This paper proposes a novel multilevel inverter for automotive applications. The topology consists of a modular DCDC converter and a tap selector, where the DC-DC converter provides several DC-output levels and the tap selector produces an AC signal by choosing different DC-output signals from the DC-DC converter. To produce the DC-levels, the DC-DC converter consists of a modular structure where the modules are connected in series. The novelty is that the modules are connected both, magnetically in the AC-domain and electrically in the DCdomain. Due to the usage of low power switches in the modules, the proposed structure provides high efficiency. Furthermore, the DC-DC converter is capable of self-balancing its modules and thus does not require large capacitors which yields a high power density. A prototype of the proposed converter is built and simulation, as well as experimental results, are used to verify the findings.

中文翻译：

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用于汽车应用的基于直流自耦变压器的多电平逆变器

本文提出了一种用于汽车应用的新型多电平逆变器。该拓扑由一个模块化DCDC转换器和一个抽头选择器组成，其中DC-DC转换器提供多个DC输出电平，而抽头选择器通过从DC-DC转换器中选择不同的DC输出信号来产生AC信号。为了产生DC电平，DC-DC转换器由模块化结构组成，其中模块串联连接。新颖之处在于，模块既在AC域中磁性连接，又在DC域中电气连接。由于模块中使用了低功率开关，因此所提出的结构提供了高效率。此外，DC-DC转换器能够自平衡其模块，因此不需要大电容器，这会产生高功率密度。