Tranformer less power supply with 6/12V dc with 500mAmp current

The discussion addresses the design of a transformerless power supply providing 5V/12V DC output at 500mA from 110/220V AC input. The common transformer-based approach is avoided due to weight concerns. A proposed solution involves using high-voltage capacitors to drop AC voltage before rectification and regulation. A shared circuit uses direct 230V AC supply with a series capacitor and zener diode for output voltage limitation, but it is unisolated and presents lethal shock hazards. The circuit requires careful insulation and isolation to prevent user contact with line voltage. Adjusting capacitance values is necessary to accommodate different mains voltages (120VAC vs 220VAC), with potential use of switches to select capacitance for voltage compatibility. A 32V zener diode is recommended for regulator input protection but may dissipate significant power. The circuit is suitable only for users experienced with high-voltage, unisolated designs. Additional references on capacitor usage in power supplies were suggested for further study.
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