An aiding tool to the design and simulation of multilevel inverters

Abstract

This paper presents a new support aiding tool for the design of multilevel-inverter, through simulation analysis by using Orcad Pspice. The new proposed software generates programmable pulses in accordance to the operation principle of a desired topology. It will be also presented several simulated inverters using the software. This new resource enables the fine-tuning of dead time between complementary switches of a same leg. This is done through programming, applying semiconductor technology prior knowledge. It also provides a portable code which facilitates its implementation in a microcontroller, FPGA or DSP. A test case using a 81 level output voltage cascade multilevel inverter is presented to show the performance of the proposed software tool.