Simple, self-powered two-terminal devices automatically and safely eliminate losses in power-supply EMI filters

SAN JOSE, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 10, 2014 — Power Integrations (NASDAQ: POWI), the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced that its CAPZero^™ family of innovative, two-terminal, automatic X-capacitor discharge ICs has been certified to meet IEC 62368, the new over-arching safety standard covering TVs and IT equipment. The CAPZero family eliminates power losses while allowing power supplies to comply with safety standards. The new standard replaces IEC 60950 and IEC 60065 and will become mandatory.

CAPZero ICs are smart, high-voltage switches that are placed in series with the resistors used to provide a safe discharge path for a power supply’s X capacitor. Without this switching mechanism, these discharge resistors cause a constant power drain while AC is connected and therefore contribute significantly to no-load and standby input power consumption. CAPZero X-capacitor discharge ICs block current flow to the discharge resistors when AC voltage is applied, cutting the power wasted in these components to zero. When the AC voltage is disconnected,  CAPZero automatically and safely discharges the X capacitor by closing the circuit and directing the energy away from the exposed AC plug.

Comments Edward Ong, product marketing manager at Power Integrations: "Once the new standards reach a mandatory phase, mains-voltage electrical equipment must carry the IEC 62368 certification. CAPZero ICs are certified to the new standard and deliver a simple, cost-effective solution to eliminate discharge resistor loss while requiring minimal modification to system or PCB layout. This approach allows engineers total flexibility in their choice of the X capacitor used, optimizing differential-mode EMI filtering and providing a highly cost-effective option for designers optimizing no-load consumption, power factor, and EMI, as well as meeting the most up to date safety regulations.”

CAPZero ICs can be used before or after the system input fuse, as the innovative X-capacitor discharge ICs inherently meet international safety standards for all open- and short-circuit fault tests. Devices are suitable for all AC-DC converters with X capacitors, and are available with 825 V or 1000 V MOSFETs to support a variety of power supply design needs. Applications include PCs, servers/workstations, monitors and TVs, printers and notebooks, appliances requiring ErP Lot 6 compliance, and adapters requiring ultra-low no-load consumption.

CAPZero ICs are available now in an SO-8 package priced at $0.40 each in 10,000-piece quantities. Product datasheet, design ideas, and introductory video are available now on the Power Integrations website at  www.powerint.com/en/products/capzero-family/capzero.

Power Integrations, Inc., is a Silicon Valley-based supplier of high-performance electronic components used in high-voltage power-conversion systems. The company’s integrated circuits and diodes enable compact, energy-efficient AC-DC power supplies for a vast range of electronic products including mobile devices, TVs, PCs, appliances, smart utility meters and LED lights. CONCEPT IGBT driver systems enhance the efficiency, reliability and cost of high-power applications such as industrial motor drives, solar and wind energy systems, electric vehicles and high-voltage DC transmission. Since its introduction in 1998, Power Integrations’ EcoSmart^® energy-efficiency technology has prevented billions of dollars’ worth of energy waste and millions of tons of carbon emissions. Reflecting the environmental benefits of the company’s products, Power Integrations’ stock is included in the NASDAQ^® Clean Edge^® Green Energy Index, The Cleantech Index^®, and the Ardour Global Index^SM. For more information, including design-support tools and resources, please visit www.powerint.com; visit Power Integrations’ Green Room for a comprehensive guide to energy-efficiency standards around the world.

Power Integrations, CAPZero, EcoSmart, and the Power Integrations logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Power Integrations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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