Protection, Brownout protection – Fairchild DUAL TRACKING VOLTAGE REGULATORS RC4194 User Manual
Page 8

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
RC4194
8
Figure 9. RC4194 Recommended Compensation
4194
0.001
µ
F
Comp+
R
0
Comp-
R
0
R
SET
R
SET
0.01
µ
F
0.01
µ
F
0.001
µ
F
4.7
µ
F
*
65-4201
+V
S
–V
S
+V
S
–V
S
+V
OUT
–V
OUT
+V
OUT
–V
OUT
Note:
All Capacitors are Ceramic Disc 
Except * = Solid Tantalum
All compensation and bypass caps should have short leads, 
solid grounds, and be located as close to the 4194 as possi-
ble. Refer to Figure 9 for recommended compensation cir-
cuitry.
Protection
In systems using monolithic voltage regulators, a number of 
conditions can exist which, left uncorrected, will destroy the 
regulator. Fortunately, regulators can easily be protected 
against these potentially destructive conditions. Monolithic 
regulators can be destroyed by any reversal of input or output 
voltage polarity, or if the input voltage drops below the out-
put voltage in magnitude. These conditions can be caused by 
inductive loads at the inputs or outputs of the regulator. 
Other problems are caused by heavy loads at the unregulated 
inputs to the regulator, which might cause the input voltage 
to drop below the output voltage at turn-off. If any of the 
preceding problem conditions are present in your system, it 
is recommended that you protect the regulator using diodes. 
These diodes should be high speed types capable of handling 
large current surges. Figure 10 shows all six of the possible 
protection diodes. The diodes at the inputs and outputs pre-
vent voltages at those points from becoming reversed. 
Diodes from outputs to inputs prevent the output voltage 
from exceeding the input voltage. Chances are that the sys-
tem under consideration will not require all six diodes, but if 
in doubt, be sure to include them.
Brownout Protection
The RC4194 is one of the most easily applied and trouble-
free monolithic ICs available. When used within the data 
sheet ratings (package power dissipation, maximum output 
current, minimum and maximum input voltages) it provides 
the most cost-effective source of regulated 
±15V for power-
ing linear ICs.
Sometimes occasions arise in which the RC4194 ratings 
must be exceeded. One example is the “brownout.” During 
a brownout, line voltages may be reduced to as low as 75 
VRMS, causing the input voltage to the RC4194 to drop 
below the minimum dropout voltage. When this happens, 
the negative output voltage can go to positive. The maximum 
amount of current available is approximately 5 mA.
In general this is not enough current to damage most ICs 
which the RC4194 might be supplying, but it is a potentially 
destructive condition. Fortunately, it is easy to protect 
against. As shown in the typical application circuit in Figure 
11, a diode, D, can be connected to the negative output.
Figure 10. RC4194 Regulator Showing All Protective Diodes
4194
0.001
µ
F
Comp+
+V
S
-V
S
R
0
R
SET
Comp-
R
0
R
SET
0.01
µ
F
0.01
µ
F
0.001 F
4.7
µ
F *
-V
OUT
+V
OUT
+V
OUT
-V
OUT
65-4202
+V
S
-V
S
To
-V
OUT
Note:
All Capacitors are Ceramic Disc 
Except * = Solid Tantalum
