RuggedCircuits:
Nope, a zener it is indeed. This is a pretty good description of the concept:http://relays.te.com/appnotes/app_pdfs/13c3264.pdf
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The Ruggeduino: compatible with Arduino UNO, 24V operation, all I/O's fused and protected
Well, I learned something new, and I'm keeping that app-note for future reference - thanks!
I do tend to wonder what the curves would look like with a Schottky in place of a regular diode (vs the diode/zener pair) - I might have to try to replicate this in some manner on my own scope at some point (I have wondered why the L298 literature recommends Schottky diodes instead of slower ones - maybe it has more to do with DC motors and how they work, rather than with how relays work?)...
Very interesting, all the same! Thank you.
