IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 

Volume 49,  Number 2, April 2002           Access to the journal on IEEE XPLORE     IE Transactions Home Page



                Special Section on Matrix Converters

49.2.1    J. Rodriguez, "Guest editorial," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 274-275, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: Not Available

49.2.2    P.W. Wheeler, J. Rodriguez, J.C. Clare, L. Empringham, A. Weinstein, "Matrix converters: a technology review," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 276-288, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The matrix converter is an array of controlled semiconductor switches that connects directly the three-phase source to the three-phase load. This converter has several attractive features that have been investigated in the last two decades. In the last few years, an increase in research work has been observed, bringing this topology closer to the industrial application. This paper presents the state-of-the-art view in the development of this converter, starting with a brief historical review. An important part of the paper is dedicated to a discussion of the most important modulation and control strategies developed recently. Special attention is given to present modern methods developed to solve the commutation problem. Some new arrays of power bidirectional switches integrated in a single module are also presented. Finally, this paper includes some practical issues related to the practical application of this technology, like overvoltage protection, use of filters and ride-through capability

49.2.3    F. Blaabjerg, D. Casadei, C. Klumpner, M. Matteini, "Comparison of two current modulation strategies for matrix converters under unbalanced input voltage conditions," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 289-296, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: In this paper, the input current performance of matrix converters is analyzed, especially with reference to the operating conditions determined by unbalanced supply voltages. The space-vector modulation (SVM) technique is utilized to calculate the duty cycles of the active voltage vectors that must be applied, in each switching cycle period, in order to satisfy the input and output requirements. A detailed theoretical analysis of the input current harmonic content under unbalanced input voltage conditions is presented for two different current modulation strategies. On the basis of numerical simulations as well as measurements on a laboratory prototype setup, the strategies' performance are compared and the validity of the theoretical investigation confirmed. It is concluded that, when the input voltages are unbalanced to a significant extent, a dynamic input current modulation strategy has to be preferred, since a lower harmonic line current distortion will appear

49.2.4    J. Mahlein, M. Bruckmann, M. Braun, "Passive protection strategy for a drive system with a matrix converter and an induction machine," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 297-303, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: In this paper, the design and testing of a new protection strategy for a matrix power converter feeding an induction motor with a squirrel cage rotor is described. The new protection strategy with excellent overvoltage protection allows the removal of the large and expensive diode clamp

49.2.5    S. Bernet, S. Ponnaluri, R. Teichmann, "Design and loss comparison of matrix converters, and voltage-source converters for modern AC drives," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 304-314, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper compares a matrix converter (MC) and a DC-voltage link converter with an active front end for a 7.5 kW, 460 V induction motor drive. Part count, semiconductor losses, input filter design, and protection aspects are discussed. It is shown that the matrix converter's semiconductor losses are smaller only at full load operation for the same silicon area in both converters. A 33% reduction of the device current rating of the MC is possible, resulting in comparable thermal device stress. The overall passive component count and rating is only slightly better for the MC

49.2.6    C. Klumpner, F. Blaabjerg, "Experimental evaluation of ride-through capabilities for a matrix converter under short power interruptions," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 315-324, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The matrix converters, which are direct power electronic converters, are able to provide important benefits such as bidirectional power flow, sinusoidal input currents with adjustable displacement angle, and a great potential for size reduction. Still, two major disadvantages exist: a lower than unity voltage transfer ratio and high sensitivity to power grid disturbances. Many solutions to provide continuous operation of adjustable speed drives (ASDs) during power grid disturbances have been proposed, but they are all applied to DC-link ASD. In this paper, a new solution to provide limited ride-through operation is presented with a matrix converter using a scalar controlled induction motor for a duration of hundreds of milliseconds, without any hardware modification. During the ride-through operation, the drive is not able to develop torque or to control the motor flux. By recovering the necessary power to feed the control hardware of the matrix converter, it is able to keep the ASD operating. When normal grid conditions are reestablished, the matrix converter is able to accelerate the motor from nonzero speed and flux by initializing the modulator with the estimated frequency and the initial angle of the reference output voltage vector. The maximum duration of the ride-through operation depends on the initial motor flux, speed level, rotor time constant, load torque, and inertia. This method is verified on a laboratory setup with a matrix converter

