CAP014DG - X Capacitor Discharge IC | Power Integrations
MPN: CAP014DG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.92 |
| 10 | $0.83 | $8.30 |
| 100 | $0.72 | $72.00 |
| 500 | $0.61 | $305.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.52 | $520.00 |
CAP014DG Overview
An X capacitor discharge IC is a specialized power-management block that solves the standby-power vs. safety-discharge trade-off in AC-DC converters. The CAP014DG sits in the X-capacitor discharge path on the AC side of the bridge rectifier; it acts as an AC-active switch that is open (high-impedance) when line voltage is present and closed (low-impedance) when line voltage is removed, providing safety discharge without wasting power. This category belongs to the broader hierarchy: power management IC -> specialized PMIC -> capacitor discharge IC -> safety/discharge sub-system. CAPZero-family devices are widely used in adapters, open-frame SMPS, and TV/monitor standby rails where 5 mW of standby loss matters.
Key features of the CAP014DG include support for X-capacitor values up to 1000 nF (1 uF) total, blocking voltage of 1000 V, low leakage in the on-state, simple two-terminal interface that needs no external control signal, and integrated voltage detection that distinguishes AC present vs. AC absent. The device uses the AC line itself to sense when it should enter the blocking or the discharge mode, so no auxiliary bias supply is needed. Because the IC is series-connected with the discharge resistors, it is designed to survive repetitive AC line transients and meets the basic-insulation requirements for primary-side touch-safe discharge paths.
Typical applications include smartphone and tablet adapters (5 W to 65 W USB-PD), TV and monitor standby supplies, white-goods SMPS (washing machines, refrigerators), industrial PLC power supplies, and any AC-DC converter that must meet IEC 62368-1, IEC 60950-1, or ENERGY STAR standby limits. The CAP014DG is especially valuable in designs targeting the European EuP and U.S. DoE Level VI standby tiers, where total no-load consumption must be below 75 mW to 300 mW depending on output rating.
When designing with the CAP014DG, route the device in series with the two discharge resistors across the X capacitor, and keep trace lengths short to avoid nuisance tripping during line transients. Verify that the chosen X capacitor total value does not exceed 1000 nF, otherwise discharge time will exceed the one-second safety limit. Add a single high-voltage Y-cap on the AC sense pin if the application environment contains fast line transients.
Drop-in alternatives for CAP014DG — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with CAP014DG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Mode, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
CAP014DG-TL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →CAP015DG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CAP013DG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CAP016DG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CAP200DG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CAP014DG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | X Capacitor Discharge IC |
| Series | CapZero |
| Maximum X Capacitance | 1000 nF (1 uF) |
| Blocking Voltage | 1000 V |
| Standby Power Loss at 230 VAC | <5 mW (essentially zero) |
| Operating Mode | Automatic; no external control required |
| AC Line Detection | Internal, self-powered from AC line |
| Package | 8-pin SO (SOIC-8, 3.90 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (junction) |
| Storage Temperature Range | -65C to +150C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Safety Standard Compatibility | IEC 62368-1, IEC 60950-1, IEC 60065 |
CAP014DG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A (AC Sense / Discharge Terminal) — AC-side terminal of the X-cap discharge path; connects to L or N through the discharge resistor network |
| Pin 2 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 3 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | B (AC Sense / Discharge Terminal) — AC-side terminal of the X-cap discharge path; connects to the other line conductor |
Typical Applications
CAP014DG is suitable for 7 applications: Smartphone and Tablet USB-PD Adapters, TV and Monitor Standby Supplies, White Goods SMPS (Washing Machines, Refrigerators), Industrial PLC and Control Power Supplies, Open-Frame AC-DC Adapters and Modules, Audio and AV Equipment Standby Rails, IoT and Smart Home Gateways.
