{"id":19356,"date":"2024-01-03T08:05:07","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T08:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/?p=19356"},"modified":"2026-03-06T14:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T14:48:15","slug":"getting-started-npc-converter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter","title":{"rendered":"Getting started with an NPC converter"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-right-text counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#What-is-an-NPC-converter\" >What is an NPC converter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Working-principle\" >Working principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Modulation-techniques\" >Modulation techniques<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Physical-realization\" >Physical realization<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Hardware-requirements\" >Hardware requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Assembly-and-wiring\" >Assembly and wiring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Configuration-of-the-B-Box-front-panel\" >Configuration of the B-Box front panel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Control-software\" >Control software<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#Experimental-results\" >Experimental results<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#To-go-further\" >To go further<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/getting-started-npc-converter\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>This page provides a simple first-step guide to building NPC converters and thus focuses on practical aspects. Advanced theoretical considerations are not covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this tutorial, the considered setup is a 3-phase 3-level NPC converter supplied by a DC voltage source and connected to a resistive load. It is controlled by an open-loop controller run in a B-Box RCP. A closed-loop control example for a grid-tie NPC converter is presented in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/neutral-point-clamped-inverter\">Neutral Point Clamped Inverter (NPC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-npc-converter\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-an-NPC-converter\"><\/span>What is an NPC converter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) converters are a family of multi-level power converters characterized by clamping diodes, halving the voltage across the power switches. NPC converters were simultaneously introduced by Baker [1] and Nabae et. al [2] in 1981. Today, they remain the best-known and most widespread multi-level converter topology, offering very attractive performance with limited complexity. A typical NPC converter topology is depicted in Fig. 1.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"495\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/TN132_NPC_presentationv2.png\" alt=\"3-level NPC converter topology\" class=\"wp-image-23962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/TN132_NPC_presentationv2.png 495w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/TN132_NPC_presentationv2-300x235.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 1. 3-level NPC converter topology introduced in this example.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Thanks to their multi-level nature, NPC converters offer better waveform quality than two-level inverters, leading to reduced filtering requirements. They are often present in medium voltage applications, where their higher blocking voltage capability is also an essential requirement. Although N-level NPC converters have also been proposed, the industrial use of NPC-type converters is mostly limited to three-level topologies due to the complex mechanical arrangement of the power devices with a higher number of levels (presence of non-symmetrical elements).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-working-principle\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Working-principle\"><\/span>Working principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Considering each leg, 2<sup>4<\/sup>=16 different combinations can be generated with the 4 switching components. Besides the full-open state used each time the PWM are deactivated, 3 states are of interest : each phase can be clamped to \u00b1VDC\/2 or 0. Other states are not used, since they lead to open or short-circuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To reach the states of interest, the following switches must be activated :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter\"><table><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Leg voltage<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>State<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>T1<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>T2<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>T3<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>T4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">V<sub>up<\/sub><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">P<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">V<sub>low<\/sub><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">N<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(0\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\\(1\\)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>where Ti refers to the i<sup>th<\/sup> switch for each leg, starting from the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-info\" role=\"alert\">It is important to notice that complementary signals are used to control T1 and T3, as well as T2 and T4. In other words, the pairs T1\/T3 and T2\/T4 are operated as two commutation cells, meaning that dead-times are introduced to avoid any short-circuit.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-modulation-techniques\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modulation-techniques\"><\/span>Modulation techniques<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This example focuses on the basic implementation of two common techniques, namely carrier-based PWM and space vector modulation. Numerous other modulation strategies have been proposed for NPC converters, aiming at optimizing different quantities (e.g. balancing of the neutral point voltage [3]).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-carrier-based-pwm\">Carrier-based PWM<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In the carrier-based PWM modulation, the control signals for both commutation cells (T1\/T3 and T2\/T4) can be generated by comparing a modulation signal <em>m<\/em> with two carriers, as shown in Fig. 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this example, the modulation signal is shifted by 1 (instead of using a carrier shifted by -1) in the software to ensure compatibility with the CB-PWM block. The Simulink implementation with the CB-PWM block is shown in Fig. 