Howdy. Some of you may know that I am working on a "battery power for MCU experiments and projects" (https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/...ry-power-projects-primer.177587/#post-1610839) primer. I have been slowly collecting information for that as time permits.
Now I feel compelled to add a project to the queue, possibly to run in parallel with the first one. This one is targeting people seeking to create mains connected circuits and particularly capacitive dropper based supplies.
The idea is to have a place to point people so they can get up to speed on the risks, best practices, and design safety features if they are going to build something like this. Capacitive droppers are ubiquitous now, even in better products. They are cheap, and appear easy, but what are the potential pitfalls?
So, I wanted to get a nice list of things to do and not to do, things to test, and how to avoid turning electronics into an extreme sport.
Here's a preliminary outline, a very early draft. I'm looking for input on what might be added as well as content for any topic (advice, tips, etc.)
Thanks for your help!
Now I feel compelled to add a project to the queue, possibly to run in parallel with the first one. This one is targeting people seeking to create mains connected circuits and particularly capacitive dropper based supplies.
The idea is to have a place to point people so they can get up to speed on the risks, best practices, and design safety features if they are going to build something like this. Capacitive droppers are ubiquitous now, even in better products. They are cheap, and appear easy, but what are the potential pitfalls?
So, I wanted to get a nice list of things to do and not to do, things to test, and how to avoid turning electronics into an extreme sport.
Here's a preliminary outline, a very early draft. I'm looking for input on what might be added as well as content for any topic (advice, tips, etc.)
Thanks for your help!
Code:
What is the mains suopply?
• Voltages and Currents
• Live, Neutral, and Ground/Earth
• Color Codes
• Connectors and Polarization
• GFCI/RCD/AFCI/etc.
...
What is isolation and how should I use it?
• Transformers
• Antitracking Slots
• Designs that Minimize Risk
...
What are Safety Capacitors?
• X, Y, What's the differece?
• Selecting the Right Cap
...
Selecting Components
• Wire: Gauge and Insulation
• Connectors
...
Should I even consider a CD Supply?
• What are the risks to consider?
• What are the benefits to consider?
...
...