New generation of compact low voltage IGBT converter for traction applications

This paper deals with innovative compact converters for use in local transit vehicles. Utilising the latest generation of low voltage IGBT modules, a compact and low cost design of the entire converter system is achieved. Due to the high switching frequency of IGBTs a simple PWM modulation strategy can be applied with no need of complex transitions between different modulation strategies. The control system is set up with a new in-house platform (OPCoDe platform) using FPGA technology at a high speed level (< 25 /spl mu/s) and a slower MATLAB/spl reg//Simulink/spl reg/ based programming environment at lower speed levels (50 /spl mu/s range and slower). Thanks to these advanced tools, high-quality software can be provided and modifications can be easily carried out, even during operation.