# PFC Single-Phase AC/DC Boost Converters: Bridge, Semi-Bridgeless, and Bridgeless Topologies
###### Abstract  
Power Factor Correction (PFC) single-phase AC/DC converters are used in several power electronics applications as full wave control rectifiers improving power quality and providing high standards of efficiency. Many papers dealing with the description or use of such topologies have been published in recent years; however, a review that describes and organizes their specific details has not been reported in the technical literature. Therefore, this paper presents an extensive review of PFC single-phase AC/DC converters operating with the Boost converter topology for low and medium voltage as well as and power appliances. A categorization of bridge, semi-bridgeless, and bridgeless, in accordance with the construction characteristics, was carried out in order to unify the technical terminology. Benefits and disadvantages are described and analyzed in detail. Furthermore, a comparison performance in terms of PFC, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), power capacity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), number of elements, and efficiency is included. s +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
article  
[color=gray!20,] [color=gray!20,] [color=gray! The implementation of CBP converters is still a research topic. Most of the research in this area focuses on control strategies and new topologies [2; 17; 18]. However, an organized document that permits to consult advantages and drawbacks of CBP converter topologies and their control strategies have not yet been reported in the technical literature. This review includes organized information useful in selection, design, and implementation stages of CBP converters. As regards their applications, CBP converters are widely used in modern power converter suppliers for computers, data centers, servers, telecommunication equipment, and on-board electrical vehicle chargers [19; 20; 21]. High efficiency, high power density, low harmonic distortion, and high power factor are attributes that drive the innovation and evolution of this technology [1; 17]. These attributes largely depend on the implemented circuit topology. Based on this feature, CBP converters can be classified into: Bridge Boost converter (BBC), Semi-Bridgeless Boost Converter (SBBC), and Bridgeless Boost converter (BLBC) whose main features are described below, while the main modifications of topologies reported in the scientific literature are explained in detail in the body of the work. BBC topologies have been incorporated in recent years for powering DC loads due to their general simplicity. BBC allows for reaching low levels of \(THD_{i}\) and high PF. However, this topology exhibits the following comparative disadvantages when used in medium-high power applications: (1) BBC has at least three semiconductor devices in the path of currents from source to load which increases conduction losses; (2) BBC requires a switching frequency greater than 30 kHz to lower the \(THD_{i}\) below the IEC 1000-3-2 standard; (3) the inductor is located on the DC side requiring design considerations to avoid saturation of its core. BBC topology, in its conventional form, is only recommended for applications up to 1 kW [8; 22; 23]. The power consumed by the line bridge rectifier takes up to 30\(\sim\)60% of the total losses in a large range in a BBC rectifier [23]. Some advances have been presented in the technical literature trying to solve these disadvantages. In [24], a control structure for the operation of BBC converters under variable switching frequency was proposed. Switching frequency is modified for two reasons: (1) to reduce switching losses; in this case, frequency around the peak of the current signal is decreased; (2) to reduce \(THD_{i}\) during the current zero crossing; in this case, frequency is increased. It was found that \(THD_{i}\) is reduced; however, the current waveform is not fully sinusoidal causing \(THD_{i}\) to not meet IEC/EN 61000-3-2 (or IEC 1000-3-2) and IEEE Std. 519 [25]. In [26], EMI produced by BBC functioning was mitigated using a filter, being adequate for low power converters.