Sometimes there are advantages in opting to use the old way. For instance, a mains transformer based power supply, normally has a far longer life than a switched mode power supply, although the latter offer the advantage of supplying far higher currents at lower DC voltages. Still, for an old electronics engineer, provided a 3 phase power supply is available, very high DC current outputs are possible with a ripple of only 15% of peak voltage. This performance can be achieved even without a smoothing capacitor! [For those who want the exact percentage, it is a matter of solving an equation containing a couple of sines. Draw 3 sine waves with the same amplitude but reflect the negative have cycles into the x-axis. Then solve for the intersection points.]
So, the musty fusty old ways cannot be completely forgotten. In this case, if you want very long term reliability you have to use the old way. My little motto is: use the best fitting technology available without giving undue consideration to whether its old or new. _______________________________________________ Dng mailing list Dng@lists.dyne.org https://mailinglists.dyne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/dng