Ways to avoid cross-connection of remote sense wires

It is important to ensure the correct polarities of the power supply are use in the remote sense circuit; the +ve sense wire should connect at the load near the +ve Vload connection, and the –ve sense wire to the -ve Vload connection.

Simplified schematic of remote sense circuit with external output and sense wires

If the remote sense wires are crossed-connected (i.e. +ve sense to –Vload and –ve sense to +Vload), current will flow in the sense lines and ultimately this will burn out the internal R-sense resistors, causing the power supply to malfunction.

Typically, these internal R-sense resistors are around 10 to 100 Ohms with a maximum rating of 0.5W.

To read more about how to use the remote sense, please visit: www.emea.lambda.tdk.com/uk/faq

In the meantime, if you have a question you’d like to ask TDK-Lambda, please feel free to use the online FAQ form and we’ll get back to you with an answer to your question as soon as possible.