If you’re an electronics hobbyist or engineer working with 3.3V rails, you might have encountered the issue of reverse voltage—when the power supply is connected with the wrong polarity. This can lead to damaged components, malfunctioning circuits, or even total failure of your device. But don’t worry; this problem has an easy fix: reverse voltage protection.
The Problem and Solution :
When you accidentally connect the positive and negative terminals of your power supply in reverse, it can cause short circuits or burn out sensitive components. The solution lies in adding a simple reverse voltage protection circuit to your design. This can be done using a diode or a MOSFET configured in such a way that it blocks the reverse voltage and protects your circuit.
Practical Example :
Imagine you have a USB charging circuit for a microcontroller running on a 3.3V rail. If you plug in the charger incorrectly, your circuit will be exposed to reverse voltage. By adding a Schottky diode in series with the power input, it will block any reverse voltage, ensuring your microcontroller stays safe.
Sample Calculation:
To select a Schottky diode, ensure its reverse voltage rating is higher than the voltage of your power supply (e.g., for a 5V supply, use a diode rated for at least 5V).
The forward current rating should also match your circuit’s current draw.
Product Suggestion :
To implement reverse voltage protection effectively, use Made in India components like MOSFETs and Schottky Diodes. Visit our shop to find the right parts:
Support our work and India’s innovation—buy from our Make in India site!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.