49.2.7    C. Klumpner, P. Nielsen, I. Boldea, F. Blaabjerg, "A new matrix converter motor (MCM) for industry applications," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 325-335, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The trend in electrical drives is to integrate the frequency converter, the electrical motor, and even the gear or the pump into a single unit, in order to reduce the costs, to increase the overall efficiency and the equipment reliability. This paper presents the first integrated regenerative frequency converter motor for industry applications, based on a matrix converter topology. The low volume, the sinusoidal input current, the bidirectional power flow, and the lack of the bulky and limited-lifetime electrolytic capacitors recommend this topology for this application. This paper shows how the matrix converter disadvantages-the lack of bidirectional power devices, the lower voltage transfer ratio, and the overvoltages caused by the input filter during power-up-that have delayed the industrial implementation have been overcome. In order to demonstrate the validity of the solution, a 4-kW matrix converter motor prototype is built using a standard frequency converter motor enclosure for testing the requirements for an industrial drive. The tests demonstrate the good performance of the drive

49.2.8    C. Klumpner, P. Nielsen, I. Boldea, F. Blaabjerg, "New solutions for a low-cost power electronic building block for matrix converters," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 336-344, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper analyzes some aspects of integrating the matrix converter (MC) bidirectional switches into a power module. The analysis produces two optimal topologies for a power module: one for low-power and another for medium/high-power MCs. A new power module topology for a low-power three-phase-to-three- phase MC is proposed. By using bootstrap circuits to feed the gate-drivers, the proposed configuration requires only three insulated power supplies for a complete MC. This proposal constitutes a solution recommended in the low-power range, where low cost and low volume are the main objectives. Furthermore, a configuration of a power electronic building block for MCs is proposed. This includes the commutation control logic and the overcurrent protection, provides safe operation, and eliminates the specific problem of operating the bidirectional switches

49.2.9    Jie Chang, T. Sun, Anhua Wang, "Highly compact AC-AC converter achieving a high voltage transfer ratio," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 345-352, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper reports a new, highly integrated modular design approach for pulsewidth-modulation AC-AC converters based on a modular phase-bank structure. Novel high-power 3-in-1 integrated bi-directional power modules (IBPM) rated at 1200-V AC and 150 A and the 3-to-1 phase bank circuits have been successfully developed, fabricated and tested. This enables the modularity design of the multiphase converter systems and reduces the critical parasitic inductance. A theoretical analysis of the IBPM's silicon utilization for this new breed of direct power converters has been outlined. A lab prototype at medium power level has been successfully designed, implemented, and tested with good results. A nearly 460-VRMS out voltage at a 1:0.955 voltage transfer ratio, which, perhaps, is the highest performance reported so far in the literature, has been achieved by the novel two-side modulation control system. The converter-fed AC motor system is able to operate over the 0-240 Hz range with inherent regenerative capability and four-quadrant operation. Potential industrial applications are also briefly highlighted in this paper

49.2.10    R. Teichmann, J. Oyama, "ARCP soft-switching technique in matrix converters," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 353-361, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: An alternative concept used to avoid the need for staggered switching in matrix converters is discussed. The features of the auxiliary resonant commutated pole (ARCP) soft switching technique are used to reduce the number of active switches and gate drives in comparison to conventional matrix converter technology, avoid commutation voltage spikes, and reduce switching losses. Three different ARCP matrix converters are reviewed and their operational boundaries are discussed. The ARCPMC technology is critically evaluated with respect to a potential industrial application

