ICs safely discharge X capacitors up to 6µF

CAPZero-2 ICs are smart, high-voltage switches that significantly reduce no-load and standby input power consumption. Placed in series with resistors that provide a safe discharge path for a power supply’s X capacitor, CAPZero-2 devices block current flow to the discharge resistors when AC voltage is applied, cutting the power wasted in these components to zero. When the AC voltage is disconnected, the CAPZero-2 switch automatically and safely discharges the X capacitor by closing the circuit and directing the energy away from the exposed AC plug. Applications include air-conditioners, home appliances, small appliances, cookers, vacuum cleaners, TVs, desktop and notebook PCs, projectors, workstations, computer monitors and printers.

The X capacitor discharge ICs eliminate a key source of power losses while allowing power supplies to comply with IEC 62368-1, the new over-arching safety standard covering a broad segment of energy-using equipment. This standard replaces IEC 60950 and IEC 60065 and will soon become mandatory. Because CAPZero-2 devices are safety-certified to CB and Nemko requirements, developers do not need to perform a separate capacitive discharge safety test of the power circuit.

Edward Ong, Product Marketing Director, Power Integrations, comments: “With the introduction of our new CAPZero-2 ICs, power supply designers only need to qualify one part number for all their X capacitor discharge IC applications. This increases design flexibility and speeds time-to-market while reducing the resources required to qualify devices.”

Parts are immediately available in SO-8 packaging priced at $0.19 each in 10,000 unit quantities.