This module protects a connected load from reverse voltages down to -60 V. This version does not block reverse current, making it suitable for applications such as motor control, which have the potential to deliver energy back into the supply.

Operating voltage¹	Max current	On resistance	Reverse current blocking
4-60 V	10 A	< 10 mΩ	no

¹ Operates down to 3.2 V after startup.

Pololu Reverse Voltage Protectors are tiny 0.3″×0.5″ 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 4 V (3.2 V after startup) to 60 V and provide protection from negative voltages down to -60 V. They are available in two different power levels (10 A or 12 A) and with or without reverse current blocking, providing four options in all:

The versions without reverse current blocking are suitable for use with loads that have the potential to send current back into the power supply, such as motors. The versions with reverse current blocking act as ideal diodes, preventing any current from flowing from the load back into the supply.

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

Details for item #5380

Pololu Reverse Voltage Protector, 4-60V, 10A, top view.

Pololu Reverse Voltage Protector/Ideal Diode Reverse Voltage Protector, bottom view.

This module uses an LM74500-Q1 reverse voltage protection controller and N-channel MOSFET to provide protection from negative voltages down to -60 V. It operates from 4 V (3.2V after startup) to 60 V and has a VIN path impedance of approximately 10 mΩ when the MOSFET is on (i.e. when power is connected with the proper polarity), enabling currents up to around 10 A continuous (and up to around 30 A for a few seconds). This version does not block reverse current, making it suitable for applications such as motor control, which have the potential to deliver energy back into the supply.

Operating voltage	Max current	On resistance	Reverse current blocking
4^*-60 V	10 A	< 10 mΩ	no
^* Operates down to 3.2 V after startup.

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.