1. Overview

Power Factor Correction (PFC) integrated circuits (ICs) are critical components in power management systems that improve electrical efficiency by aligning the phase of current with voltage waveforms. This reduces harmonic distortion and reactive power, enhancing energy utilization. PFC circuits are essential in modern electronics, particularly for compliance with international standards like IEC 61000-3-2, which regulate harmonic currents in power supplies.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Active PFC	Uses switching circuits to dynamically control current waveform	High-end power supplies, servers, industrial equipment
Passive PFC	Relies on inductors/capacitors for basic waveform shaping	Low-cost consumer electronics, small appliances
Transition Mode (CrM) PFC	Operates at zero current detection for reduced switching loss	LED drivers, battery chargers
Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) PFC	High-efficiency operation with continuous inductor current	High-power industrial systems, electric vehicle charging

3. Structure and Composition

A typical PFC IC consists of:

• Control Core: Implements PWM/PFM algorithms for switch regulation
• High-Voltage Gate Drivers: Interface for external MOSFET/IGBT
• Current/Voltage Sensing Circuits: Feedback for waveform correction
• Protection Modules: Overvoltage, overcurrent, and thermal shutdown
• Communication Interfaces: Digital control (e.g., I C) in smart power systems

Physical packaging includes QFN, SOIC, and TO-220 formats for different thermal requirements.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Input Voltage Range	90-264 VAC standard	Determines global compatibility
Efficiency	Typically >90%	Energy savings and thermal performance
Switching Frequency	45kHz-300kHz	Affects component size and EMI
Power Factor	Target >0.95	Compliance with harmonic regulations
Thermal Resistance	15-50 C/W	Reliability and power handling capability

5. Application Fields

• Consumer Electronics: PC power supplies, LED TVs
• Industrial: Variable frequency drives, welding equipment
• Automotive: Onboard chargers for EVs, battery management systems
• Renewable Energy: Solar inverters, wind turbine converters

6. Major Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
TI (Texas Instruments)	UCC28070	Transition mode PFC with 115kHz operation
STMicroelectronics	L6562	High-voltage startup, valley switching
Infineon	ICE3PCS01H	Integrated CoolMOS solution
ON Semiconductor	NCP1654	Multi-mode operation for wide load range

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

• Match input/output voltage requirements with IC capabilities
• Balance efficiency targets with switching losses
• Select appropriate package for thermal management
• Evaluate EMI characteristics for system integration
• Consider digital control features for smart systems

Example: For a 3kW server power supply, select CCM PFC ICs with integrated gate drivers and thermal shutdown protection.

8. Industry Trends

Current trends include:

• Integration with wide bandgap semiconductors (GaN/SiC) for higher efficiency
• Digital PFC controllers with adaptive algorithms
• Higher integration levels combining PFC + DC-DC conversion
• Increased focus on automotive-grade solutions for EVs
• AI-driven predictive power factor correction systems

The global PFC market is projected to grow at 6.8% CAGR through 2030, driven by renewable energy and EV adoption.