PFC means power factor correction using different techniques....u need to make the input voltage and input current(i.e. from the grid) in phase with minimum or almost zero current distortion(ofcrs there are some regulations)As far as power electronics is concerned, u can improve the power factor by using different dc-dc converters(buck,buck-boost,boost)...These days more research is going on integrated converters wherein two same or two different converters are integrated with a common shared switch...
If u r using basic dc-dc converters or above mentioned integrated converters ,u always need to operate atleast one of them(always the first one) in DCM(discontinuous conduction mode)....
U can choose to operate a basic dc-dc converter in CCM...Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages...when dc-dc converter is operated in DCM,it has the inherent capability to improve the power factor at the cost of peak semiconductor current and hence losses due to it ...when you operate a converter in CCM ,it looses its inherent capability.In that case u have to use different control algorithm for improving the power factor.....