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Key Considerations for PFC Inductors

Note: PFC (Power Factor Correction) inductors are used in active boost circuits to correct harmonic current distortion in AC to DC converters. The goal is to achieve a Power Factor (PF) as close to 1.0 are possible.
 

Inductor Selection

  • Switching Frequency
  • Output Power Requirements
  • Temperature Rise/Environment
  • Maximum Peak Desired Current
  • Physical Size
  • Mechanical Mountin Methods
  • Additional Bias Voltage Needs

Inductor Optimization

Proper Core Selection

  • Ferrite
  • Powered Iron
  • Low Loss
  • High Flux
  • MPP
  • Gapped Amorphous Core

Wire & Winding Configurations

  • Balance AC & DC Losses
  • Litz Wire
  • Proximity Effect

Trade-Offs / Challenges

  • Cost
  • Size
  • Performance
   
 

E-Core - Inductor, PFC

  • Inductor controlled by Core Gapping
  • High Current
  • Lower Winding Cost
  • PFC Board Mounting
   
 

Toroid - Choke,
PFC, IR 1150

  • Inductor Swing
  • Moderate Cost
  • Higher Loss