Reverse Polarity Clamp Example

Application

Use this circuit to understand why electrolytic capacitor polarity matters in a current-limited reverse connection.

Design Context

The capacitor is intentionally connected with its positive terminal toward return while a resistor limits reverse stress current.

Expected Behavior

The operating point shows reverse voltage and branch current through the model leakage and clamp path.

Key Values

• V1 is 5 V.
• RLIM is 10 k to keep current small.
• C1 uses the default reverse clamp parameters.

Suggested Experiments

• Increase RLIM to reduce reverse current.
• Change reverse clamp parameters in advanced settings.
• Compare this with the reservoir-capacitor orientation.

Featured Component

The polarized capacitor component models non-ideal reverse behavior instead of acting like an ideal open circuit.