49.2.11    P. Mutschler, M. Marcks, "A direct control method for matrix converters," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 362-369, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: Until now, direct control methods have been mainly investigated and used in conjunction with voltage source converters. In this paper, the authors develop a direct current control method for matrix converters. There are two objectives for the direct current control: the desired current has to be impressed into the load, and the current, drawn from the mains, should be in phase with the voltage and should be (nearly) sinusoidal. This implies active damping of the 400 Hz resonance or the line filter. The method is implemented on a DSP and tested on a 10 kVA matrix converter

49.2.12    D. Casadei, G. Serra, A. Tani, L. Zarri, "Matrix converter modulation strategies: a new general approach based on space-vector representation of the switch state," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 370-381, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: In this paper, a novel representation of the switch state of a three-phase to three-phase matrix converter is presented. This approach, based on space-vector notation, simplifies the study of the modulation strategies, leading to a complete general solution of the problem and providing a very useful unitary point of view. The already established strategies can be considered as particular cases of the proposed general solution. Using this approach, it can be verified that the space-vector modulation technique, owing to the intrinsic two degrees of freedom, represents the general solution of the modulation problem of matrix converters. This technique can be considered the best solution for the possibility to achieve the highest voltage transfer ratio and to optimize the switching pattern through a suitable use of the zero configurations

49.2.13    P.W. Wheeler, J.C. Clare, L. Empringharn, M. Bland, M. Apap, "Gate drive level intelligence and current sensing for matrix converter current commutation," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 382-389, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the process of current commutation in matrix converters. The mechanisms involved in the commutation process are described and practical waveforms are presented. A novel commutation strategy is described that uses gate drive level intelligence in the form of a field-programmable gate array. Current direction is determined using device voltages and, therefore, the measurement problems associated with all other commutation methods are overcome. Practical results from an 18-kW matrix converter induction motor drive are presented

49.2.14    E.P. Wiechmann, R.P. Burgos, J. Rodriguez, "Continuously motor-synchronized ride-through capability for matrix-converter adjustable-speed drives," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 390-400, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The ride-through capability of adjustable-speed drives has become an important issue due to its direct impact on production and revenue losses. Moreover, different industrial surveys have shown that voltage sags are the main cause of converter tripping. Disturbances such as swells, distortion, and impulses were found far less common and did not cause any tripping nor production losses. Matrix-converter (MC) drives are also prone to voltage sags, furthermore the lack of the DC-link capacitor renders them somehow more vulnerable. This paper presents a ride-through strategy for MC adjustable-speed drives. The strategy is based on the reduced speed/load approach for conventional drives and is capable of enforcing constant volts/hertz operation regardless of the supply voltage conditions by first regulating the modulation index of the matrix converter, which counteracts the supply voltage drop, and second by reducing the speed reference if required. This reduction seeks to maintain the maximum torque capability of the drive and not to reduce the motor load as in conventional drives. Hence, the proposed strategy is suitable for both variable and constant torque loads. Moreover, the converter never loses synchronization with the motor, so it is capable of immediate acceleration to its former speed after the disturbance disappears. The proposed strategy was experimentally verified under typical industry disturbances using a TMS320C32 DSP based system. Particularly, three-phase and single-phase sags varying from 10% to 60% were tested. Results obtained showed the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for MC adjustable-speed drives

49.2.15    O. Simon, J. Mahlein, M.N. Muenzer, M. Bruckmarm, "Modern solutions for industrial matrix-converter applications," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 401-406, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: Thus far, matrix converter topology has not reached industrial use. Reasons for this have been complex control schemes, inefficient solutions for overvoltage protection, questionable robustness of the bi-directional switch commutation at disturbed supply voltages, and missing power semiconductor modules. Recent research results concerning these problems have led to innovative solutions and, from a technical point of view, industrial use seems to be reasonable now

49.2.16    J. Mahlein, J. Igney, J. Weigold, M. Braun, O. Simon, "Matrix converter commutation strategies with and without explicit input voltage sign measurement," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 407-414, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper gives an overview to voltage-controlled matrix converter commutation. Conventional converter systems with explicit sign measurement circuits that were necessary for the commutation in the past are discussed. New operation methods eliminating these extra measuring circuits are presented. The paper explains the new methods. Advantages and disadvantages of different approaches are discussed. The robustness of the new methods against disturbance is proved and measurements on a 5.5-kW matrix converter system are shown


