Learn how to design a transformerless power supply for low-power devices with safety and efficiency tips.
How to Design a Transformerless Power Supply?
In the design and development of
electronic products, one of the critical considerations is how to power
the device efficiently. Traditional power supplies often use a step-down
transformer to convert high AC voltage to a lower AC voltage before
rectifying it into DC voltage. While effective, this approach can be
bulky, costly, and unsuitable for compact or low-power applications. To
overcome these limitations, transformerless power supplies have become a
popular alternative, especially in low-power applications like LED
lighting, small household appliances, and electronic toys. This article
will explore how to design a transformerless power supply, focusing on a
12V output design, and explain its components, working principle, and
applications. What is a Transformerless Power Supply? A
transformerless power supply is a type of power supply that converts
high AC input voltage (typically 120V or 230V) directly to a low DC
output voltage (such as 3V, 5V, or 12V) without the …
About the author
Prasun Barua is a graduate engineer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a passion for simplifying complex technical concepts for learners and professionals alike. He has authored numerous highly regarded books covering a wide range of elec…