Transformerless Power Supply

[mister_e]

you may also do a google search with 'capacitive dropper'

just one part of the theory...
http://www.vintage-radio.com/repair-...per-calcs.html

[Melanie]

The Capacitor value is dependant on the CURRENT you are intending to draw - which will also impact on the current rating of the Zener D2 and VDR1. 470nF is good for about 25/30mA. I find formulas in this case don't hold up too good... simply take your Capacitor and put it across your AC Supply in series with an AC Ammeter. That'll give you a reasonable idea of absolute maxium current. Next step is to build your circuit, and then load the Zener until the input voltage at the Kathode starts to colapse below the holding value. That then tells you how far you can sensibly go with your selected Capacitor.

Without the Zener Diode (D2) and D1 combination, off-Load, the Voltage at the Anode of D3 will quickly reach AC Supply potential (eg 240v) and the poor little 78L05 (which has a 30v max input or thereabouts) and everything else on the board would be history. The Zener clamps the off-load voltage to a safe level. D1 stops the Zener from popping. This design had to be reasonably failsafe, so there is secondary protection in the form of VDR1 should the Zener fail. If Capacitor C2 failed, the combined current through D1, D2 and VDR1 would quickly blow the fuse.

At least that's the theory, nobody's died yet as far as I know (I've been told to refrain from killing off clients as apparantly it impacts on repeat business).

[volkov]

Very logical design approach... I am planning to use a MKT capacitor rated at 63v (for my circuit) is this the same flavour that is used for the "Mains" transformerless Power supplies?

Also, I have seen a few circuits where the input is passed through the capacitor and then a fullvawe rectifier, what would be the advantage of doing it this way.

Well hopfully, will have something built by the weekend. :-)

Volkov

[Melanie]

No problem full or half-wave rectifying after the Capacitor. Full wave recification is better if you are going to have a high current demand as you'll have less ripple on the main smoothing capactor. But for only a few mA you may find it's not worth the extra components and expense.

On the "mains" supplies, I recommend the use of X2 rated Capacitors only. If you already have a low-voltage supply, that's not so much of a concern. Put in a Capacitor whose voltage rating is at the minimum twice that of the off-load volatge of your AC Supply.

[psdayama]

Very logical design approach... I am planning to use a MKT capacitor rated at 63v (for my circuit) is this the same flavour that is used for the "Mains" transformerless Power supplies?

Also, I have seen a few circuits where the input is passed through the capacitor and then a fullvawe rectifier, what would be the advantage of doing it this way.

Well hopfully, will have something built by the weekend. :-)

Volkov

It is always better to use fullwave rectifier as capacitor may buid up charge
in half wave supplies. 63V MKT capacitors can work with 30V ac source.No need of expensive
X2 capacitors. Only need is to check ampere rating of capacitors.
U have to consider capacitor as lossless impedance and calculate required value as per current requirement. Please note this arrangement works as current source so U have to provide requisite load all time. I am attaching
diagram for same: The unmarked resistor has same value as relay coil.

[volkov]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to thank everyone who helped out and an update... well after several weeks I finally found the time to do some experimentation.

I found that the capacitance required was in the order of 4.7mF which meant big MKT caps... as space was a premmium I opted for a Bipolar Electrolytic with a 50Vw rating. (Even though they are not recomended for AC circuits) Anyway, todate the PS has been running without a beat. If in time I have a disaster on my hands I'll let you know.

Thanks again

Volkov