Realization of a conceptual approach for power VLSI using integrated full-bridge cells in modular multilevel converters

Modular multilevel converters (MMC) are emerging to be a viable approach for realizing large-scale power conversions reach up to several hundreds of MW, particularly for applications at the utility scale. Their topological structure offers a versatile approach for using virtually identical building blocks to realize arbitrary functions, voltage, and current levels. It is therefore a suitable platform for realizing power Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) using standardized building blocks. This paper aimed at developing and demonstrating a methodology to realize MMC using integrated switching mode full-bridge cells, the practice was similar to the widely adopted VLSI in the area of computer systems. This paper presents the conceptual approach, and then demonstrates a DC to three-phase AC prototype power converting system based on 6 integrated modules, verified with both circuit model simulations and experiment measurements under laboratory conditions.