Rectifier for AC to DC circuit

Thread Starter

Uman

Joined May 2, 2004
11
Hello,
I am designing a transformerless linear AC 120v to DC 5v power supply with an output of about 500ma for a PIC microcontroller and LCD.
I am considering a Fairchild bridge rectifier. The Fairchild data sheet lists 7 different models (DF005 - DF10M) with the same specs but with different max reverse voltages (50 -1000v).
Should I just use the 1000v max reverse voltage rectifier or does a lesser one have an advantage?

Jeff in Florida
 

beenthere

Joined Apr 20, 2004
15,819
Without a transformer to isolate you from the line voltage, the project is extremely dangerous. Is there some overriding reason not to use an inexpensive wall transformer and regulator?
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,159
Hello,
I am designing a transformerless linear AC 120v to DC 5v power supply with an output of about 500ma for a PIC microcontroller and LCD.
I am considering a Fairchild bridge rectifier. The Fairchild data sheet lists 7 different models (DF005 - DF10M) with the same specs but with different max reverse voltages (50 -1000v).
Should I just use the 1000v max reverse voltage rectifier or does a lesser one have an advantage?

Jeff in Florida
For what it's worth I think this is a stupendously ill advised idea. It's bad enough to make one for your personal use, but it would be a mistake to productize this thing and subject people to a true safety hazard.
 

Thread Starter

Uman

Joined May 2, 2004
11
I have struggled with the notion of using a transformer and hoped to eliminate it from the circuit. I have researched the circuit and have seen views to use a transformer and not to use one. The power supply will use a regulator and will be fused. I was planning on using a zener diode with resitstor to drop the voltage. Why is it dangerous without a transformer?

Jeff in Florida
 

Papabravo

Joined Feb 24, 2006
21,159
One of the dangers is plugging into a wall socket that has been wired backwards. Lights and curling irons don't care. You will care when you touch a piece of exposed metal and find that it is AC Hot. Don't they teach anything in school anymore?
 

Thread Starter

Uman

Joined May 2, 2004
11
One of the dangers is plugging into a wall socket that has been wired backwards
The AC input connects directly to a bridge rectifier. I believe the rectifier does not care which input terminal is hot or neutral; the output will be rippled DC. How does a plug reversal cause concern here? The circuit is fused and case grounded.

Cheers,
Jeff in Florida
 

niftydog

Joined Jun 13, 2007
95
Why bother doing this when a decent switch mode 5VDC 1A wall wart costs like $15?

What is it about the transformer that is troublesome? The size?
 

Ron H

Joined Apr 14, 2005
7,063
I'm hoping you know that you might die if you touch the hot side of the AC line and earth ground at the same time. Look at the schematics below. Do you see the problem?
 

Attachments

thingmaker3

Joined May 16, 2005
5,083
I was planning on using a zener diode with resitstor to drop the voltage.
The resistor would have to dissapate more than 80 Watts. Your regulator could do double-duty as a space-heater.

I very strongly suggest using a nice simple transformer.
 

Thread Starter

Uman

Joined May 2, 2004
11
Should I just use the 1000v max reverse voltage rectifier or does a lesser one have an advantage?
I am convinced a transformer is essential. But what about the original question about the bridge rectifier reverse voltage? Any thoughts here?

Why bother doing this when a decent switch mode 5VDC 1A wall wart costs like $15?

What is it about the transformer that is troublesome? The size?
And yes, I have considered the alternate molded case power supply.
My design was to consolidate all components on one PCB, and the transformer will be a challenge to locate, due to its size and weight. I like the idea of an modular power supply, but I have not found one with terminal inputs and terminal outputs in the low cost range.

Jeff in Florida
 

John Luciani

Joined Apr 3, 2007
475
I am convinced a transformer is essential. But what about the original question about the bridge rectifier reverse voltage? Any thoughts here?
The bridge rectifier will go on the secondary side of your transformer which will
have a voltage that is well under the 50V reverse voltage of the rectifier.

(* jcl *)
 

bloguetronica

Joined Apr 27, 2007
1,541
Hello,
I am designing a transformerless linear AC 120v to DC 5v power supply with an output of about 500ma for a PIC microcontroller and LCD.
I am considering a Fairchild bridge rectifier. The Fairchild data sheet lists 7 different models (DF005 - DF10M) with the same specs but with different max reverse voltages (50 -1000v).
Should I just use the 1000v max reverse voltage rectifier or does a lesser one have an advantage?

Jeff in Florida
It depends on the peak voltage of the transformer, but in your case, you are fine using a DF005. Also, there is no vantage on using a bridge with more reverse voltage rating, since the voltage drop and voltage drop behavior
with different currents is exacly the same.
 

Thread Starter

Uman

Joined May 2, 2004
11
Since they cost about the same, is there any disadvantages with the 1000v reverse voltage? Why not use the 1000v in all cases?

Jeff in Florida
 

bloguetronica

Joined Apr 27, 2007
1,541
Since they cost about the same, is there any disadvantages with the 1000v reverse voltage? Why not use the 1000v in all cases?

Jeff in Florida
There is no need for that. Also, if you are doing a project for others to see, asking for a DF005 will leave people with other options. Asking for a DF10 won't. Especially with newbies that can't quite understand your project.

But I think this issue is more a question of taste.
 

John Luciani

Joined Apr 3, 2007
475
Since they cost about the same, is there any disadvantages with the 1000v reverse voltage? Why not use the 1000v in all cases?
Because with the higher reverse voltage usually comes a higher forward voltage
and lower forward current. The higher forward voltage increases the power
dissipation in the bridge.

(* jcl *)
 

bloguetronica

Joined Apr 27, 2007
1,541
Because with the higher reverse voltage usually comes a higher forward voltage
and lower forward current. The higher forward voltage increases the power
dissipation in the bridge.

(* jcl *)
Where did you saw that? In all datasheets I see, the I/Vf curves are the same for diodes of the same type with diferent reverse voltage ratings.
 

mrmeval

Joined Jun 30, 2006
833
Something like this
http://www.pulseeng.com/products/datasheets/LT2006_06.pdf
You should pick the bridge based on max current and max voltage and overrate it at least 25 percent. 1000v reverse is ok. The reason to derate that is cost.

Another space saving gadget is a three terminal switching regulator. The pinout fits in a standard three terminal linear pinout.

Of course TI are blithering, ****** ***** morons for discontinuing this but someone will gut them unmercifully and offer an alternative.

http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/pt5041.html

All you can get is their proprietary puke.
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/ptqa420050.html
It is totally isolated and it's ok, I just like their three terminal ones better.
 

John Luciani

Joined Apr 3, 2007
475
Where did you saw that? In all datasheets I see, the I/Vf curves are the same for diodes of the same type with diferent reverse voltage ratings.
The last diodes I needed to specify where Schottky diodes for a DC-DC converter.
If you take a look at the On-Semi MBR0530T1 and MBR0540T1. The
530 has a Vrrm=30V, If=0.5A and Vf=0.43. The 540 has a Vrrm=40V, If=0.5A
and Vf=0.51V. I believe they may have a 20V device as well with an even lower
Vf. Sizing the output rectifier for the proper breakdown voltage makes a big
difference in efficiency.

The Fairchild DFxxx specification does have the same Vf and If specifications for all
of the parts. Perhaps it is a wide specification or maybe the parts are screened for high voltage operation. I am not sure why.

(* jcl *)
 
Top