Wiring Schematic Diagram

Most good bench power supplies include a form of overvoltage protection, but for those power supplies or for other applications where over voltage protection is required, a simple over voltage crowbar circuit can be built. It uses just four components: a silicon controlled rectifier or SCR, a zener diode, a resistor and a capacitor.

The SCR over voltage crowbar or protection circuit is connected between the output of the power supply and ground. The zener diode voltage is chosen to be slightly above that of the output rail. Typically a 5 volt rail may run with a 6.2 volt zener diode. When the zener diode voltage is reached, current will flow through the zener and trigger the silicon controlled rectifier or thyristor. This will then provide a short circuit to ground, thereby protecting the circuitry that is being supplied form any damage.

However it is necessary to ensure that the power supply has some form of current limiting. Often a fuse is ideal because the SCR will be able to clamp the voltage for long enough for it to blow. The small resistor, often around 100 ohms from the gate of the thyristor or SCR to ground is required so that the zener can supply a reasonable current when it turns on. It also clamps the gate voltage at ground potential until the zener turns on. The capacitor is present to ensure that short spikes to not trigger the circuit. Some optimisation may be required in choosing the correct value although 0.1 microfarads is a good starting point.