Space-vector frame spectral control of the switching distortion of an automotive drive inverter

State-of-the-art modulation techniques, such as space-vector modulation for the generation of three-phase alternating current, result in strong peaks in the output spectrum at the switching frequency and its harmonics. We present a space-vector implementation of a novel control scheme and modulator for commercial electric vehicle inverters, that freely shapes the spectrum of the switching distortion according to a pre-defined ideal spectrum. Furthermore, the predictive control framework allows the presented controller to actively reduce the switching rate of the converter, reducing switching loss. The control is implemented in the αβ-space-vector frame, allowing the switching states of an inverter to be directly determined and modulated based on the optimal line-to-line voltage spectrum, decreasing the maximum dV/dt seen by the motor. Simulations and measurements are performed on a gallium nitride inverter prototype, showing the ability to increase the spurious free dynamic range by up to 15 dB compared to space-vector modulation, at a similar same switching rate.