Active v.s. Passive PFC?
Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2003 8:47 pm
Other then the efficiency differences and the saving on your hydro bill because of that, is there any other reason that you would want Active over Passive?
It depends on how it's done.
Passive PFC (at least when done with charge pump) can increase the heat generation inside the PSU and decrease the PSU efficiency (compared to a APFC PSU). I'm not now talking about the utility company transmission efficiency of a PFC vs non-PFC supply, but the PSU efficiency of a passive PFC vs active PFC supply. A Higher PSU efficiency means less heat inside your case.
Then again APFC PSUs may increase harmonic emissions into the power line for short durations when compared to a passive PFC (done right).
I think for normal house hold PCs, not using electronic motors and not having EMI sensitive equipment around, Active PFC would be a better choice IMHO. Just based on efficiency and heat alone.
This is just my humbel opinion and I'm not an expert on the issue.
regards,
Halcyon
Ref:
http://www.compliance-club.com/archive1/991215.htm