Power Integrations releases next-gen X-capacitor discharge ICs

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Power Integrations released the latest generation of its energy-saving X-capacitor discharge ICs. The new two-terminal CAPZero-3  ICs enable designers to meet IEC60335 safety approvals for major appliances. The new line covers capacitor values from 100 nF to 6 µF, allowing designers to use one part for a range of appliance applications.

CAPZero-3 ICs simplify EMI filter designs while permitting the use of larger X capacitors, which in turn allows designers to use smaller inductive components with no resulting change in power consumption, said Power Integrations.

CAPZero-3 ICs feature a high differential surge withstand due to 1,000-V internal MOSFETs. No external ground connection is necessary thanks to the devices’ high common-mode surge immunity. They can be placed before or after a system’s input fuse. Creepage on the package and PCB is maintained at >4 mm.

These devices are safety-certified to CB and Nemko requirements. This means developers do not need to perform a separate safety test on the X-capacitor discharge circuit of the power supply.

CAPZero-3 devices are priced at $0.31 in quantities of 1,000.