We have a design that will require approx 8-100V input from either AC or DC. Output to be 5VDC at 1A max to operate some solid state switching and 2 PICs. the wide range of input power does not lend itself well to linear regs so looking for ideas. We have seem similar devices boasting up to 400V inputs. The nominal operating range is only 8-20V so the extra headroom is more of a safety margin.
Our thought was to possibly create a full bridge to deal with the AC on the front end, then use a switching reg for power management. I will admit we have never used switching regs and not sure what we are getting into. Can someone recommend an economical and compact solution? I am hoping that I am over complicating this. We do plan to use a cap on the front end to help with transients from dirty power. Actual value has yet to be determined.
