TI Unveils TPS7A78: Smart AC/DC Regulator with 75% Higher Efficiency and 2× Power Density

Texas Instruments expands its line of over 500 linear regulators with the first‑of‑its‑kind smart AC/DC linear regulator, the TPS7A78. Offering 75% higher efficiency and twice the power density of conventional linear regulators, it delivers the ideal balance of high efficiency and ultra‑low noise while significantly reducing power‑supply size.

The TPS7A78 is a non‑isolated regulator that can convert up to 0.5 W of AC to DC using fewer, smaller components. Its smart design incorporates an active bridge, a switched‑capacitor, and an integrated low‑dropout regulator, resulting in higher efficiency and a smaller capacitor footprint than traditional capacitor‑drop solutions that rely on Zener diodes.

Key to its performance is a dynamic active‑bridge clamp that pre‑regulates the input voltage, achieving an outstanding standby power of only 10 mW—up to 75% lower than conventional capacitor‑drop regulators.

The switched‑capacitor architecture removes up to 26 discrete parts, including the bridge rectifier, and cuts the required capacitor size by 25% compared to standard solutions. The TPS7A78 also eliminates the need for costly magnetic shielding, meeting IEC 61000‑4‑8 requirements for applications such as electronic metering and building automation. It is available in a 14‑pin, 5 × 6.5 mm TSSOP package.