Drive Control
49.2.17    B.W. Bomar, "Implementation of microprogrammed control in FPGAs," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 415-422, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The microprogrammed approach to implementing control state machines has been widely used since the early 1960s and has the advantages of structured programming and fixed timing characteristics. This paper presents a microprogrammed control unit that has been tailored to implementation in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The microsequencer has a novel architecture which takes advantage of the enhancements existing in coarse-grained FPGAs to implement efficiently four basic functions: registers, multiplexers, adders, and counters. The sequencer supports both nested subroutines and nested loops, and can operate in both pipelined and nonpipelined modes. The pipelined mode of operation uses delayed branching in which one additional microinstruction always executes following any instruction that changes program flow. It is found that in a typical medium-sized (50 K gates) FPGA, the sequencer can be clocked at over 60 MHz nonpipelined and over 100 MHz pipelined while using less than 5% of the available FPGA logic resources. This leaves the bulk of the FPGA resources available for implementing other digital circuitry that is to be controlled by the microsequencer. While not attractive for a small number of states, the microprogrammed approach has some significant advantages for complex controllers with a large number of states

49.2.18    M. Moallem, "Electron-beam position monitoring and feedback control in Duke Free-Electron Laser Facility," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 423-432, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: This paper addresses data acquisition and feedback control of electron-beam positions in the Duke University Free-Electron Laser Facility. The control system consists of a distributed system of VME-based hardware and processors connected through a network to host workstations. The host workstations provide graphical data presentation to the user and are also used for high-level supervisory control. The electron-beam profile is controlled by electromagnetic forces generated by passing currents through the coils of correction magnets distributed around the ring. A desired control objective is to move the stored electron beam to specific locations in the vacuum chamber and to stabilize the orbit in the presence of disturbances. The technical details of implementing the data acquisition and control scheme and their integration with the existing control system modules are presented along with experimental results

49.2.19    P. Baranyi, Yeung Yam, A.R. Varkonyi-Koczy, R.J. Patton, P. Michelberger, M. Sugiyama, "SVD-based complexity reduction to TS fuzzy models," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 433-443, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: One of the typical important criteria to be considered in real-time control applications is the computational complexity of the controllers, observers, and models applied. In this paper, a singular value decomposition (SVD)-based complexity reduction technique is proposed for Takagi Sugeno (TS) fuzzy models. The main motivation is that the TS fuzzy model has exponentially growing computational complexity with the improvement of its approximation property through, as usually practiced, increasing the density of antecedent terms. The reduction technique proposed here is capable of defining the contribution of each local linear model included in the TS fuzzy model, which serves to remove the weakly contributing ones as according to a given threshold. Reducing the number of models leads directly to the computational complexity reduction. This work also includes a number of numerical and application examples

49.2.20    S. Suwankawin, S. Sangwongwanich, "A speed-sensorless IM drive with decoupling control and stability analysis of speed estimation," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 444-455, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: A new sensorless drive based on a decoupling control and an adaptive full-order observer is developed. A modified decoupling control is introduced and integrated with the adaptive observer to reduce the complexity of the whole system. The speed estimation based on adaptive control theory is analyzed and the necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of the speed estimation are analytically derived. It is indicated that the system can be unstable in the low-speed region with regenerative loads. However, assigning an appropriate feedback gain to the adaptive observer can restore the stability and reduce the unstable region. Sensitivity of the sensorless drive against parameter and measurement errors is also qualitatively discussed. Simulation and experimental results are then given to verify the validity of the theoretical results


