Optimal Design of a Step-Up 17-Level Switched-Capacitor Inverter with Minimal Device Count

Abstract

This brief presents a new single-phase 17-level octuple boost switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (OBSC-MLI). This inverter can generate an output of 17 voltage levels using a single dc source, fifteen switches(thirteen with anti-parallel diodes, two with reverse blocking capability), four capacitors with voltage boost capability, and one diode. OBSC-MLI proposed in this uses, the fewest possible components to create 17 levels. The standing voltage (SV) across each switch and diode reduced to half of the output voltage, reducing the component's cost. This paper shows the thorough circuit analysis, operating principle of each state, capacitor selection, generation of switching sequence and detailed comparison with other similar MLI classes. Finally, Simulation and Experimental results for resistive and inductive load validate the theoretical analysis.