Figure 1 A series diode protects systems from reverse polarity but wastes power in diode losses. Figure 2 You can use a bridge rectifier so that your system works no matter what the input polarity is.

Accidentally connecting a battery reverse can be a real killer in electronic circuits. There are a number of ways to provide protection and all have the expected advantages and disadvantages. Any ...

When a circuit requires reverse-voltage protection on the power input, the usual approach is a series diode (see the figure, a). But if the input voltage is low—say, two or three AA batteries—the ...

A special control IC that emulates a “smart diode” along with an external MOSFET allows positive inputs and prevents negative inputs for automotive and industrial applications. This new IC replaces ...

Nexperia has put an ideal diode, including its p-channel mosfet, and reverse polarity protection, in a 2.1 x 1.25 x 0.95mm TSSOP6 package. Called NID5100, it is aimed at industrial and consumer ...