Climate Change and Energy Efficiency in Electronics

One illustration of this principle can be found in voltage regulation. Industrial DC power supplies typically provide 24V or 12V, while most control circuitry operates at 3.3V or lower. To bridge this gap, a regulator is required to step the voltage down. The simplest and most commonly used solution is the linear regulator, which is integrated into countless electronic systems. Linear regulators are straightforward to implement, typically requiring only input, ground, and output connections. However, this simplicity conceals a major drawback: the regulator essentially functions as a variable resistor, dissipating the voltage difference as heat (Figure 1). This leads to significant energy loss.

A more efficient alternative is the switching regulators (Figure 2). By rapidly toggling the power transistor on and off, these devices maintain the desired output voltage with significantly less wasted energy. Since the transistor dissipates noticeable heat only during switching, and very little in its fully on or fully off states, efficiency is greatly improved.

Another advantage of switching regulators is their low standby power consumption. Linear regulators typically draw around 8mA for internal housekeeping circuits regardless of load, whereas switching regulators often require only about 1mA when idle. This difference is especially important in devices that remain in standby mode for extended periods, such as garage door openers, which operate only briefly each day.

For a linear regulator, standby usage can add up to approximately 1.75kWh annually. In contrast, a switching regulator may consume up to eight times less energy in the same scenario, significantly reducing unnecessary power consumption. Moreover, modern switching regulators are designed as direct replacements for older linear models (Figure 3), making it easy to upgrade existing systems to more sustainable designs.

Switching regulators typically have a higher initial purchase price than linear regulators. However, once the costs of heatsinks, thermal paste, mounting hardware, and assembly labor are taken into account, the overall expense is often lower with the switching solution. To illustrate this, consider a manufacturer developing a stand-alone door entry system with fingerprint recognition, battery backup, and an IP67-sealed enclosure:

Although switching regulators can be more expensive per unit, their higher efficiency reduces overall system requirements. In the case above, a smaller charger and battery could be used while still maintaining 24-hour backup capability. The result: lower operating costs, more compact components, and reduced shipping weight—all contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. Crucially, the system also avoided thermal stress, helping to protect sensitive components such as fingerprint readers from damage.

Embracing efficient power solutions can lower both environmental impact and system costs. Devices with higher efficiency and lower standby consumption not only benefit the planet but also provide a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace.

We are committed to designing power products that combine sustainability with cost-effectiveness. While this requires thoughtful engineering and careful component selection, the results are well worth the effort. Climate change cannot be solved by one company or one individual alone, but together we can create more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Every small step matters.