Hi.
Just come across some linear voltage regulators
from ST Microelectronics called VB408 and VB409.
They have a high input voltage range (400 and 580V),
so they can be connected directly to rectified 110
or 220 V mains. They deliver a max of 40 or 80mA, so
could easily feed a simple PIC circuit.

http://us.st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/6421.pdf
http://us.st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/6941.pdf

The VB408 is $0.84 is single quantity at Mouser.

(23.90 SEK from Farnell in Sweden, or aprox $2.90 !)


Now, anyone looked at these ? Or any similar mains
connected volt regulator ? Could be an alternative
to the usual "cap-voltage-divider" used in low power
mains connected microcontroller circuits maybe ?

Jan-Erik.

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