Automatically change polarity of the output

[PRW]

This question is somewhat in relation to a previous post of mine,

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=222218&page=1

Is there a simple circuit that no matter which direction the input polarity was connected, the output would always be the same?

 

[geekEE]

it sounds like you're talking about a full-wave bridge rectifier. Just four diodes to implement that.

Glenn

 

[geekEE]

Sorry, I meant to send a Wikipedia link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode_bridge

 

[Skogsgurra]

It depends on what your signal actually is. And if you allow some voltage drop. If you need one rail (GND for instance) to be common to input and output. Also if you accept some current to be drawn from the input and if auxiliary power supplies are allowed or not.

There is a solution to almost all your needs, but it depends a lot.

Rectifier, precision rectifier (absolute value circuit), polarity sensing and switching with relays etcetera are but a few possibilities.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[PRW]

Thanks, a full wave bridge never occured to me. DUH!