers.
🧮 Sample Calculation
A Schottky diode with 0.3V drop powering a 1A load:
Power loss = 0.3V × 1A = 0.3W.
Switching to a MOSFET reduces this to nearly zero!
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