Power Electronics
49.2.21    Jin-Kuk Chung, Gyu-Hyeong Cho, "A new soft recovery PWM quasi-resonant converter with a folding snubber network," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 456-461, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: A new soft recovery (SR) quasi-resonant converter (QRC) having a multiple-order folding snubber network (MFSN) is introduced. It is obtained by combining a normal QRC with a folding snubber network of which the surrounding components are composed of passive devices only (diodes and capacitors). The reverse recovery loss of the main rectifier diode is eliminated by this method utilizing multiple resonance with a multiple-order folding snubber network. By realizing soft switching conditions, the proposed converter has pulsewidth modulation capability with high efficiency and is suitable for high-voltage and high-power DC to DC converter applications

49.2.22    F. Betin, D. Pinchon, G.-A. Capolino, "A time-varying sliding surface for robust position control of a DC motor drive," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 462-473, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: In this paper, a new variable-structure position control law for a DC motor is proposed. The algorithm, based on a time-varying switching line, guarantees the existence of a sliding mode from the beginning of the shaft motion. Indeed, the surface is initially designed to pass through the initial representative point and subsequently moved toward a predetermined desired surface via shifting. By this means, the reaching phase is eliminated and the motor behavior is insensitive to unknown mechanical configuration changes. The algorithm has been tested in simulation and the experiment has been performed using a low-cost 16-bit microcontroller. Then, an advanced test bed is used in order to evaluate the tracking properties and the robustness capacities of the variable-structure control law with variations of the mechanical configuration

49.2.23    N. Mutoh, M. Ogata, K. Gulez, F. Harashima, "New methods to suppress EMI noises in motor drive systems," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 474-485, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: New methods are studied that can suppress EMI noises, especially the common-mode current produced in motor drive systems. One is a packaging technique that forms power converters using a four-layer printed power circuit board. The other is a method based on the generation mechanism of the common-mode current which was developed from experimental analyses. It is proved by experiments that the former can effectively control the common-mode current, including radiated emissions, and the latter can suppress it without any compensators between the inverter and the motor

49.2.24    R.L. Kirlin, M.M. Bech, A.M. Trzynadlowski, "Analysis of power and power spectral density in PWM inverters with randomized switching frequency," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 486-499, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: A novel method for accurate calculation of power spectra of the pulsewidth modulation (PWM) voltage-source inverter with randomized switching frequency is presented. The case of a limited pool of switching frequencies, convenient and adequate for technical purposes, is considered, and a mathematical background for this type of random PWM (RPWM) is provided. It is shown that the limited-pool RPWM gives rise to not only a continuous spectrum, but, also, under certain circumstances, pure power spectral components (harmonics), typical for the deterministic PWM. Criteria for the existence of harmonics are given, and formulae for both the power and the power spectral density are derived and verified experimentally


Signal Processing and Control
49.2.25    R. Canals, A. Roussel, J.-L. Famechon, S. Treuillet, "A biprocessor-oriented vision-based target tracking system," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 500-506, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: The design and realization of a vision-based target tracking system is proposed. The objective is to derive the orientation of a pan-tilt camera fitting a drone in order to track a target and to maintain its position in the middle of the image. Image data and drone attitude are the only information available for the camera control to be achieved correctly. This embedded system requires low-cost hardware for surveillance or attack drone applications: a digital signal processor for the image processing, and a microcontroller for the camera control. To ensure real-time video operation, an algorithmic solution integrating a successive-step and multi-block search method is implemented, thus allowing complex target displacements. The microcontroller uses this information to manage the camera orientation. Experiments have been conducted in real, conditions and acceptable target tracking results have been obtained on the prototype hardware

49.2.26    M. Kamiya, H. Ikeda, S. Shinohara, "Wavelength-division-multiplexed analog transmission through plastic optical fiber for use in factory communications," IEEE Trans. on Industrial Electronics, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 507-510, April 2002.   Abstract Link    Full Text

Abstract: A simple inexpensive analog transmission system is realized using a dual-channel-color LED assembly, a plastic optical fiber, a dual-channel-color sensor assembly, and a crosstalk elimination circuit. The transmission system, covering DC to 10 kHz, has a distortion factor of less than 2% and a crosstalk of less than -40 dB, and is suitable for use in factory communications