Power factor correction IC delivers 98% full-load efficiency

Power Integrations now offers its HiperPFS-4 PFC controller IC featuring an integrated Qspeed low reverse recovery charge (Qrr) boost diode. This combination produces greater than 98% full-load efficiency in PC, TV, and similar applications between 75W and 400W.

Comments Power Integrations’ product marketing manager Edward Ong: “Designs using HiperPFS-4 ICs show very high efficiency across the load range with as little as 36 mW of no-load power consumption at 230 VAC. The HiperPFS-4 family is ideal for PCs and TVs and also for battery chargers, power tools, industrial power supplies and LED lighting. The active devices incorporated into HiperPFS-4 ICs are rated to 600 V, which eases compliance with frequently requested 80% de-rating specifications.”

The IC combines continuous conduction mode PFC control circuitry, the boost diode and a 600V MOSFET in one device. Incorporating the boost diode decreases heatsink mounting, driving to a simpler design and greater thermal performance. Moreover, the built-in diode offers greater robustness against AC line surges since parasitic trace inductances are reduced, minimising voltage spikes seen by the power switch throughout transients by up to 50V. The integrated 600V MOSFET can easily reach the 80% de-rating requirement when providing a 385VDC constant-voltage bus.

The ICs deliver a power factor of greater than 0.95 at above 20% load. The boost diode is optimised for continuous conduction mode PFC operation providing very low reverse recovery losses that approach the performance of silicon carbide devices without the financial penalty.