AC/DC linear regulator achieves huge increase in efficiency

The broad portfolio of over 500 linear regulators has been expanded by Texas Instruments (TI), by introducing a first-of-its-kind smart AC/DC linear regulator. With 75% higher efficiency and two times the power density of other linear regulators, this device achieves balance between high efficiency and ultra-low noise while shrinking power-supply size.

The fully integrated TPS7A78 linear regulator uses a switched-capacitor architecture to eliminate discrete components, including external inductors and transformers and miniature circuit breakers and interrupters, for tamper-resistant designs in applications including electronic metering in grid infrastructure and building automation.

The TPS7A78 is a non-isolated linear regulator that delivers up to 0.5W from AC to DC with smaller, fewer components. This smart design optimises regulation through an active bridge, switch capacitor and integrated low-dropout regulator (LDO). This design results in higher efficiency and a reduced capacitor size compared to linear regulators in traditional capacitor-drop solutions utilising a Zener diode.

Features and benefits of the TPS7A78

  • Low standby power: A dynamic active bridge clamp pre-regulates the input voltage for optimal performance to reduce standby power to ten milliwatts, which is up to 75% lower compared to traditional capacitor-drop solutions.
  • Higher power density: The switched-capacitor architecture eliminates up to 26 discrete components, including the bridge rectifier. This architecture reduces capacitor size by 25% compared to traditional capacitor-drop solutions.
  • Tamper-proof design: The TPS7A78 is free of costly magnetic shielding, thus meeting the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61000-4-8 standard required by applications such as electronic metering.

Available through the TI store and authorised distributors, the TPS7A78 is offered in a 14-pin, 5×6.5mm thin-shrink small-outline package (TSSOP) and priced in small reels at $1.00 in 1,000-unit quantities.

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Previous Post

Next generation additive manufacturing process for ceramics

Next Post

Helping Collins Aerospace future-proof avionics systems