Jinx wrote:

> > resistor. I've got units like this running for
> > 15 years and never failed
>
> Possibly an appliance as a whole was expected to live
> a shorter time than the PSU so some components were
> chosen for cost and simplicity. Say for example you have
> a TV that craps out after 10 years. The manufacturer may
> consider that a reasonable lifetime. Owner gets the fault
> repaired and off goes the TV for few years more, and all
> the while the power-handling components are going well
> past their expected service life. Although perhaps that
> was the case in the past - in these cheap import throwaway
> days that might not be so

So is Mr. Jinx planning a cheapy product? ;o)
I would pull apart a few cheapy mains micro
products, like electronic timers etc, look at how
they do the Xc supply and make yours just that
bit better. Should be good training for
certification needs of the product too. Might
even lead you to the right brands for the caps
and semis too for cheap pricing.
-Roman

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