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_cb_pwm.png\" alt=\"PWM working principle and outputs\" class=\"wp-image-21226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_cb_pwm.png 500w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_cb_pwm-273x300.png 273w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 2. PWM working principle and outputs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"917\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_CB_PWM_Simulink-1024x917.png\" alt=\"Carrier-based modulation implementation for NPC converters\" class=\"wp-image-24067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_CB_PWM_Simulink-1024x917.png 1024w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_CB_PWM_Simulink-300x269.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_CB_PWM_Simulink-768x688.png 768w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_CB_PWM_Simulink.png 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 3. Carrier-based modulation Simulink implementation,<br>where <code>m_abc<\/code> contains the modulation signal of each phase.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>More information about the carrier-based PWM block from the ACG SDK library can be found in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/software\/carrier-based-pwm\">CB-PWM \u2013 Carrier-based PWM<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-space-vector-pwm\">Space vector PWM<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The space vector modulation uses the Clarke transformation, where the voltage (<code>va<\/code>, <code>vb<\/code>, <code>vc<\/code>) is projected into the \u03b1\u03b20-space (often reduced to the \u03b1\u03b2-plane when the 0-component is not involved in the control). The \u03b1\u03b2-plane is recalled in Fig. 4, where all 3\u00b3=27 achievable states (3 phases with 3 possible clamping possibilities) are shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An appropriate repartition among the closest feasible states makes it possible to reach any desired average value within the plane (i.e. within the hexagon). For example, Vref in the Fig. 4 can be obtained by an appropriate repartition among the P00, P0N and PNN states over the period. These calculations are managed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/software\/sv-pwm\">SV-PWM<\/a> block, which also automatically generates the PWM outputs, as shown in Fig. 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"465\" height=\"411\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vectors_Clarke_referential.png\" alt=\"Feasible and desired states in the Clarke referential\" class=\"wp-image-6056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vectors_Clarke_referential.png 465w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/vectors_Clarke_referential-300x265.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 465px) 100vw, 465px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 4. Feasible and desired states in the Clarke referential.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"964\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_SV_PWM_Simulinkv2-1024x964.png\" alt=\"Space-vector modulation implementation for NPC converters\" class=\"wp-image-24195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_SV_PWM_Simulinkv2-1024x964.png 1024w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_SV_PWM_Simulinkv2-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_SV_PWM_Simulinkv2-768x723.png 768w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_SV_PWM_Simulinkv2.png 1141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 5. Space-vector modulation Simulink implementation, where <code>m_abc<\/code> contains the modulation signal of each phase.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>More information about the space-vector modulation can be found in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/space-vector-modulation\">Space Vector Modulation (SVM)<\/a> and about the Simulink space-vector PWM block in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/software\/sv-pwm\">SV-PWM \u2013 Space vector PWM<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-physical-realization\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical-realization\"><\/span>Physical realization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hardware-requirements\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hardware-requirements\"><\/span>Hardware requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The following list describes the required hardware to follow this tutorial. It comprises imperix products as well as additional components commonly available in power electronics research laboratories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Imperix Products :<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1x <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/products\/control\/rapid-prototyping-controller\/\">Rapid Prototyping Controller<\/a> (B-Box RCP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3x <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/products\/power\/npc-converter-module\/\">NPC Building Block<\/a>  (PEN8018)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1x <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/software\/acg-sdk\/\">Control Development Tools for Simulink and PLECS<\/a> (ACG SDK), with a valid license<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional components :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3x resistors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3x inductors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1x DC power supply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laboratory cables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the following sections, 8.5\u03a9 resistors, 2.36mH inductors and an 800V power supply are used. Such inductors can notably be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/products\/power\/filter-box\/\">passive filter box<\/a>. A closed rack (type D) is optional, but it is recommended to hold the PEN8018 modules together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-warning\" role=\"alert\">Before performing any experiments, it is recommended to read the safety guidelines for working in the lab provided <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/safety-and-protection-in-the-lab\">here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"assembly-wiring\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assembly-and-wiring\"><\/span>Assembly and wiring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The circuit schematic is depicted in Fig. 6. As indicated, the DC bus capacitors are already included in the PEN8018 modules. The modules also contain two voltage sensors measuring the voltage across the capacitors, and a current sensor for the phase output current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-info\" role=\"alert\">As described in the <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/document\/PEN8018.pdf\">PEN8018 datasheet<\/a>, the analog output of each PEN8018 module can be wired to the upper\/ lower bus voltage sensor by placing jumpers on its P6\/ P5 pins, respectively.