Power Integrations Unveils Highly Efficient PFC Controller IC Family

The HiperPFS-4 power factor correction (PFC) controller IC features an integrated Qspeed low reverse recovery charge (Qrr) boost diode and draws as little as 36 mW during no load conditions.

 

The HiperPFS-4 family. Image courtesy of Businesswire

 

Members of the HiperPFS-4 IC combine the boost diode, the continuous conduction mode (CCM) PFC control circuitry and a 600 volt MOSFET in one highly intergrated package This high voltage rating makes it possible for the devices to satisfy the 80% de-rating requirement when delivering a 385 VDC constant-voltage bus. Additionally, these PFC ICs enable a power factor of better than 0.95 at loads above 20%

As noted by 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 Role of the Boost Diode in providing 98% full load efficiency

The boost diode plays a critical factor in assuring that as little as possible of the electrical energy stored in the inductor is wasted, as might otherwise occur during certain phases of the PFC’s operation. An important factor of the diode’s efficacy is its QRR.

When a PN diode is reverse biased, and thereby turns off, it undergoes a brief period where current actually flows in a backwards direction. Integrating the locus of this current over that time yields its reverse recovery charge - its QRR. 

It is claimed by Power Integrations that its Qspeed diodes, incorporated within chosen HiperPFS-4 family members, sport the lowest QRRs of any low-cost silicon diode.

 

Features of the HiperPFS-4 Family

The devices can tolerate a 305 VAC input on a steady-state basis, and a 400 VAC “abnormal” input.

Family members are with or without the Qspeed diode. As illustrated below, the designer can opt for an external boost diode.

 

Application circuits for HiperPFS-4 family devices, with and without internal Qspeed diodes. Left and right, respectively. Modified image courtesy of the Datasheet

 

The units sport protection features including UVLO, UV, OV and OTP. There is also a current limit and power limiting for overload protection, applied on a cycle-by cycle basis.

 

Availabilities

There are a wide range of PFC ICs available with and without internal Qspeed diodes.

With Qspeed diodes there are seven family members. At 90 VAC input, they can supply power factor corrected outputs of from 110 to 405 watts.

Without Qspeed diodes, Power Integrations offers 15 choices. At 90 volts, 11 members supply from 75 to 405 watts. At 180 volts, 4 members provide from 255 to 550 watts.

 

Applications

• Industrial applications
• Appliances
• PC
• High-power LED lighting
• High-power adaptors
• Printer
• LCD TV
• Video game consoles
• Generic PFC converters
• 80 Plus Platinum designs

 

Physical Considerations

The units are available in:

• InSOP-24B packages dimensioned 10.8 x 9.4 mm
• eSIP-16D and eSIP-16G packages measuring 16.53 by 8.25