Tag: Circuit Protection
MOSFET Safe Operating Area Tips for Reliable Design
The Problem: Exceeding the Safe Operating Area (SOA) When working with MOSFETs, many hobbyists overlook one crucial spec: the Safe Operating Area (SOA). Exceeding it can quickly destroy your device. The SOA defines the limits of voltage, current, and power a MOSFET can handle at the same time. Ignoring this often results in …
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Reverse Protection for Power Tools Simplified
The Problem: Power Tool Damage from Reverse Polarity Accidentally reversing polarity in DC-powered tools can cause instant damage—fried circuits, burnt motors, or blown fuses. Hobbyists and engineers often face this while prototyping with battery packs or external power sources. 
The Solution: Add Reverse Polarity Protection A simple solution is to …
MOSFET Gate Drive Isolation Tips – Keep Your Switches Safe
When switching high-power loads using MOSFETs, gate drive isolation becomes essential. Without it, you risk unwanted oscillations, false switching, or even gate damage—especially in half-bridge or high-side switching configurations. 
The Problem : The gate of a MOSFET is like a capacitor—it needs controlled charging and discharging. If your microcontroller shares the same …
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MOSFET Safe Switching Circuits – Avoid Burnouts!
MOSFETs are a favorite in power electronics due to their speed and efficiency. But switching them improperly—especially under load—can lead to voltage spikes, overheating, or total failure. That’s where safe switching circuits come in. 
The Problem: Unprotected MOSFET Switching When MOSFETs switch rapidly, especially in inductive loads like motors or relays, they …
MOSFET Over-Current Shutdown – Protect Your Circuit Smartly
The Problem : When using MOSFETs to switch loads, one common risk is over-current—where the load suddenly draws more current than expected. This can heat up the MOSFET, damage your power supply, or even start a fire in extreme cases. Beginners often overlook this, thinking the MOSFET will handle it—but without protection, it …
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SMPS Voltage Spike Mitigation – Protect Your Circuits Easily
The Problem: Why Do SMPS Voltage Spikes Happen? Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are widely used for their efficiency, but they often introduce voltage spikes—short, sudden bursts of high voltage. These spikes usually occur when driving inductive loads like motors, relays, or solenoids, or due to poor filtering. The result? Damaged microcontrollers, erratic …
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MOSFET Reverse Polarity Detection – Smart Protection for Your Circuits
Reverse polarity mistakes—like swapping battery terminals—can silently kill sensitive electronics. For prototypers and engineers, a simple error can mean a burnt PCB or dead microcontroller. Luckily, there’s an elegant fix using a MOSFET. The Problem: Wrong Polarity = Instant Damage If your power connector is plugged in backward, current may flow the …
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Protect Your MOSFETs: Easy Over-Voltage Clamp Design
The Problem : MOSFETs are crucial in electronics for switching and power control, but they’re sensitive to voltage spikes—especially when switching inductive loads like motors, relays, or solenoids. These spikes can exceed the MOSFET’s rated voltage, leading to overheating or permanent damage. 
The Solution : A MOSFET over-voltage clamp protects …
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Protecting MOSFET Gate-to-Source: Easy Guide for Prototypers
The Problem : MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) are widely used for switching in power electronics. However, the gate-to-source (G-S) junction is highly sensitive to voltage spikes. If the gate voltage exceeds the MOSFET’s maximum threshold (typically 20V for most MOSFETs), it can damage the internal gate oxide, leading to permanent failure. The Solution …
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Reverse Voltage Protection for 48V Systems
When working with 48V systems, such as solar power setups or motor controllers, one common issue you might face is reverse voltage. This happens when you accidentally connect the power supply in reverse, damaging your components, and potentially causing costly repairs. But don’t worry—there’s a simple fix! The Problem : If you connect …