In a power converter having m=two or more channels of power factor
correction (PFC) circuits connected in parallel and an electromagnetic
interference (EMI) filter connected in series therewith, phase shifts in
switching between the respective PFC channels can allow increase of EMI
filter corner frequency allowing reduction of size and cost of the EMI
filter at some switching frequencies. Asymmetrical phase shifts (other
than 360.degree./m) such as 360.degree./2m and other phase shifts and
variations in m allow increase of EMI filter corner frequency at
switching frequencies where symmetrical, 360.degree./m phase shifts
provide no benefit to EMI filter design by providing cancellation or
partial cancellation of different harmonics of the switching noise; which
cancellation may be arranged to be complementary to the EMI filter
function at more than one peak of the noise spectrum. (Such asymmetrical
phase shifts do not significantly increase ripple and consequent
switching noise). Alteration of m and corresponding alteration of phase
shift may be performed adaptively for purposes of improving efficiency at
light loads and the like.