Hello,
I've searched for this question on this forum and other sites, but couldn't find any clear information.
Some linear regulators require a diode in parallel, as a protection against the output caps discharging through the regulator (in cases of an shorted input, or if the input drops faster than the output), providing a way to safely discharge them. As an example, the LM7805 datasheet mentions this.
In my application, I'm using a LM2940-9.0 to power some boards, and the total output capacitance seen by the regulator may reach 1000 uF or more.
I want the application to be as reliable as possible. This kind of protection is not mentioned on the LM2940 datasheet. Is it required?
If so, the "reverse battery protection" feature of LM2940 would be bypassed by this diode, and I must provide another means of polarity protection (a diode in series at the input), right?
