Simple carrier-based pulse-width modulation technique for a three-to-quasi-six-phase matrix converter

Multi-phase (more than three-phase) converters are required mainly for feeding variable speed multi-phase drive systems. This paper presents one such solution by using a direct AC-AC converter that can be used to supply a quasi-six-phase drive system. Carrier-based pulse-width modulation technique is developed for the proposed matrix converter configuration. The developed modulation technique is based on the comparison of high frequency carrier signals with the modulating signals to produce duty-ratios. Although carrier-based schemes are widely employed for control of voltage source inverters, they have only recently been used for controlling a three-phase to three-phase matrix converter. A similar concept is extended in this paper for controlling a three-phase to quasisix-phase matrix converter. Two techniques are proposed: one outputs 0.75 of the input magnitude, and the second outputs up to 0.7764 of the input. This is the maximum value of the output voltage in the linear range that can be achieved in this configuration of the matrix converter. The viability of the proposed control technique is proved using analytical, simulation and experimental approaches. © Institution of Engineers Australia 2012.