This paper discusses the design of a novel synchronous reference frame (SRF) method that can extract the reference compensating current for single-phase shunt active power filters (APFs). Unlike previous SRF studies, the proposed method has an innovative feature that does not require a fictitious current signal. Other key features of the proposed strategy include frequency-independent operation, accurate reference current extraction, and relatively fast transient response. The effectiveness of the proposed method is investigated by conducting a detailed mathematical analysis. Results of the analysis confirm the superior performance of the suggested approach. Theoretical evaluations are confirmed by the experimental results.