High Capacitance Regulator Loads

§ 2.16 - High Capacitance Regulator Loads

Should it be the case that a Power Block is supplying power to a load with 100 uF or more of load capacitance, regulator manufacturers recommend connecting a reverse-biased high current diode (1N4004, etc.) across the regulated output and ground to protect the regulator from excess power dissipation.

For a 79xx-series negative regulator, you would connect the anode of this protection diode to the regulator's unregulated supply voltage, and its cathode to the - regulated voltage output of the Power Block.

For a 78xx-series positive regulator, you would connect the cathode of this protection diode to the regulator's unregulated supply voltage and its anode to the + regulated voltage output of the Power Block.

Tip: If you're not using the battery backup inputs for anything else, D5 and D6 may be used in this role. Each build orients these diodes such that all you have to do is connect the battery backup input to the associated regulated output and you now have reverse short-circuit protection.

If you are already using the battery backup inputs for their intended purpose, then you'll have to add a diode directly across the Power Block's unregulated and regulated outputs.

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