Power factor presents significant implications for the global power grid, causing problems for electric utilities and consumers alike when it is below an acceptable level. It is, therefore, on the list of concerns for designers of virtually every device that draws significant AC power from a mains socket, as well as for engineers in heavy-electrical sectors. Engineers must understand the implications of power factor and the tradeoffs of the different correction approaches, factoring in legislated power factor targets as well as board space, BOM cost, and efficiency.