9V Reverse Polarity Protection Circuit: Should Input Be AC or DC?

The 9V reverse polarity protection circuit discussed is designed for DC input, not AC. The presence of a positive terminal near the 12V input and diode-based protection confirms its DC orientation. The circuit is intended for charging NiCd batteries, typically seven cells providing around 8.4V nominal and up to 10.5V when fully charged. Components such as diodes D5 and D6 prevent battery discharge, while transistors Q1 and Q2, along with resistors R3 and potentiometer P1, form a constant current limiting and cutoff mechanism to protect the battery and circuit. The input voltage should be regulated DC, ideally around 12V, with consideration for voltage drops across diodes and resistors totaling approximately 2.8V. Using AC input is not recommended as the circuit is not designed for it. A 15V/1A DC supply was mentioned as input in the discussion.
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