A new seven-level hybrid inverter

Multilevel inverters (MLI´s) have been increasingly implemented for high power DC-AC conversion. Recently, avenues are also being explored to employ MLI´s for low power applications. However, for increased number of levels, component count remains a challenge. In this paper a new hybrid inverter is proposed which utilizes six active switches along with asymmetric source configuration to synthesize 7-level waveform. A cascaded H-bridge inverter with similar source configuration would require eight active switches, all operating at high switching frequency. A modulation procedure is proposed using which the switches with highest blocking voltages operate at fundamental frequency. Working of the proposed inverter is explained and concepts are validated with simulation and experimental results.