Fault diagnosis for a sparse matrix converter using current patters

This paper presents a diagnosis method for sparse matrix converter according to the fault of any single switch or two switches. The sparse matrix converter is functionally-equivalent to the standard matrix converter but has a reduced number of switches. The proposed diagnosis method is based on the measurement of input and output currents. The currents have respective characteristic according to the location of faulty switches. This method not only detects the switches of open-circuit fault but identifies the location of faulty switching devices without complicated calculation. The simulation results verify that, based on the proposed method, the fault of sparse matrix converter can be easily and fast detected.