New PFC controller cuts power consumption in half

Featuring an adjustable switching frequency which aids designers in the size, cost and efficiency optimisation of their design, the UCC28180 is ideal for a wide range of universal-input AC/DC applications, such as industrial, server power supplies, air-conditioners, lighting, consumer appliances and home office electronics. With a 50% smaller shunt resistor compared to previous-generation solutions, the PFC controller also achieves AC-input current total harmonic distortion as low as 5%.

The UCC28180 can be used in operation with any TI DC-DC controller, such as the UCC28950, UCC28250 or UCC25600, as well as motor control and lighting solutions. This enables the UCC28180 to provide reliable, efficient and low-cost power designs for a wide range of applications.

Enabling the widest possible application usage, TI's new PFC controller features a wide programmable frequency range operating from 18 kHz to 250 kHz . It also allows usage of IGBTs, GaN, SiC or Si MOSFETs, minimising component count and improving efficiency.By employing reduced current sense thresholds, the PFC controller uses a smaller shunt resistor to lower power dissipation. In this way it cuts power dissipation in half compared to previous-generation devices, while maintaining low THD.

The high reliability of the UCC28180 power factor correction controller is ensured with rich protection functions, including soft over current, cycle-by-cycle peak current limit, output open-loop, overvoltage and open-pin detection, guard the power supply system components. By allowing faster loop response when output voltage exceeds regulation level, the UCC28180 minimise incidence of audible noise in magnetic components caused by abrupt PWM output shut-off during overvoltage protection.

Supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package, the UCC28180 PFC controller is priced at $0.85 (USD) in 1,000 piece quantities. Texas Instruments also offers the UCC28180EVM-573 360-W PFC evaluation module, which is priced at $99 (USD).