Transformerless power supply - Convert AC to 5,9,12,15V DC

Introduction

Converting AC voltage to DC voltage is most common in most electronic circuits. The traditional power supply consists of the transformer to do this job. To convert AC voltage to dc voltage a step-down transformer and supporting circuits like diode and capacitor are essential. In this article, We are exploring the concept and working of a common transformerless power supply circuit.

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Contents

Understand transformerless power supply

The specially designed circuit does the job of converting the AC voltage into Dc voltage. The conversation process needs only a few components without a traditional transformer. The circuit consists of a few capacitors and diodes. The new technology of converting AC voltage to desired dc voltage is useful for most applications such as battery chargers and led drivers. Compared with the size of the traditional power supply this new one is more compact and low cost.

Circuit Diagram

Advantage of transformerless power supply

There are more advantages to discussing the transformerless power supply. The most common are.

Compact size
Cost-effectiveness
Efficiency

The main advantage of compact size means the total space to occupy the circuit in a small cabin. So there are no weight materials on it like an iron core built transformer. Using a few components can deliver the dc voltaic to the output section so the total cost to build the circuit is cost effective. The proper designing and assembling of the circuit can able to achieve high efficient power supply.

Limitations to using transformerless power supply

We discussed the major advantages of transformerless power supply. There is one thing that needs to be discussed, and that is the limitations of transformerless power supply.

Power limitations
Safety concerns
High ripple noise

The transformerless power supply can be used in low-power applications. You can only achieve a few milli-amperes from the circuit. Drawing high current from the power supply will damage the components or produce high heat on the connected components like resistor and capacitor.

The second limitation of using this circuit is safety, the entire circuit contains AC-connected tracks so there Is A chance of direct contact with the AC supply. So there is a chance to get shock from AC. You need to take more care while building or testing this circuit.