[sdiy] Diode reverse polarity protection revisited

[Matthew Smith]

Quoth Justin Owen at 2011-01-11 21:37...
...
> ...can someone explain the benefit to this method over running it in Series? Right now I'm not seeing it.

I think that the idea of having the diode reversed between the two power
rails is that you use it in conjunction with some sort of overload
device, such as a fuse.

So, when a reverse-polarity situation occurs, the diode conducts
sufficient current to trip/blow/etecetera the overload device.

(Compare with the use of a crowbar circuit for correct polarity,
over-voltage.)

That's my understanding of it, anyway.

Cheers

M

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Matthew Smith
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