A new low-cost control technique for power factor correctors operating in continuous conduction mode

This paper deals with a new control method for low-cost power factor correctors (PFCs) operating in the continuous conduction mode (CCM). Using this method, the control circuitry is simpler and cheaper than in the case of using a multiplier, yet the topology can be designed to operate in CCM at heavy loads. As in the case of the multiplier-approach control, a standard input-current feedback loop (average-current-mode control) must be used to implement this control method. However, the multiplier can be changed for a simple and inexpensive bipolar transistor. Therefore, a very cheap switching-mode power-supply controller plus a few inexpensive components are enough to control a PFC if the proposed method is used.