Digitally controlled boost power-factor-correction converters operating in both continuous and discontinuous conduction mode

Whereas power-factor-correction (PFC) converters for low-power ranges (less than 250 W) are commonly designed for operation in the discontinuous conduction mode, converters for higher power levels are operated in the continuous conduction mode. Nevertheless, when these converters are operated at reduced power, discontinuous conduction mode will appear during parts of the line period, yielding input current distortion. This distortion can be eliminated by employing a dedicated control algorithm, consisting of sample correction and duty-ratio feedforward. The reduction of the harmonic distortion of the input current and the increase of the power factor are demonstrated by experiments on a 1-kW boost PFC converter.