A Step-by-Step Design for Low-Pass Input Filter of the Single-Stage Converter

Active power factor correction converters are often introduced as the front stage of power electronic equipment to improve the power factor and eliminate higher harmonics. A Boost or Buck-Boost converter operating in discontinuous current mode is always adopted to achieve high power factor correction. In addition, the input current contains a large amount of higher harmonics, and a low-pass input filter is commonly adopted to filter it out. In this paper, a single-stage high-frequency AC/AC converter is taken as an example to demonstrate the design method of a passive low-pass filter. Firstly, the input side of the grid needs to meet the power factor and harmonic requirements. The preset parameters are set to a range to characterize the performance of the LC filter. The quantitative design method of input filter is proposed and summarized. Moreover, the sensitivity of the filter parameters is analyzed, providing a direction in practical applications. Preset parameters are all proved to conform to the preset range through PSIM simulation. Finally, a 130-W prototype is established to verify the correction of proposed design method. The power factor is around 0.935 and harmonic content in the input current is about 26.4%. All requirements can be satisfied.

Automated summary

This paper demonstrates the design method of a passive low-pass filter for a single-stage high-frequency AC/AC converter, ensuring the requirements of power factor and harmonics are met through parameter analysis and design. After validation through PSIM simulation and a 130-W prototype, the effectiveness and reliability of the design method are confirmed.