The Problem: Accidental Reverse Polarity in Robotics 

One common issue faced by electronics hobbyists and robotics developers is reverse polarity—accidentally connecting the power supply terminals the wrong way. In robotics, this can instantly destroy your microcontroller, sensors, or motor drivers, especially during prototyping.

The Solution: Add Reverse Polarity Protection 

To prevent this, use a Schottky diode or a P-channel MOSFET in reverse polarity protection mode. These components act like electronic gatekeepers, allowing current to flow only in the correct direction.

Practical Example :

Imagine you’re powering your Arduino-based robot with a 12V battery, but you accidentally reverse the wires. Without protection, the board could burn out. By placing a P-channel MOSFET between the battery and the circuit, you ensure that if the polarity is wrong, the MOSFET won’t turn on—saving your components!

Sample Calculation :

Let’s say your robot needs 2A at 12V.

A Schottky diode with 0.4V forward drop would waste 0.4V × 2A = 0.8W as heat.

Using a low Rds(on) MOSFET (e.g., 0.05Ω), power loss = (2A)² × 0.05Ω = 0.2W—much more efficient!

Product Suggestion :

Use high-efficiency [P-channel MOSFETs]

or

[Schottky diodes]—all proudly Made in India.

Shop now at SmartXProKits.in
Support our work and India’s innovation—buy from our Make in India site!