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Why an X-capacitor discharge resistor can affect standby power
An X-capacitor sits across the line and neutral input of an AC-DC supply to help filter electrical interference. When the supply is unplugged, that capacitor can retain charge. A discharge resistor provides a path for the stored energy to drain, but a conventional resistor can also consume power while the supply remains connected to AC.
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CAPZero-4 is designed to control that path: according to Power Integrations, its IC disengages the energy-consuming resistor while active AC voltage is present and reconnects it after unplugging. The intended benefit is to reduce power otherwise lost in the bleed resistor without leaving the X-capacitor charge unmanaged when the supply is disconnected.
What Power Integrations reports
The figures below are manufacturer-reported specifications and claims, not independent measurements. The stated system reduction depends on the converter design and operating conditions; it is not a guaranteed saving for every product.
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| Item | Power Integrations’ stated figure or scope |
|---|---|
| Potential system no-load and standby input-power reduction | Up to 1000 mW, as reported by Power Integrations in its 2026 announcement |
| CAPZero-4 device consumption | Below 0.75 mW at 230 VAC, as reported by Power Integrations |
| Supported line-to-neutral input capacitance | 100 nF to 6 μF, according to Power Integrations |
| Operating temperature range | −40°C to 125°C, according to Power Integrations |
| CAPZero family cumulative shipments | More than one billion ICs since the technology’s 2010 introduction, according to Power Integrations |
The company cites total system standby requirements as low as 300 mW to explain the design context. That is not a universal regulatory limit. It also says CAPZero-4 may suit adapters seeking no-load consumption below 300 mW and appliances requiring ErP Lot 6 compliance; these are manufacturer-described applications, not evidence that every design using the IC meets those targets.
What engineers need to check before adopting CAPZero-4
Confirm the X-capacitor and discharge-time requirements
Power Integrations states suitability for AC-DC converters with 100 nF to 6 μF line-to-neutral input capacitance. The appropriate external resistor values still need to be selected to meet the required X-capacitor discharge time. Use the current CAPZero-4 datasheet and applicable safety requirements to choose components and validate the complete converter design; the product announcement is not a design guide.
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Assess migration from CAPZero-3
The manufacturer describes CAPZero-4 as pin-to-pin and package compatible with CAPZero-3. It also says migration requires selecting suitable external resistor values for the required discharge time, so compatibility does not eliminate design review or verification.
Interpret standards claims at the product level
Power Integrations says designs using CAPZero-4 meet IEC 60335, EN/IEC 62368-1 (NEMKO), UL 62368-1, and GB 4943.1 (CQC). This statement does not establish that adding the IC by itself certifies a finished appliance, adapter, or other end product. The complete system’s applicable requirements and certification conditions still matter.
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Applications and availability
Power Integrations names appliances, displays, adapters, and industrial equipment as target markets. The company describes the ICs as in production and shipping to customers. The announcement does not establish a price, lead time, or stock position at a particular distributor, so buyers should confirm the exact part and current availability through their normal component-sourcing channels.
Edward Ong, senior product marketing manager at Power Integrations, said: “CAPZero-4 makes it easy for our customers in industrial and consumer markets to meet increasingly stringent standby and no-load requirements.” This is the company’s characterization of the product, rather than an independent assessment of system performance.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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