I'm always interested in alternatives and to see how other engineers approach problems, as I'm sure others on this forum are... try this spec... Input supply 220-250vAC 50/60Hz. Output 5vDC (regulated), operating current range 0-30mA (total), short-circuit proof. Which is roughly the specification of the circuit I've submitted. The important features are (a) that there must be minimal heat dissipation... so high wattage dropper Resistors or high voltage Regulators like the VB409 which require heatsinks are out... and (b) minimal size both physically and in PCB real-estate usage.