A Different Multilevel Current-Source Inverter

DC/AC converters are widely used in several applications; traditionally, they can be classified in two types: the voltage-source inverters (VSIs) and the current-source inverters (CSIs). Their use depends on their application; however, some of them are common for both types of converters. Another possibility for the dc/ac conversion is the multilevel configuration, and the most analyzed is the VSI. In this paper, a different multilevel CSI is proposed: the paralleled configuration. To control the converter, a different sinusoidal pulse with modulation is employed; it consists of modifying the reference signal instead of using multiple carriers. Additionally, a balancing method for the inductor currents is given. The operation, analysis, and implementation are presented; moreover, simulation and experimental results are shown.