Average current mode PFC controller

[ocset]

Hello,
Why do they call “Average Current Mode PFC controllers”,   “Continuous current mode PFC controllers”?   

After all, they may well operate totally in Discontinuous mode. 
Eg the following NCP1653  is  “incorrectly” called a “continuous mode pfc controller”
http://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/NCP1653-D.PDF
 

[T3sl4co1l]

"Average" refers to filtering the inductor current waveform so that the control behaves as a linear circuit without switching (or subtracting the triangle waveform from the baseline, to the same end).

Average mode control allows smaller ripple fractions and greater current limit accuracy than slope compensated peak current mode does.  This makes it particularly useful for low ripple applications, where you might save significant cost on the inductor by using a shitty powdered iron type.

This works whether current is continuous or not, because several cycles are averaged over.

Tim