What does PFC mean for power supplies?

[techs]

I noticed that some of the better power supplies indicate PFC. I was wondering what it was.
thanks

[geoscomp]

check here:

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/pfc.html

[techs]

Looks like it might aid in filtering line variations. Sort of like a power line conditioner.
thanks

[hogman]

Looks like it might aid in filtering line variations. Sort of like a power line conditioner.
thanks

I believe it stands for Power Fluctuation Correction - in that it will continue to provide the correct voltage even if the supply voltage fluctuates within 20%

[imagoon]

PFC stands for Power Factor Correction. In any AC system the voltage and the amperage waves are not in sync with each other causing max power to to not align with max voltage etc. This means that the max power of the circuit is not utilized effectively in power supply circuits. PFC shifts the power (hence power factor correction) so that a powersupply can draw less total power and still maintain the same level of output. This increases the conversion from the 60%'s to the 90's% and causes your bill to go down and often generates less heat. PFC is showing up more often because it can help the power companies cope with the increased demands for electricty. Here is pcpowerandcoolings def:

PFC:

Power factor is the ratio of true power (watts) divided by apparent power (volts x amps or VA). A standard power supply has a power factor of 0.70-0.75, while a power supply with active power factor correction (PFC) has a power factor of 0.95-0.99. A power supply with power factor correction is better able to convert the current into power. This results in lower peak current and lower harmonic current, putting less stress on wiring, circuit breakers, and transformers.

~Chris