Smartphone and Tablet USB-PD Adapters
The CAP014DG is a natural fit for 5 W to 65 W USB-PD adapters that must meet DoE Level VI and EU CoC Tier 2 standby limits. In a typical adapter, the X capacitor (typically 100 nF to 470 nF across L/N) would otherwise waste 60 to 100 mW through 1.5 M ohm discharge resistors at 230 VAC. Placing the CAP014DG in series with those resistors drops that loss to <5 mW per the Power Integrations CapZero datasheet. The 1000 V blocking rating and 1000 nF X-cap limit comfortably cover all common adapter designs. Pair the part with an InnoSwitch or LinkSwitch primary switcher for a complete low-standby solution.
Recommended
TV and Monitor Standby Supplies
Large-screen TV and monitor standby rails have substantial X capacitance on the AC input to meet EMI limits, often totaling 470 nF to 1000 nF. Without the CAP014DG, that X cap would burn 100 to 200 mW continuously through the required discharge resistors, blowing ENERGY STAR standby budgets. The CAP014DG's 1000 nF X-cap limit and 1000 V blocking voltage are purpose-built for this exact use case. The 8-SO package sits cleanly on the EMI filter section of the PCB. Use one CAP014DG per X-cap network and verify post-discharge voltage meets the IEC 62368-1 one-second limit during safety agency submission.
Recommended
White Goods SMPS (Washing Machines, Refrigerators)
White-goods switch-mode power supplies operate continuously and have strict standby requirements, often below 500 mW total no-load for the whole appliance. The CAP014DG eliminates the X-cap discharge loss on the AC input, recovering 75 to 100 mW per supply versus a resistor-only design. The 1000 V blocking withstands the line transients common in motor-driven appliances. Operating temperature range of -40C to +125C junction comfortably handles the under-cabinet and behind-refrigerator thermal environments. The 8-SO package reflows cleanly on standard lead-free profiles.
Recommended
Industrial PLC and Control Power Supplies
Industrial 24 VDC and 48 VDC power supplies for PLC and process-control applications often operate on 115/230 VAC mains with substantial Y and X capacitance for conducted EMI suppression. The CAP014DG recovers the 60 to 150 mW normally burned across the X-cap discharge resistors, helping designers hit industrial standby specs like EN 61131-2. The 1000 V blocking rating and IEC 60950-1 / IEC 62368-1 discharge compliance make this device a turnkey safety solution. The 8-SO package fits the typical industrial control PCB density and reflows at standard 245C peak profiles.
Recommended
Open-Frame AC-DC Adapters and Modules
Open-frame 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V adapter modules use larger X capacitors to meet Class B EMI limits, often 470 nF to 1000 nF. The CAP014DG saves 75 to 100 mW of no-load waste per module, which is critical for OEM customers who aggregate many adapters behind a single AC distribution point. The 8-SO surface-mount package is footprint-compatible with the typical open-frame PCB assembly flow. Designers should place the CAP014DG close to the X-cap terminals and minimize trace inductance on the AC sense path.
Recommended
Audio and AV Equipment Standby Rails
Audio amplifiers, sound bars, and AV receivers carry X capacitors on the AC inlet to suppress EMI from the class-D amplifier stages. The CAP014DG keeps standby power below 5 mW contribution from the X-cap discharge path, helping audio brands meet the EU 500 mW standby regulation. The 8-SO package occupies minimal PCB real estate in space-constrained sound-bar enclosures. Pair the CAP014DG with a primary-side regulated switcher for an audio-grade standby supply.
