Technologies | Multilevel Power

High-efficiency power conversion with multilevel PFC

Introduction to Multilevel Technology

Multilevel Power Factor Correction (PFC) technology enhances power conversion by employing multiple voltage levels to achieve lower total harmonic distortion (THD), reduced switching losses, and lower electromagnetic interference (EMI). Compared to conventional two-level PFC, Flying Capacitor Multilevel (FCML) PFC distributes voltage stress more evenly across semiconductor devices, allowing the use of lower-voltage-rated components with improved efficiency.

Additionally, by enabling higher effective switching frequencies and better waveform shaping, multilevel PFC can significantly reduce the size of passive components, particularly inductors and EMI filters, resulting in a more compact and thermally efficient power stage design.

Why Multilevel PFC?

  • Highest Efficiency

Lower switching losses and reduced output ripple drive system efficiency above 99%.

  • Low Voltage Stress

Devices switch at a fraction of the total bus voltage, enabling the use of lower-voltage, faster-switching MOSFETs.

  • Superior Thermal and EMI Performance

Lower dv/dt and di/dt translate into easier thermal management and simpler EMI filtering.

  • Scalable and Flexible

Multilevel PFC can be tailored for various power levels (700 W – 5.5 kW) using standard components and a flexible hardware arrangements.

Feature / Topology
Conventional PFC
Interleaved PFC
Multilevel PFC

Circuit Complexity

Low

Medium

Medium*

Efficiency

Moderate

High

Very High

Input Current Ripple

High

Low

Very Low

EMI Performance

Moderate

Improved

Excellent

Thermal Distribution

Single Path

Spread

Distributed

Component Stress

High

Reduced

Much Lower

Control Complexity

Low

Medium

High*

Scalability

Limited

Good

Excellent

Size and Weight

Moderate

Slightly Larger

Compact

* ICERGi’s turnkey control and gate drive technology enables practical adoption of multilevel PFC in real-world systems.

ICERGi Multilevel Architecture

ICERGi has developed a multilevel boost converter architecture that separates the power and control functions for maximum design flexibility. The solution uses a two-board approach: MOSFETs are placed on one power board, while a dedicated gate driver array and the digital microcontroller ecosystem resides on a control daughter board. This modular structure enables ease of integration, thermal optimization, and compact layout. Backed by proprietary IP, ICERGi’s multilevel implementation supports seamless integration with a large range of Si and SiC switching devices. It paves the way for broader adoption of multilevel power technologies and creating new value opportunities for designers of high-efficiency, high-power front-end power supplies.

Multilevel Power