A three-phase neutral point clamped inverter for motor control

A microprocessor-controlled PWM (pulse-width-modulated) inverter has been developed in which the neutral point at a star-connected load is clamped in potential. In addition to PWM waveforms, the inverter can generate six-step or eight-step waveforms in response to the appropriate software, using the MC68000 microprocessor. Operation takes places in the PWM model for 1-40 Hz and in a step mode for 40-100 Hz. The inverter used 12 power switches compared with the customary six switches in a standard inverter. Darlington power transistors were used in a laboratory prototype rated at 6 kW. A design feature is that power to the drive circuits of the twelve switches come directly from the DC supply, eliminating the need for individual power supplies. The root-mean-square value of the fundamental line voltage is 0.64 V DC compared to 0.5 V DC for conventional PWM operation with a six-switch inverter.<>