Reverse Voltage Protection for Displays – Save Your Screens!
Connecting power the wrong way is one of the easiest mistakes to make in electronics—especially when you’re rushing through a prototype. But when it comes to delicate components like displays, one reversed connection can fry the whole module.
⚠️ The Problem: Reverse Voltage Can Kill Your Display
Many LCD and OLED displays used in hobby and prototyping projects don’t have built-in reverse polarity protection. If you accidentally swap the +V and GND lines, the display can be permanently damaged. This is a common mishap during testing or when using jumper wires loosely.
✅ The Solution: Add a Diode for Protection
You can prevent this issue by adding a reverse voltage protection diode in series with the power line. A Schottky diode is ideal because it has a low forward voltage drop (~0.3V), which means your display still gets enough voltage to operate properly.
🔧 Practical Example
Suppose you’re wiring up a 16×2 LCD display to a 5V microcontroller. By inserting a 1N5819 Schottky diode between the power source and VCC pin of the display, you create a safety net. If the power is reversed, the diode blocks the current, saving your screen.
📏 Sample Calculation
If your display draws 100mA and you’re using a 1N5819 with a 0.3V drop:
Power loss = 0.3V × 0.1A = 0.03W — minimal and totally safe.
🛒 Product Suggestion: Get It Made in India
Protect your displays with Schottky diodes or display modules made in India. Check them out here:
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