A generalized symmetrical multilevel inverter (MLI) topology with an essential feature of smooth commutation during the dead time for inductive loads is presented in this paper. It consists of a level generation unit (LGU) and polarity generation unit (PGU); Both LGU and PGU provide a freewheeling path for load current during the dead time for an inductive load which avoids large voltage spikes across the output. This topology can also generate the required number of levels at the output with a minimum number of components. As it requires fewer components, switching losses, installations space, and cost of the implementation are low. In this paper, a seven-level structure derived from the generalized topology is considered for detailed analysis. Further, to show the effectiveness of the proposed MLI topology over the existing symmetrical topologies in overcoming commutation problem, simulations were performed and are validated with experimental results. A comparative study is made in terms of power switches, power diodes, clamping capacitors, and driver circuits between traditional, recent, and proposed topologies.

中文翻译：

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具有改进换向的广义对称 MLI 拓扑

本文介绍了一种广义对称多电平逆变器 (MLI) 拓扑，其基本特征是在感性负载的死区时间内平滑换向。它由电平生成单元（LGU）和极性生成单元（PGU）组成；LGU 和 PGU 都为感性负载的死区时间期间的负载电流提供了续流路径，从而避免了输出两端的大电压尖峰。这种拓扑结构还可以在输出端以最少数量的组件生成所需数量的电平。由于它需要较少的组件，因此开关损耗、安装空间和实施成本都很低。在本文中，考虑从广义拓扑导出的七级结构进行详细分析。更多，为了显示所提出的 MLI 拓扑相对于现有对称拓扑在克服换向问题方面的有效性，我们进行了模拟并通过实验结果进行了验证。在功率开关、功率二极管、钳位电容器和驱动电路方面进行了传统、最新和提议拓扑之间的比较研究。