Digital power factor correction ICs provide energy efficiency savings

Cirrus Logic Inc. announces digital power factor correction (PFC) controller ICs that surpass analog PFCs on performance and price, according to the company. The CS1500 and CS1600 offer power supply and lighting ballast system designers improved performance and simplified designs compared to legacy analog PFC products. Both ICs are priced on par with analog PFCs.

PFC is required in many electronic applications around the world, as global regulations are pushing to improve the overall efficiency of the utility grid. Analog PFC chips are nearing the end of their capabilities to meet increasingly strict global regulatory requirements and efficiency standards, and new digital solutions enable continued performance and feature improvements designed to meet future market demands.

Featuring the new EXL Core architecture, the CS1500 and CS1600 have the advantage over analog products of being able to intelligently solve increasingly complex power management challenges. Through its patent-pending digital noise shaping technology, both the CS1500 and CS1600 enable reduced-sized EMI filters, which cut the need for additional high-priced components and circuitry. Additionally, these digital ICs improve energy efficiency across all load conditions, with a distinct performance advantage in light load conditions, and simplify system designs by reducing external component count by more than 30%.

As global regulatory agencies drive improved efficiency requirements in consumer products, the total PFC market is anticipated to expand from 1.2 billion units in 2009 to 2.4 billion units in 2013, according to Ryan Sanderson, senior research analyst, IMS Research.

The CS1500 and CS1600 are digitally controlled, discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), active power factor correction ICs intended for use in power supplies rated up to 300 watts. The CS1500 is designed to address power supplies such as laptop adapters, digital TVs, and PC power, while the CS1600 targets electronic lighting ballasts.

For more information, contact Cirrus Logic Inc., 2901 Via Fortuna, Austin, TX 78746. Phone: (800) 625-4084.