The 5v regulator (3-pin type) has its ground leg attached to parallel-backward-connected 1N4005 diodes. The other end of the diodes are grounded. A cap is also paralled to the diodes.
Can someone enlighten me as to the advantages of this design? All 5v power to ICs, etc. is 5.02v (measured across the IC supply pin and ground pin), so I presume that the entire power supply has been raised 0.64v above system ground.
This is in an automotive alarm.
Is this diodes-to-ground a surge-protection method? Or...?
Thanks,