With such a smart idea, we’re surprised no-one else has invented such a thing before. A fully enclosed power supply module, with IEC 110 to 240VAC input, mounting tabs, and DC regulated output. All in a compact and slick design.
Chances are you’ve used DC power plugs before, also known as wall warts. You plug into the wall, you get a DC barrel jack output. These are very common, why would you want the RECOM power module? Well for starters, you can’t guarantee the polarity and voltage of DC ports, they are not standardized. You could be getting anywhere from 3V up to 24V DC, and the polarity could be center negative or center positive. So you’d have to add protection and regulation circuitry to handle all the options.
Secondly, folks can lose the power adapter, or it can get damaged. (Like many folks, I have a box of power adapters that I’m terrified of tossing because I don’t know what they go to).
This module has the ultra-standardized IEC C13 power cable input. It’s Earth grounded, unlike wall adapters, so bonus if you need an Earth connection. These cables are standard world-wide, which, when combined with the module’s 100 to 240V 50 or 60 Hz input, means that your product is easy to use anywhere. The cables are found in any hardware store as well. The module also has lots of safety and EMC compliance certifications, so you can quickly get your product to market.
We’d definitely recommend this module for any engineer who wants to save a bunch of time, and wants to reduce risk of global deployment, and EMC testing. It’s really solidly made, with a continuous stamped metal body and spade-lug contacts. We bought one in 5V 1A. They’re available from 3.3V up to 15V. Note that they’re rated for 5 Watt total, so check that you have the current draw you need.
We put one of these on our electronic load and were able to draw 1.8A continuous, so even though it’s rated for 1A, that isn’t a hard limit. We liked that when the current draw went to 2A, instead of drooping a lot, it just cut out. The output ground is also completely isolated from Earth.
Digi-Key has hundreds of RAC05-05SK in stock right now, for immediate shipping. If you’re designing a product or project, and need a quick power-supply solution that’s super durable and reliable, order one today and you’ll be able to integrate it tomorrow morning!
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