Summary of PROGRAMMABLE FREQUENCY – CONTINUOUS CONDUCTION MODE (CCM) – BOOST POWER – FACTOR CORRECTION (PFC) CONTROLLER
The article describes a compact PFC controller module based on TI's UCC28180, offering average current mode control in CCM, programmable switching frequency (18–250 kHz, default 116 kHz), integrated gate drive, low-distortion input current shaping without AC line sensing, and multiple protection features. It targets 100 W–kW boost pre-regulators for servers, desktops, industrial supplies, and white goods, requiring few external components and supporting small shunt resistors for reduced dissipation.
Parts used in the PFC controller module:
- UCC28180 PFC controller (Texas Instruments)
- Supply input (12 to 15 V DC)
- Programmable frequency resistors (R9, R12)
- External power MOSFET or IGBT switch
- Gate drive output circuitry (internal 1.5-A and 2-A source-sink drivers)
- Current sense resistor (shunt resistor)
- External current and voltage loop compensation components
- Soft-start components
- PCB (29.21 x 16.67 mm)
The circuit described here is a simple PFC controller using the UCC28180 chip from Texas instruments. The controller operates under average current mode control at a fixed programmable switching frequency of 116 kHz. Simple external current and voltage loop compensation, along with advanced protection features, make this controller ideal for server and desktop power supplies, industrial power supplies, and white goods.
The module is a flexible and easy-to-use, active Power-Factor Correction (PFC) controller that operates under Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) to achieve high Power Factor, low current distortion, and excellent voltage regulation of boost pre-regulators in AC – DC front-ends. The controller is suitable for universal AC input systems operating in 100-W to few-kW range with the switching frequency programmable between 18 kHz to 250 kHz, to conveniently support both power MOSFET and IGBT switches. An integrated 1.5-A and 2-A (SRC-SNK) peak gate drive output, clamped internally at 15.2 V (typical), enables fast turn-on, turn-off, and easy management of the external power switch without the need for buffer circuits. Low-distortion wave shaping of the input current using average current mode control is achieved without input line sensing, reducing the external component count.
In addition, the controller features reduced current sense thresholds to facilitate the use of small-value shunt resistors for reduced power dissipation, especially important in high-power systems. To enable low current distortion, the controller also features trimmed internal current loop regulation circuits for eliminating associated inaccuracies. The module requires few external components to create a complete PFC Controller. In the future, we will publish few PFC drivers using this module. Refer to the datasheet of UCC28128 to configure the board as per requirement.
FEATURES
- Supply 12 to 15V DC
- Default Frequency 116Khz (Programable 18Khz to 250Khz Resistor R9, R12)
- Average Current Mode PWM Control
- NO AC Line Sensing Needed
- Soft Over Current and Cycle by Cycle Peak Current Limiting
- Voltage Regulation Open Loop Detection
- Output Over-Voltage Protection with Hysteresis Recovery
- Enhanced Dynamic Response
- Soft-Start
- PCB Dimensions 29.21 x 16.67 mm
- What switching frequency does the module use?
The default switching frequency is 116 kHz and is programmable between 18 kHz and 250 kHz via resistors R9 and R12. - What control mode does the controller operate in?
It operates under average current mode control in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). - Does the module require AC line sensing for low-distortion current shaping?
No, low-distortion wave shaping of the input current is achieved without AC line sensing. - What supply voltage does the module need?
The module requires a 12 to 15 V DC supply. - What protection features are included?
It includes soft over current and cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting, voltage regulation open-loop detection, output over-voltage protection with hysteresis recovery, and soft-start. - What gate drive capability is integrated?
Integrated peak gate drive outputs provide 1.5-A and 2-A source-sink, clamped internally around 15.2 V (typical). - Is the switching frequency suitable for MOSFETs and IGBTs?
Yes, the programmable 18 kHz to 250 kHz range conveniently supports both power MOSFET and IGBT switches. - What power range is the controller suitable for?
It is suitable for universal AC input systems in the 100 W to few-kW range. - Does the module need many external components?
No, the controller requires few external components to create a complete PFC controller.
