How do I protect a PCI5401 Function Generator from Accidental High Voltages without losing functionality?

[Gavin]

I've been told that because the PCI5401 is an output device, it has very little built in protection. I have incorportated the PCI5401 in a test system that checks that power supply modules have been built correctly,however it is feasible that a faulty power module may present upto 200V at the output of the PCI5401.How do I protect a PCI5401 Function Generator from Accidental High Voltages without losing functionality?

[Brent_R]

Hello Gavin,

You might be able to use something simple like a series resistor and a couple diodes to clamp the output. If you don't need to go down to DC then a DC blocking capacitor could protect the arb. Finally, you may be able to find separate isolated amp to put on the output of the 5401.

Regards,

Brent Runnels
Applications Engineer
National Instruments