Recommended
IoT and Smart Home Gateways
Always-on IoT gateways and smart-home hubs must pass ENERGY STAR and EU standby rules while remaining online. The CAP014DG removes the X-cap discharge loss so the gateway can stay connected at <300 mW total standby. The 1000 nF X-cap limit and 8-SO footprint cover the small-form-factor gateway PCB. Designers should coordinate the CAP014DG with the upstream surge protection to ensure the part's 1000 V blocking withstands the chosen MOV/GDT clamping level.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for CAP014DG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | CAP014DG-TL | CAP015DG | CAP013DG | CAP016DG | CAP200DG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SO (SOIC-8) | 8-SO (SOIC-8) - same | 8-SO (SOIC-8) - same | 8-SO (SOIC-8) - same | 8-SO (SOIC-8) - same | 8-SO (SOIC-8) - same |
| Brand | Power Integrations | Power Integrations | Power Integrations | Power Integrations | Power Integrations | Power Integrations |
| Max X Capacitance | 1000 nF | 1000 nF | ~330 nF | 1000 nF | ~1500 nF | 1000 nF |
| Blocking Voltage | 1000 V | 1000 V | 1000 V | 1000 V | 1000 V | 1000 V |
| Standby Loss at 230 VAC | <5 mW | <5 mW | <5 mW | <5 mW | <5 mW | <5 mW |
| Generation / Topology | CapZero Gen 1 | CapZero Gen 1 | CapZero Gen 1 | CapZero Gen 1 (legacy) | CapZero Gen 1 | CapZero-2 (Gen 2) |
| Packaging Form | Tube / Bulk | Tape & Reel (13-inch) | Tube / Bulk | Tube / Bulk | Tube / Bulk | Tube / Bulk |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Zero standby loss vs. discrete discharge resistors (vs Discrete 1.5 M ohm + 1.5 M ohm bleed resistor pair)
- Self-powered AC sensing eliminates auxiliary bias (vs Discrete FET-based discharge circuits)
- 1000 nF X-cap support covers almost every adapter and TV/monitor design (vs CAP015DG (~330 nF limit))
- Single 8-pin SO package simplifies layout (vs CAP200DG CapZero-2 (8-SO but different sense topology))
Design Notes
Place the CAP014DG in series with the X-capacitor discharge resistor network as close to the X cap as possible. Keep the AC-sense traces short and away from switching node traces to avoid noise coupling into the internal AC-detection comparator. Provide a clearance of at least 3 mm between the CAP014DG pads and any secondary-side copper, per IEC 60950-1 / IEC 62368-1 basic-insulation guidelines for primary-side components.
Do not exceed the 1000 nF total X-capacitor limit, otherwise the one-second discharge requirement of IEC 62368-1 will fail. Do not place a Y-capacitor on the AC-sense pin; the part senses directly off the AC line. Do not parallel two CAP014DG devices to share current - they are designed for single-device operation. If your X cap exceeds 1000 nF, use the CAP016DG (extended range) or reduce the X capacitance by using a Class II EMI filter stage instead.
The CAP014DG is not a power-supply IC; it is a safety/discharge IC that consumes <5 mW at 230 VAC by design. When budgeting standby loss, count the discrete resistor loss you replace (typically 60-100 mW at 230 VAC for a 1.5 M ohm + 1.5 M ohm pair) as the savings. Estimate: P_saved = V_AC^2 / (R1 + R2) = 230^2 / 3,000,000 = ~17.6 mW continuous per leg, totaling ~70 mW across the bridge, against the <5 mW with CAP014DG.
The CAP014DG dissipates <5 mW during normal operation, so thermal management is not critical. The 8-SO package has ample margin for the tiny dissipation; standard JEDEC JESD51 1-oz copper pours are sufficient. Estimated: at <5 mW the junction rise above ambient is <1C even with a modest 100 C/W theta_JA, so thermal derating is unnecessary in this design.
The CAP014DG does not generate EMI; its switching is synchronized to the AC line zero-crossings so no high-frequency harmonics are introduced. Place it adjacent to the X cap so the discharge-loop area is minimized. If your design uses a common-mode choke on the AC inlet, place the CAP014DG after the choke (on the cold side of the X cap) to avoid disturbing the EMI filter's attenuation profile.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per the Power Integrations product page; lead-free and halogen-free. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade mains-side device, not an automotive-grade component. Safety compliance (IEC 62368-1, IEC 60950-1, IEC 60065) is a system-level responsibility, not a part-level certification.
