( 
)QUESTION: What is PFC?
Answer: Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows power distribution to
operate at its maximum efficiency. There are two types of PFC, Active PFC and
Passive PFC. All of our power supplies are either Active PFC Power Supplies or
Passive PFC Power Supplies.
Active PFC
The preferable type of PFC is Active Power Factor
Correction (Active PFC) since it provides more efficient power frequency.
Because Active PFC uses a circuit to correct power factor, Active PFC is able to
generate a theoretical power factor of 99%. Active PFC also markedly diminishes
total harmonics, automatically corrects for AC input voltage, and is capable of
a full range of input voltage. Since Active PFC is the more complex method of
Power Factor Correction, it is more expensive to produce an Active PFC power
supply.
Passive PFC
The most common type of PFC is Passive Power Factor
Correction (Passive PFC). Passive PFC uses a capacitive filter at the AC input
to correct poor power factor. Passive PFC may be affected when environmental
vibration occurs. Passive PFC requires that the AC input voltage be set
manually. Passive PFC also does not use the full energy potential of the AC
line.
Non-PFC
Non-PFC power supplies are no longer recommended. In Europe power supplies are now required to have either active PFC or passive PFC.
Answer: Power Factor Correction (PFC)
Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows power distribution to
operate at its maximum efficiency. There are two types of PFC, Active PFC and
Passive PFC. All of our power supplies are either Active PFC Power Supplies or
Passive PFC Power Supplies.
Active PFC
The preferable type of PFC is Active Power Factor
Correction (Active PFC) since it provides more efficient power frequency.
Because Active PFC uses a circuit to correct power factor, Active PFC is able to
generate a theoretical power factor of 99%. Active PFC also markedly diminishes
total harmonics, automatically corrects for AC input voltage, and is capable of
a full range of input voltage. Since Active PFC is the more complex method of
Power Factor Correction, it is more expensive to produce an Active PFC power
supply.
Passive PFC
The most common type of PFC is Passive Power Factor
Correction (Passive PFC). Passive PFC uses a capacitive filter at the AC input
to correct poor power factor. Passive PFC may be affected when environmental
vibration occurs. Passive PFC requires that the AC input voltage be set
manually. Passive PFC also does not use the full energy potential of the AC
line.
Non-PFC
Non-PFC power supplies are no longer recommended. In Europe power supplies are now required to have either active PFC or passive PFC.
Guide created: 06/12/07 (updated 09/27/07)
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