Power factor correction (PFC) circuit that eliminates an inrush current limit circuit

• US 6,487,098 B2
• Filed: 02/01/2001
• Issued: 11/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Malik, Randhir S., Hemena, William
• Primary Examiner(s): BERHANE, ADOLF D
• Application Number:
  US09/775,121
• Publication Number:
  US 20020101750A1
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 363/16, 363/80, 363/84, 363/89, 323/222, 323/908
• US Class Current: 363/89
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/4225 using a non-isolated boost converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/4291 by using a Buck converter to switch the input current
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/10 Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 323/908 Inrush current limiters

Abstract

Aspects for a power converter with power factor correction (PFC) circuit are described. The aspects include a buck/boost circuit for achieving a DC voltage from an AC input voltage signal line without developing an inrush current from the AC input voltage line, and a DC/DC converter circuit coupled to the buck/boost circuit for converting the DC voltage to a desired voltage level. The aspects are achieved in a straightforward, cost effective, and adaptable manner.

Claims

1. A power converter with power factor correction circuit comprising:

a buck/boost circuit for achieving a DC voltage from an AC input voltage signal line without developing an inrush current from the AC input voltage line; and

a DC/DC converter circuit coupled to the buck/boost circuit for converting the DC voltage to a desired voltage level.

2. The power converter of claim 1 wherein the buck/boost circuit further includes an inverted rectifier bridge coupled to the AC input voltage signal line.

3. The power converter of claim 2 further comprising a transistor coupled to the inverted rectifier bridge and a diode coupled to the transistor.

4. The power converter of claim 3 further comprising an inductor coupled to the transistor and the diode.

5. The power converter of claim 4 further comprising a capacitor coupled to the diode, wherein switching action of the transistor in conjunction with the diode and inductor develop the DC voltage across the capacitor.

6. The power converter of claim 5 further comprising a buck/boost controller coupled to the capacitor for adjusting the current flowing through the inductor.

7. A method for achieving power factor correction in a power converter, the method comprising:

providing a buck/boost circuit for achieving a DC voltage from an AC input voltage signal line without developing an inrush current from the AC input voltage line; and

coupling a DC/DC converter circuit to the buck/boost circuit for converting the DC voltage to a desired voltage level.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein providing the buck/boost circuit further comprises providing an inverted rectifier bridge coupled to the AC input voltage signal line.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein providing the buck/boost circuit further comprises providing a transistor coupled to the inverted rectifier bridge and a diode coupled to the transistor.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein providing the buck/boost circuit further comprises providing an inductor coupled to the transistor and the diode.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein providing the buck/boost circuit further comprises providing a capacitor coupled to the diode, wherein switching action of the transistor in conjunction with the diode and inductor develop the DC voltage across the capacitor.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein providing the buck/boost circuit further comprises providing a buck/boost controller coupled to the capacitor for adjusting the current flowing through the inductor.

13. A buck/boost power factor correction circuit comprising:

an inverted rectifier bridge coupled to an AC voltage signal line input;

a first transistor coupled to the inverted rectifier bridge;

an inductor coupled to the transistor;

a first diode coupled to the transistor and the inductor;

a first capacitor coupled to the transistor and the inverted rectifier bridge; and

a buck/boost controller coupled to the capacitor, wherein the circuit converts the AC voltage signal line input to a DC voltage at a desired voltage level, including a voltage level lower than a peak of the AC voltage signal line input without allowing an inrush current to develop.

14. The buck/boost power factor of claim 13 further comprising a resistor coupled to the first transistor.

15. The buck/boost power factor of claim 14 further comprising a driver coupled to the resistor, the first transistor, and the buck/boost controller.

16. The buck/boost power factor of claim 15 further comprising an inverter coupled to the buck/boost controller and the driver, and a second transistor coupled to the inverter.

17. The buck/boost power factor of claim 16 further comprising a second capacitor coupled to the second transistor, a second diode coupled to the second capacitor and the second transistor, and a transformer coupled to the second diode and the inductor.

18. The buck/boost power factor of claim 17 further comprising a third capacitor coupled to the inverted rectifier bridge.