Comparison among high-frequency and line-frequency commutated rectifiers complying with IEC 61000-3-2 standards

High power factor rectifiers, complying with IEC 61000-3-2 standards have been studied. Two main approaches are usually used: high frequency control of the input current (as in PFCs) and line-frequency commutated rectifiers. The latter represent an interesting solution for large volume applications which do not need a precise output voltage regulation. They provide compliance with a smaller overall reactive component volume as compared to conventional rectifiers with a passive L-C filter. Moreover, with the switch being turned on and off only twice per line period, the associated losses are very small and the di/dt and dv/dt can be lowered compared to high-frequency commutated rectifiers, thus reducing the high-frequency noise emission and EMI filter requirements. This paper reviews the operating principles of some line-frequency commutated rectifier topologies highlighting their merits and limitations. A comparison among low and high frequency high power factor rectifiers, in terms of circuit complexity, overall reactive component size and performance, is made, thus allowing selection of the most convenient topology for a given application