Power Integrations introduces a wide-range CAPZero-2 IC with X-capacitor safe discharge up to 6 µF

     Power Integrations, an industry leader in high-voltage integrated circuits dedicated to energy-efficient power conversion, announced the launch of the CAPZero™-2 IC, the next generation device in its CAPZero family of innovative double-terminal X-capacitor discharge ics. Applications for the new devices include air conditioners, home appliances, small appliances, cooking appliances, vacuum cleaners, televisions, desktop and laptop computers, projectors, workstations, computer monitors, and printers.

     The CAPZero-2 IC covers a wide range of applications and output power for increased design flexibility. Covering a wide range of X capacitors from 0.1 µF to 6 µF, and with a breakdown voltage rated at 1 kV to withstand transient voltages of 6 kV, the CAPZero-2 IC can withstand severe input surges and voltage surges.

     The CAPZero-2 IC is an intelligent high-voltage switch that dramatically reduces idle and standby input power consumption. When connected in series with a resistor that provides a safe discharge path for the X capacitor of the power supply, the CAPZero-2 device blocks the current flow to the discharge resistor after AC voltage is applied, thereby reducing power loss in these components to zero. After the AC voltage is turned off, CAPZero-2 automatically discharges the X capacitor safely by closing the circuit and keeping the electrical energy away from the exposed AC plug.

     Edward Ong, Director of Product Marketing at Power Integrations, said: "With the launch of our new CAPZero-2 IC, power designers only need to certify one component number for all their X-capacitor discharge IC applications. This not only increases design flexibility, but also speeds time to market, while reducing the resource investment required to certify devices."

     The CAPZero-2X capacitive discharge IC eliminates a major power source while bringing the power supply into compliance with IEC 62368-1, the new premier safety standard covering a wide range of energy-using devices. The new standard will replace IEC 60950 and IEC 60065 and will be enforced soon. Because CAPZero-2 devices are certified to meet CB and Nemko safety requirements, developers do not need to perform separate capacitor discharge safety tests on the power supply circuit.