50w Supply With Halogen Lamp Transformer

Electronic transformers for halogen lamps are very compact and lightweight. An equivalent power (60W) iron-core version weighs over 1500 grams versus 50 g of the electronic one. Size is much smaller and operation generates less noise and heat. These devices are produced massively which makes them very economical. By adding a few external components we can easily make a powerful DC power supply with any desired voltage and even multiple voltages at once.

Weight is around 50g for a 60W unit. Size is less than 3" x 1.5". You can find the description of a typical circuit in this link: Transformer .

By adding an external ferrite core transformer (toroidal or EE) we guarantee total & safe isolation from the AC mains voltage, Primary winding carries only 12 turns. Secondary winding/s require only around 1 turn X volt output. In this way we can choose the output voltage we need by only adding or removing few turns. Step-down, step-up,and multiple outputs for full-wave or split supplies. Use 1mm2 insulated electrical wire. The core material should be ferrite and not iron powder.

Transformer core can be Toroidal or EE type.Material should be ferrite. Output frequency is around 40KHz (varies with load). For a DC supply, add a full-wave rectifier stage / filter / and constant voltage or constant current regulator if needed. Use ultra-fast recovery diodes. 1N4000 series are not suitable for 40KHz switching. Use UF4000 series for 1 Amp or UF5400 series for up to 3 Amps.

Electronic transformers need a minimum load to operate correctly, else output will not be stable or even null. If your application load is insufficient, add a dummy load. Use a resistor or a small incandescent lamp.

Extreme caution when connecting to AC mains. Never open the transformer when connected !