Power factor preregulation is usually used to shape the current waveform in such a way that it represents a scaled replica of the line voltage. Each scheme has its certain advantages and disadvantages. Research effort is on the improvements of all the issues including simultaneous reduction of component stress, switching loss, and size and weight. With the proliferation of portable communication systems, power management and distribution is becoming a very important challenge. Power converters and regulators are required to generate multiple voltage levels to power various units of a PCS from a single battery.
High efficiency is required to maximize battery life.
Active as well as passive components including resistors, capacitors and inductors are being implemented using standard CMOS process. Although high-frequency operation leads to smaller energy storage components, conventional power transformer design at such frequencies leads to increased losses and parasitic effects associated with higher frequencies. Minimization of conductor loss, hysteresis loss and eddy-current loss, the reduction of leakage inductance, increase of the magnetizing inductance, and reduction of size and weight with increased power handling capability are the issues being addresses for conventional transformers. Technology can again become the primary driving force in electronic ballasts if the frequency of application can be raised to 200 Khz and above from the present level of 50 Khz. Losses and switching time of the semiconductor switches being used in the ballast are the primary obstacles in the development of high frequency ballasts.