Transformer-less AC to DC converter IC BP5041A15

[VictorPS]

I found an IC BP5041A15 which convert AC to DC, Input 240V , output is 15V , 50mA.
Is this IC actually a power Zener? Or is a miniture switch mode power supply? Or it is high voltage linear voltage regulator?

https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2005/08/bp5041a15-1.pdf

bp5062-5, Input 110V, output -5V,500mA
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2005/08/bp5062-5-1.pdf

 

[Oznog]

No, the efficiency is too high to be a zener or any type of linear reg. It's most likely doing capacitive voltage multiplier in reverse- a divider.

 

[Optikon]

Re: Transformer-less AC to DC converter IC

I found an IC BP5041A15 which convert AC to DC, Input 240V , output is 15V , 50mA.
Is this IC actually a power Zener? Or is a miniture switch mode power supply? Or it is high voltage linear voltage regulator?

https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2005/08/bp5041a15-2.pdf

bp5062-5, Input 110V, output -5V,500mA
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/custompdfs/2005/08/bp5062-5-2.pdf

Since the application circuit rectifies & smooths the line (making DC), it is probably a switch mode buck converter of some kind. conversion efficiency going up with increasing load current is consistent with this topology. It is likely not isolated but the whole thing looks potted in that package.

 

[lord loh.]

A cheap equpment that I had opened up had a resistor to bring the voltage down and a half wave rectifier. put a lm317 with it and there is no ripples.

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Added later....

This device does not seem to require any heat sink.... That is very surprising. It definitely might be soing some switch mode conversion as suggested by Optikon...

 

[VictorPS]

Really interest to know what is inside the BP5041A15 .
The efficiency is 64%, not sure if heat is generate when full load.
Has anybody use this IC before? Or after use, share with us your experience with this IC.

 

[gerty]

It doesn't appear to be isolated from the mains voltage. Use with caution..