AC-DC converter with no input rectifiers and power factor correction

摘要

A transformer isolated, Power Factor Corrected (PFC) AC-DC power converter comprises a main power path which is buck derived, and most of the power passes through a single power stage to the output. A parallel path in the secondary circuit shunts current to a storage capacitor during the times when the input AC current is at its peak, and returns current to the circuit when the input AC current is low. In one embodiment, the shunt stage comprises a secondary side boost converter. In another, the shunt stage comprises a buck converter. Regardless, the input stage may operate without input rectifiers if AC switches, such as back to back MOSFET's are used, because the output of the transformer and secondary rectifiers is the same regardless of the polarity of the instantaneous input voltage.