Power Factor Correction
Study(PFC)
01 Introduction to Passive PFC
Table of 02 Understanding PFC Boost Converters
Contents 03 The Bridgeless PFC Advantage
04 Common-Mode EMI Challenges
05 CCM vs. CrM - Key Differences
06 Y-Capacitor Selection for Noise Attenuation
07 X-Capacitor Selection Essentials
08 Filtering Inductance Selection Strategy
09 Comprehensive Design Guidelines
10 Summarizing Key Points
11 Thank You!
1
What is EMI and what are EMI
filters?
EMI is caused due to the switching and other power electronics producing harmonics which in turn
release unwanted Electromagnetic radiation in EMI form.
Frequency cut-off is selected by the standards required.The frequencies below a certain range So
there are several kinds of EMI filters which are listed as :
T-fliter- pi-filter-
Single T filter =Used in basic power supply circuits with moderate noise and low frequency devices.
TV, noise on DC power lines
Single pi filter = Commonly used in switching power supplies to reduce high frequency switching
noise.
2 stage T filter- 2 filters in series.Used in industrial environment where the equipment is more
susceptible to high EMI noise and greater attenuation requirement like sensitive medical equipment.
2 stage pi filter-in high end equipment requiring suppression of high frequency noise
Reference: https://youtu.be/aaawjErdBuY?si=EPEYinY5Paq1bUoS
2
X-Capacitor Selection Essentials
X-capacitors serve to attenuate differential mode noise effectively.
They are designed for specific failure modes. Failure of X capacitors could result in a fire. X capacitors
are designed to fail shorted, which causes a fuse or circuit breaker connected to the device to open,
preventing the possibility of a fire.
Reference- https://youtu.be/q7z0ht7eCig?si=Ke6YWQkwhAoEkBDD
3
Y-Capacitor Selection for Noise
Attenuation
Choosing the right Y-capacitor is critical for attenuating common mode noise.
Safety is paramount, with strict limits on leakage currents to prevent hazards.
A leakage current max of 0.5mA provides a generous safety margin.
Understanding voltage and frequency requirements is essential for capacitor design.
Reference- https://youtu.be/q7z0ht7eCig?si=Ke6YWQkwhAoEkBDD
4
LISN: Line Impedance Stabilisation
network
A LISN’s primary purpose is to provide a known impedance at the power input of the EUT removing
the input source noise and measuring the EMI of the power converter setup.
The image shown in the right is EMI standard to be maintained for
Class A and class B power electronic devices.
LISN has several configurations. I need to review them once.
5
Introduction to Passive PFC
Passive Power Factor Correction (PFC) enhances efficiency with simple designs, high reliability, and
lower costs.
It is essential in high-power circuits to reduce inductor size and improve performance.
Transitioning into complex designs can lead to inefficiencies, particularly with voltage drops across
diodes.
Understanding these principles can lead to better design choices in power electronics.
Passive PFC are used at frequencies of 50 or 60 KHz. So they are used for low-power supplies.
6
Understanding PFC Boost
Converters
PFC boost converters are pivotal in improving the efficiency of power systems.
They support modes like Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM),
and Critical Conduction Mode (CrCM).
Less ripple current and low thermal stress contribute to overall reliability.when used in interleaving
configuration. This image shows the structure of
both passive PFC and active PFC.
7
Understanding PFC Boost
Converters
 
Reference-
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/info/docget.jsp?did=68570 ,
https://youtu.be/T2KHIWbRuaI?si=ID04k84EJo1RLT_3
Passive PFC: simple design high reliability, low cost.
PFC boost converter : Simple control and easy implementation CCM,DCM CrCMless ripple current.
Low thermal stress. in high power circuits to reduce size of the inductors.Large voltage drop and
conduction loss.because voltage drop across the diode is high = less efficient. But interleaving in
PFC makes ripples low.
8
The Bridgeless PFC Advantage
Bridgeless PFC eliminates the bridge rectifier for enhanced efficiency.
By utilizing switches with a common PWM signal, the control system becomes simpler and more
efficient.
However, it introduces challenges in voltage sensing and current sensing.
Isolated sensing methods like transformers and optocouplers become necessary.
.Reference- https://youtu.be/W-wbEphS1fc?si=WR_ce5Tp5-nvS5Yq
9
Common-Mode EMI Challenges
Common-mode EMI can complicate the performance of Bridgeless-Boost PFC designs.
Floating input voltage necessitates careful attention to parasitic capacitances.
The high voltage differential can lead to noise that is difficult to mitigate.
Designing filters to address this noise is a significant consideration for engineers.
Next, we will compare Conduction Modes: CCM vs. CrM.
1
0
CCM vs. CrM - Key Differences
Critical conduction mode (CrM) offers high efficiency and less switching loss, but can result in
substantial peak currents.
This can lead to increased electromagnetic interference (EMI).
While CCM is more stable, CrM is preferred for medium power applications below 300W.
Engineers must weigh these factors when designing their systems.
1
1
Filtering Inductance Selection
Strategy
Inductance plays a crucial role in forming a low-pass filter alongside input capacitors.
It effectively attenuates differential mode noise in power electronics.
Understanding the interplay between capacitor values and inductance is essential.
Calculated inductances should align with the expected switching frequencies for optimal performance.
This leads us to our final design guidelines.PFC design guidelines can be found out in the reference
paper
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4814667
