Pololu Reverse Voltage Protector (4-60V 12A)

This module from Pololu protects a connected load from reverse voltages down to -60V. This version does not block reverse current, making it suitable for applications such as battery-powered motor control where delivering energy back into the supply is desirable.

Pololu Reverse Voltage Protectors are compact modules that can be inserted between a power supply and its load to protect that load from damage in the case of accidental reversal of power polarity. They operate from 4V (3.2V after startup) to 60V and protect from negative voltages down to -60 V.

The module has a VIN path impedance of approximately 5mΩ when the MOSFET is on (i.e. when power is connected with the proper polarity), enabling currents up to around 12A continuous (and up to around 40A for a few seconds).

We also stock a version with reverse current blocking, acting as an ideal diode.

Note: Any voltage on the output will reduce the 60V maximum rating. For example, if there is a large capacitor charged to 24V on the output, the minimum negative voltage would be -36V.

Connections

Supply power and ground connect to the VIN and GND side of the board, and the VOUT and GND pins connect to the load.

If the supply is connected correctly, with its positive voltage on VIN, the power will pass through the board to VOUT. If the supply is connected incorrectly, with the positive voltage on GND, supply power will not pass through to the output, and any connected load will be protected from the reversed supply voltage.

The input and output slots can accommodate a variety of connectors, including 5mm-pitch terminal blocks, 3.5mm-pitch terminal blocks, 0.2″-pitch headers, and 0.1″-pitch headers (connectors not included):

Optional TVS diode mounting location

There are pads for adding an optional SMB-size transient voltage suppressor (TVS) across VIN and GND on the bottom side of the board:

Specifications

Minimum operating voltage	4V Can operate down to 3.2V after startup
Maximum operating voltage	60V
Maximum current	12A
Reverse current blocking	N
Size	0.3″ × 0.5″ × 0.08″
Weight	0.2 g

Resources

• Dimensions
• Schematic
• 3D Model
• Drill Guide
• TI LM74500-Q1 datasheet
• TI LM74700-Q1 datasheet

Package Contents

• 1x Pololu Reverse Voltage Protector 4-60V 12A