> Hope this counts as PIC, not EE
>
> I've seen circuits for very simple, efficient, transformerless,
> non-isolated power supplies such as
> http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/supply5.htm .
>
> Would I have a chance of running a very low frequency PIC16 on this
> type of supply? would i need to stick a 7805 in too? or is it simply
> too noisy?
>
> thanks
>
> jon


These sort of supplies have a tremendous shock hazard, so be careful!
Also, I'd add a resistor in series with the capacitor to limit the current
when it's plugged in at a line voltage peak. The zener is probably enough
of a voltage regulator for the circuit (a pic works over a wide range).
The output of the circuit is similar to a constant current source with the
current splitting between the zener and your load. If the load current
varies substantially, you need to dissipate quite a bit of power in the
zener to regulate it.

I seem to recall some chips that were especially for this sort of supply.
I thought maybe Maxim, but can't find it on their website.

Harold

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