Input Protection Using Discrete Components
Date: 07 April, 2025
Types of Input Protection:
• Over voltage protection
• Under voltage protection (Brownout protection)
• Over current protection
• Reverse polarity protection
Over-voltage Protection
Principle:
• shuts down the supply, or clamps the output, when the voltage exceeds a
preset level.
Over-voltage Protection Components:
• Zener Diodes
• TVS Diodes/ESD Diodes
• MOSFET/Transistor Circuits
1. Zener Diode:
- Used to maintain a constant voltage
Selection Parameters of Zener Diode:
• Zener Voltage(Vz)
• Max Current(Iz)
• Maximum Power Rating
• Bias Current
2. TVS/ESD Diode:
- A type of zener diode
- Designed to protect electronic circuits from overvoltage surge, particularly electrostatic
discharge (ESD) events
Selection Parameters of TVS/ESD Diode:
• Reverse Breakdown Voltage(Vbr)/Peak Reverse Voltage(Vrwm)
• Peak Pulse Power(Ppk)/Peak Pulse Current(Ipp)
• Polarity
• Total Capacitance(Ct)
• Dynamic Resistance(Rdyn)
• Clamp Voltage(Vc)
3. Using Transistor along with zener diode:
Under-voltage Protection
Principle:
• Voltage below the lower operating range -> Functional/Undefined
• This operating condition is called brownout.
1. Undervoltage Lockout Circuit Using MOSFET:
2. Undervoltage Lockout Circuit Using Op-Amp:
Over-Current Protection
Principle:
• Overcurrent protection is a safety measure designed to prevent excessive current from
flowing through a circuit.
• When the current exceeds a predetermined safe level, it can cause electrical equipment to
overheat, become damaged, or even result in fires
Over-current Protection Types:
• Overload Protection: When the current exceeds the rated capacity of the equipment or
wiring, but does not reach the level of a short circuit. Sustained overload current can lead to
overheating of cables, insulation damage, and potentially fires if not addressed.
• Short Circuit Protection: Arises from faults or grounding issues in the electrical system,
causing a sudden and significant surge in current. A quick response is essential to
disconnect the faulty circuit and prevent more extensive harm.
1. Fuses:
Fuse Selection:
• Current rating
• Voltage rating
• Fuse type(AC or DC)
• Temperature rating
• Speed and Time
• Size and Shape
• Certifications(UL, IEC, CSA etc.,)
• Cost
Reverse Polarity Protection
Principle:
• Reverse polarity protection in electronics safeguards devices against damage caused by
incorrectly connecting the positive and negative power supply terminals.
• This is achieved by using circuits or components that prevent current flow when the polarity
is reversed, ensuring the device remains unharmed.
1. Using Silicon/Shottkey Diode:
Considerations:
• Reverse Leakage Current
• Breakdown Voltage
2. Using P-Channel MOSFET :