Variable Power Factor Correctors - PFC:

element14 offers an exclusive range of PFCs.  Advanced PFC ICs also incorporate power monitoring and communication features, supporting smart grid integration and energy management systems. 

A Power Factor Correction (PFC) IC is added to a power supply circuit to bring its power factor close to 1.0 or reduce harmonics. PFCs are specialized power management devices that optimize the relationship between voltage and current in AC-DC power supplies. These integrated circuits improve power factor - the ratio of real power to apparent power - bringing it closer to unity, thus maximizing power delivery efficiency and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

PFC controllers implement sophisticated algorithms to shape input current waveforms, reducing harmonic distortion and ensuring compliance with international standards like IEC61000-3-2. Modern PFC ICs feature advanced topologies including CCM (Continuous Conduction Mode), DCM (Discontinuous Conduction Mode), and interleaved designs, each optimized for specific power levels and application requirements.

Key applications include server power supplies, industrial equipment, LED lighting, and home appliances where efficient power conversion is crucial. These ICs incorporate programmable frequency control, synchronization capabilities, protection circuits, power metering capabilities, and additional functionalities.