Help with prototype-circuit protection

  • Thread starter Thread starter brutl_force
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Protection
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing circuit protection for an automotive computer that draws a maximum of 30 amps at 12 VDC. The user, Dan, seeks to protect the device from voltage spikes, positive current shorts, and incorrect battery connections. Recommendations include using diodes for both positive and negative wires, specifically targeting TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diodes for effective voltage spike protection. The goal is to keep component costs under $50.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of automotive electrical systems
  • Knowledge of diode types and ratings
  • Familiarity with circuit protection methods
  • Basic skills in soldering and assembling electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research TVS diode specifications for automotive applications
  • Learn about circuit protection strategies for automotive electronics
  • Explore the use of fuses and circuit breakers in automotive systems
  • Investigate the impact of voltage spikes on electronic components
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for automotive engineers, hobbyists working on vehicle electronics, and anyone involved in designing circuit protection for sensitive automotive devices.

brutl_force
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello. First off, I am not an electrical engineer, have no college education, just an inventive mind, and smart enough to get myself into trouble.

The project: I have a automotive computer I need circuit protection for. This computer draws a maximum of 30 (dual 15 amp fuses) amps at 12 VDC on 4 un-switched battery wires. I want to protect it from voltage spikes (up to lightning would be great), positive current shorts to ground (that do burn these computers), or welding on the vehicle chassis, and protect against hooking up the battery leads wrong (WILL burn these computers).

From what I can figure, I need some diodes on both positive, and negative (it uses 3 negative wires for ground) wires.

Question: being as I have limited knowledge of diodes, what type/ratings would I need for this project.

Trying to keep the cost under $50 in components.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
Dan
 
Engineering news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K