Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1351

Question

What is the overvoltage protection on the Differential Voltage Probe and Current Probe?

Answer

In the DCP and DVP manuals, we specify that the maximum voltage on any input is +/-10V. This is our stated over voltage protection (our systems are designed for +6/-6V operation). These sensors are protected by a 6.2V zener diode and a 100 ohm current-limiting resistor in series. This works nicely at 10V. At higher voltages, there is a chance that you can damage the zener diode (but not the rest of the circuit). Applying higher voltages to these sensors can damage them.

Created by: dvernier on November 17 2004
Last updated by: jgastineau on May 12 2005