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I need to protect my ADC from overvoltage and over current. With all the filter elements excluded, the basic configuration i want to build is below(The ADC side will be floating) Simplfied Circuit

On the datasheet, it states that the absolute maximum rating on the ADC pin is (-0.3V ~ VDD+0.3V).

At first, i thought that I could use simple TVS 400W diode with 5V rating. However, looking at the diode's datasheet, 5V rating is for VRWM(working peak reverse voltage) and the break down voltage is about 20 percent greater. Datasheet1

datasheet2

Will ADC port be safe from voltage if i use 5V rated part?

Steve
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  • back to back connected diodes will do for over voltage protection in either direction. Why do ADC draw high current? – User323693 Aug 03 '15 at 12:17
  • @Umar ADC will not draw much current. but the poliswitch is for protecting the diode rather, since a lot of current will flow through it in case of over voltage. – Steve Aug 03 '15 at 14:04

1 Answers1

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Your solution provides protection for -4.2 volts and 6.7 volts. This exceeds the maximum ratings of the ADC and is not safe. Also Zener diodes often have higher resistance than normal diodes, making them less ideal for protection.

It is of course possible to protect you ADC this way, by finding a zener that is a perfect match, but I would recommend doing it another way.

A simple resistor will in most cases do to limit currents, But if the ADC draws much current it is already broken. Usually the protection for high input currents would be in the signal conditioning part.

Two diodes connected from the input, as shown in the schematic, will protect your input from voltages under -Vf and over VCC+Vf, so if you choose diodes that have a forvard voltage of Less than 0.3 volts, you will be safe.

Diode type is at your choosing, but you might want some schottky diodes in there for the forward voltage to be right. (1n4148 is standard in the schematic editor) Diodes with Vf under 1 volt exists.

If your input is designed to be floating, I think you should add a high value resistor between 100k to 4Meg from the input to ground to have it acting less like an antenna and provide a path for offset currents. (this will of course affect high frequency behavior)

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

user55924
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  • schottky diodes forward bias at lower voltages than 1N4148, they are probably slightly better at protecting the ADC. Some ADcs turn on protection diodes when overvolatged. This can lead to erratic readings! – Robin Oct 02 '18 at 10:47