A Three-Level Output Modulation Strategy for Conventional 3 × N Direct Matrix Converters

To utilize the full potential of the direct matrix converter (DMC) and improve the output waveform quality, a three-level output strategy for conventional 3 ×
N
(
N
≥3) DMCs is presented, where three-level output voltages are achieved without any changes in the topology. In this developed strategy, the DMC is treated as a two-stage converter that consists of a fictitious rectifier and a neutral-point clamped (NPC) three-level inverter. By applying a phase-shifted carrier modulation strategy to the rectifier and a modified carrier-based double-signal pulsewidth modulation strategy to the NPC inverter, sinusoidal input and output, reduced switching losses, and controllable input power factors are achieved in conventional 3 ×
N
DMCs. The developed three-level output strategy improves output waveform quality while sacrificing input performance to some extent. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed strategy is verified by both simulations and experimental results.