Nonlinear-carrier control for high power factor boost rectifiers

Novel nonlinear-carrier (NLC) controllers are proposed for high-power-factor boost rectifiers. In the NLC controllers, the switch duty ratio is determined by comparing a signal derived from the main switch current with a periodic, nonlinear carrier waveform. As a result, the average input current follows the input line voltage. The technique is suitable for boost power converters operating in the continuous conduction mode. Input voltage sensing, the error amplifier in the current-shaping loop, and the multiplier/divider circuitry in the voltage feedback loop are eliminated. The current-shaping is based on switch (as opposed to inductor) current sensing. The NLC controllers offer comparable or improved performance over existing schemes, and are well-suited for simple integrated-circuit implementation. Experimental verification on a 240 W rectifier is described.