A Modulation Technique to Reduce Switching Losses in Matrix Converters

This paper presents a modulation technique based on the generalized pulsewidth-modulation strategy for matrix converters. The proposed technique uses a discontinuous modulation to clamp each output leg of the converter during 120 degrees of the output voltage period, achieving a reduced number of switchings compared with the traditional modulation techniques. Aside from that, the major attraction of the proposed technique is an additional algorithm that lags the clamping of each output leg of the converter to synchronize it with the peak of the corresponding output current (load current), avoiding high switching losses (switching at high currents). Therefore, this technique reduces the number of switchings; as well as guarantees only medium and low current switchings. Simulation and experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed technique.