<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_schematic.png\" alt=\"Circuit schematic of the NPC converter\" class=\"wp-image-19397\" style=\"width:742px;height:642px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_schematic.png 780w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_schematic-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_schematic-768x665.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 6. Circuit schematic with 3 PEN8018 modules, a passive load and the B-Box RCP. The measured variables<br>are shown in red and the gating signals in gray.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The rear of the converter rack is shown in Fig. 7.  For simplicity, it is recommended to follow this specific assembling order :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>prepare the connector for the <code>VAC<\/code> output of each module (indicated as <code>va<\/code>, <code>vb<\/code>, <code>vc<\/code>) and set the jumpers on P6 for the first module (measurement of the upper bus voltage) and on P5 for the second one (measurement of lower bus voltage) ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>slide the modules one by one into the rack and connect the <code>N<\/code> ports progressively ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>set the <code><code>VDC+<\/code> and <code>VDC-<\/code><\/code> connections and connectors (indicated as <code>V+<\/code>, <code>V-<\/code>) when all modules are held together in the rack.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The measurement and control connections are described in Fig. 6 above and should be set up carefully. The measurements are transmitted through RJ45 cables, while the PWM control signals are transmitted through optical fibers (see Fig. 8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-warning\" role=\"alert\">Please notice the connection order of the optical fibers in the PEN8018 modules. For example, the switches of the first PEN8018 module are connected to <code>D0H<\/code>, <code>D1H<\/code>, <code>D0L<\/code> and <code>D1L<\/code> respectively.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"293\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_PEN_backconnections_annoted_small.png\" alt=\"Rear of the NPC converter rack\" class=\"wp-image-18552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_PEN_backconnections_annoted_small.png 390w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_PEN_backconnections_annoted_small-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 7. Back of the PEN8018 modules with interconnected VDC+, VDC- and N, as well as power terminals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"293\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_meas_ctrl_annoted_small.png\" alt=\"Front panel measurement and control connections of the NPC converter\" class=\"wp-image-18553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_meas_ctrl_annoted_small.png 390w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/zoom_meas_ctrl_annoted_small-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 8. Front panel measurement and control connections. <code>Vup<\/code> and <code>Vlo<\/code> correspond to <code>VDC+<\/code>\/<code>N<\/code> and <code>N<\/code>\/<code>VDC-<\/code>, respectively.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, the DC source terminals can be connected to <code>V+<\/code> and <code>V-<\/code> and the load to the <code>va<\/code>, <code>vb<\/code>, <code>vc<\/code> outputs of the NPC converter. The final setup is shown in Fig. 9, where the components of interest are highlighted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"479\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/final_setup_annotated.png\" alt=\"Final setup of the NPC converter\" class=\"wp-image-24165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/final_setup_annotated.png 780w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/final_setup_annotated-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/final_setup_annotated-768x472.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 9. Final setup.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"configuration-front-panel\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Configuration-of-the-B-Box-front-panel\"><\/span>Configuration of the B-Box front panel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The analog front end of the B-Box contains 16 input channels. For each channel, the following parameters must be configured: the input impedance, the cutoff frequency of the input low-pass filter (if used), the input gain, and the protection thresholds. More information about the analog front-end of the B-Box can be found in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/help\/analog-front-end-configuration-on-b-box-rcp\">Analog front-end configuration on B-Box RCP<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following table summarizes the parameters to be configured on the B-Box front panel. They are briefly discussed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter\"><table><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Channels<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Low Impedance<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Gain<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Filter<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Filter Freq.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Limit High<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Limit Low<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Disable Safety<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Save<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0, 1, 2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">(any)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7.0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-7.0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8, 9<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">(any)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.5<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-8.9<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">no<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The PEN8018 sensors do not require a <em>low<\/em> input impedance (only sensors with current output do) : the input impedance must be set to the default <em>high<\/em> value. Since the input low-pass filter is not used in this example, it will be physically bypassed and the cutoff frequency parameter is therefore irrelevant (no effect).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-info\" role=\"alert\">The gain is useful to take advantage of the full \u00b110V acquisition range of the ADC: it should be maximized while keeping the ADC input within the \u00b110V range.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The phase RMS current is limited to 13.5 Arms in the resistors (more restrictive than the 18A maximal current of the PEN modules and the 30A rating of the inductors). With a sensitivity of -46mV\/A and a gain of 8, the expected voltage at the ADC input should span over \u00b1\u221a2 x 13.5 x 0.046 x 8 = \u00b17V. It remains within the \u00b110V acquisition range, so the gain can be set to 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The absolute maximal rating of each half DC bus is 450V. With a sensitivity of -9.9mV\/V and a gain of 2, the expected voltage at the ADC input should not go below -0.0099 x 450 x 2 = -8.9V. This is the highest achievable gain since a gain of 4 or 8 would lead the voltage to exceed the \u00b110V acquisition range. To avoid undesirable faults due to noise and measurement inaccuracy, a small margin is introduced for the maximal reverse voltage on the capacitor: it is set to -25V (instead of 0). The protection threshold should be set to 25 x 0.0099 x 2 = 0.5V.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-control-software\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Control-software\"><\/span>Control software<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Simulink model used in this tutorial can be downloaded here below. Both versions only differ in the modulation technique (carrier-based or space vector modulation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-simple-alerts-for-gutenberg-alert-boxes sab-alert sab-alert-info\" role=\"alert\">The plant model is built with the Imperix Power library for fast and accurate simulation of imperix power products. For more information on the Imperix Power library, please read <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/help\/getting-started-with-imperix-power-library\">PN150 &#8211; Getting started with Imperix Power library<\/a>.<br>Imperix Power library requires ACG SDK 2024.2 or a later version. To update the ACG SDK, please go to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/downloads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">imperix.com\/downloads\/<\/a>.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:12px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_Converter_Open_Loop_CBPWM_powerlib.slx\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download>Download <strong>NPC_Converter_Open_Loop_CBPWM<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/NPC_Converter_Open_Loop_SVPWM_powerlib.slx\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download>Download <strong>NPC_Converter_Open_Loop_SVPWM<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"372\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_NPC_schematic_Simulink_CB_clean-1024x372.png\" alt=\"Control software of the NPC converter\" class=\"wp-image-24208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_NPC_schematic_Simulink_CB_clean-1024x372.png 1024w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_NPC_schematic_Simulink_CB_clean-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_NPC_schematic_Simulink_CB_clean-768x279.png 768w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_NPC_schematic_Simulink_CB_clean.png 1459w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 10. Simulink control software (with carrier-based modulation).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The code can be generated by selecting the <code>Automated Code Generation<\/code> option within the <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/software\/config-control-task-configuration\"><code>CONFIG<\/code> block<\/a> and then pressing <code>Ctrl+B<\/code>. At the end of the code generation, a Cockpit session is opened and the user code is automatically loaded\/ updated. More information is available in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/help\/programming-imperix-controllers#How-to-program-the-controller\">PN138<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Cockpit, after creating a new project, a scope and a rolling plot can be added to the view from the top bar and variables can be drag-and-dropped from the side panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-experimental-results\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Experimental-results\"><\/span>Experimental results<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fig. 11 shows the measured currents obtained with 800V on the DC bus and a 600V peak voltage reference. When using the NPC converter with a passive load, the half-bus voltages are naturally balanced because of the floating neutral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_Cockpit_SVPWM-1024x742.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_Cockpit_SVPWM-1024x742.png 1024w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_Cockpit_SVPWM-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_Cockpit_SVPWM-768x556.png 768w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/TN132_Cockpit_SVPWM.png 1434w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 11. Cockpit session with 0.8 as modulation index, 120V on the DC bus and enabled PWM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As detailed in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/help\/cockpit-user-guide\">Cockpit \u2013 User guide<\/a>, the curves can be exported in <code>.csv<\/code> and <code>.mat<\/code> (or even directly as Matlab figures). This makes it possible to process and display them with complete freedom. For example, <code>VDC<\/code>, <code>Vup<\/code>, <code>Vlow<\/code>, and <code>Ia<\/code>, <code>Ib<\/code>, <code>Ic<\/code> curves are shown in Fig. 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_vdc.png\" alt=\"Experimental results (voltage)\" class=\"wp-image-20806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_vdc.png 780w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_vdc-300x115.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_vdc-768x295.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_i.png\" alt=\"Experimental results (output current)\" class=\"wp-image-20807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_i.png 780w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_i-300x115.png 300w, https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/plot_i-768x295.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fig. 12. Plots drawn with exported data.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-to-go-further\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To-go-further\"><\/span>To go further<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A closed-loop control example for grid-tie NPC converter is presented in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/neutral-point-clamped-inverter\">Neutral Point Clamped Inverter (NPC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DC bus unbalancing is likely to happen in grid-tie operation. This is due to a non-zero average current going out of the DC bus midpoint, leading to uneven capacitor voltages. Such a situation must be avoided : active balancing of the half DC buses is required. Proper DC bus balancing techniques are described in <a href=\"https:\/\/imperix.com\/doc\/implementation\/balancing-of-npc-converters\">DC bus balancing of NPC converters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-references\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>[1] R.H. Baker, \u201cBridge converter circuit\u201d, U.S. