Power supply connection proofing

[AndrewA]

Good morning

I have recently become involved in a project where a microcontroller was going to switch  number of sequential outputs from one or two inputs.

we are using Picaxe 08M2 and 14M2chips for the project.

Anyway, the question of the power supply came up, and I suggested we use a DC socket on the board (our own homebrew design, which works remarkably well on the bench) to supply power.  The ideas guy came back and said no, he wanted a screw terminal type unit. 

I thought I might place a bridge rectifier on the power supply input to proof the power supply correction against incorrect hook up.

So my question is: Will that work, or do I need to try something different?

Any thoughts?

[Fank1]

Even a single diode can provide reverse polarity protection.

[tautech]

I have seen a reverse biased diode across power rails used for wrong polarity protection.
I'm not sure if it would be quick enough for a micro??
Probably if put on the supply side of the main supply caps could rely on surge to the caps allowing it to conduct quickly.
UF diode could be used.

Or a crowbar reverse polarity protection.

Either creates a dead short until the magic smoke escapes.   

[mariush]

There's also reverse voltage protection using p channel mosfet

[AndrewA]

Thanks guys.

I think I'll put a diode in the power supply circuit on the positive supply side, probably a 1N4004, seeing as the whole circuit draws less than half an amp.

Thanks for the assist.