JSJR SEKWELE OPTICSPHOTONIC SOLUTIONS Request a Quote

Integrated power supply without main light

A transformerless or capacitive power supply can provide low DC voltage without a main light by using a series capacitor and rectification, suitable for small electronic circuits.

How It Works

A transformerless power supply, also called a capacitive power supply, steps down AC mains voltage without using a bulky transformer. It relies on a high-voltage capacitor in series with the AC input to limit current through capacitive reactance. The AC voltage is then rectified using diodes, and a Zener diode stabilizes the output voltage to a safe DC level for low-power electronics . Unlike typical designs with an indicator LED, a supply without a main light simply omits the LED, reducing power consumption and simplifying the circuit. The capacitor still controls current, and the Zener diode ensures voltage regulation.

Key Components

  • Series Capacitor: Determines the current limit; must have a voltage rating higher than the AC peak (e.g., 400V for 220V mains) .
  • Bridge Rectifier: Converts AC to DC.
  • Zener Diode: Stabilizes the output voltage according to the load requirements.
  • Optional Resistor: Can be added for surge protection or to discharge the capacitor safely when the supply is off .

Safety Considerations

  • The output is not isolated from mains, so direct contact is extremely dangerous .
  • Only suitable for low-power applications (typically <100 mA).
  • Must be enclosed in a strong insulated box to prevent accidental contact .
  • Avoid using for devices requiring galvanic isolation or high current.

Applications

  • Small electronic circuits like ambient sensors, IoT devices, or low-power switches.
  • Situations where space and cost constraints prevent using a transformer.
  • Circuits where a main light or LED indicator is unnecessary, reducing power draw.

Limitations

  • Cannot safely power high-current devices.
  • No isolation from mains, so risk of electric shock is high.
  • Voltage regulation depends on load; large variations in current can affect output stability . By carefully selecting the capacitor and Zener diode, a compact, transformerless power supply without a main light can reliably power small electronics while minimizing size and cost .
Integrated power supply without main light - JR Sekwele Optical Networks & Photonic Group

WORLD WIDE WEB JOURNAL Home

O''Reilly & Associates, Inc. 103A Morris St. Sebastopol, CA United States

Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA

Dell provides technology solutions, services & support. Buy Laptops, Touch Screen PCs, Desktops,

Isolated vs Non-Isolated Power Supplies: The Right Choice Without

Power supply isolation, even when integrated into the board or into a multi-board system, will help protect the end user

How can we power Christmas LED lights without mains supply

The lights need to be on from about 4pm until midnight every day for almost a month. Until now, we have used multiple

24VDC POWER SUPPLY NO RELAY

Avi-on Wall Stations are available for new construction and retrofit needs with AC and battery-powered options. All

New product update: PSR Flyback

Isolated output voltages can be conveniently configured as multiple isolated outputs, as a negative voltage rail or as a level-shifted

Sore Losers: Why Some Competitors Keep Fighting After Defeat

Competitive rivalries can prevent losers from admitting defeat in racing, business and politics, research by the

Power Supply Circuit Diagram & Basic Principles for Beginners

Discover simple power supply circuit basics with clear diagrams and step-by-step explanations. Perfect for beginners

Transformerless power supplies circuit, cheatsheet and questions

Author Topic: Transformerless power supplies circuit, cheatsheet and questions (Read 12029 times) 0 Members and 1

Naver English-Korean Dictionary

Provide American/British pronunciation, kinds of dictionaries, plenty of Thesaurus, preferred dictionary setting option, advanced

Announcements

Welsh farmers to receive over £1 billion in multi-year funding certainty 19 July 2026

Isolated vs Non-Isolated Power Supplies: The Right Choice Without

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of isolated vs non-isolated power supply design.

Dear friends, My current ups is nonfunctional and so I inserted the plug of my monitor, speaker and power supply

Still Have a Technical Question?

Our photonic engineering team can help you select the right PLC splitter for your network.

Ask Our Team