New approach on multilevel cascaded inverters using EIE commutation cells

Abstract

A novel approach for cascaded multilevel inverters is presented in this paper. The proposed topology is based on the association of cc/cc pwm converters, developed from an active commutation cell, called EIE cell. The multilevel Buck eIE inverter provides an ac output and low voltage stress levels over the power semiconductor devices. The output voltage is totally controlled and follows a reference signal, which assures low harmonic distortion without the necessity of using passive filters. Detailed circuit description is given as well as simulation and experimental results, in order to confirm the operation of the proposed topology.