Low-volume programmable-output PFC rectifier with dynamic efficiency and transient response optimization

摘要

The present invention is a system, apparatus and method of a PFC rectifier having a programmable output voltage that does not incur a drastic penalty in the overall size or volume of the device, or a significant degradation in efficiency. The PFC rectifier of the present invention may incorporate a two-stage solution for output voltage regulation. The present invention provides a topology of a small-size/volume PFC rectifier with a variable (i.e. programmable) output voltage and a complementary control method. The two-stage system of the present invention incorporates a smaller and lower cost capacitor than the bulky size and costly energy storage capacitors required in conventional prior art. The present invention also achieves tight output regulation. The two-stage topology of the present invention further achieves on-line efficiency optimization and significantly reduces the volume of the downstream stage over the prior art examples through dynamic adjustment of the downstream stage supply voltage.

主权项

1. A PFC rectifier with a programmable output voltage operable to reduce the size or volume of a converter in a downstream stage of the PFC rectifier, comprising:
a) a front converter incorporated in a front stage, and said front converter incorporating a non symmetric capacitive divider incorporating a top capacitor and a bottom capacitor, wherein:
i) the top capacitor is operable to store energy at a sufficiently high voltage to provide hold up time and increase a current slew rate during transients to provide a fast dynamic transient response; andii) the bottom capacitor is operable to dynamically adjust on-line power processing and regulate the efficiency of a downstream stage of the PFC rectifier; and b) a buck converter incorporated in the downstream stage.