Characterization and evaluation of 600 V range devices for active power factor correction in boundary and continuous conduction modes

Traditional characterization of semiconductors switching dynamics is performed based on clamped inductive load measurements using the double pulse tester (DPT) configuration. This approach is valid for converters operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM), however in boundary conduction mode (BCM), if valley switching detection is used, the amount of energy recovered from the semiconductor output capacitance and the converter switching frequency need to be accurately calculated. This paper presents a characterization and evaluation procedure for conventional power factor correction circuits operating in CCM and BCM.