Programmed PWM techniques to eliminate harmonics: a critical evaluation

Abstract

Programmed pulsewidth modulators (PWMs) eliminating several lower-order harmonics generate high-quality output spectra, which in turn result in minimum current ripple and reduced torque pulsations, thereby satisfying several performance criteria and contributing to overall improved performance. Several programmed PWM switching patterns to eliminate harmonics in the output spectra of single-phase and three-phase inverters are possible. Each of these leads to a specific advantage in single- and three-phase inverters, depending on the application. First, the superiority of programmed PWM techniques over the conventional carrier-modulated PWMs is established. Next, a critical evaluation of the programmed PWM schemes on the basis of applications for single- and three-phase inverters is used to provide a framework and guidelines for the selection of the appropriate technique for each application area. Evaluation criteria include harmonic loss factor and total harmonic distortion factors defined at the input and output of the inverter terminals. Finally, a simple low-cost solution for obtaining the required PWM switching points is proposed. Selected results are verified experimentally.