Two-stage power factor corrected power supplies: the low component-stress approach

The discussion concerning the use of single-stage contra two-stage PFC solutions has been going on for the last decade and it continues. The purpose of this paper is to direct the focus back on how the power is processed and not so much as to the number of stages or the amount of power processed. The performance of the basic DC/DC topologies is reviewed with focus on the component stress. The knowledge obtained in this process is used to review some examples of the alternative PFC solutions and compare these solutions with the basic two-stage PFC solution.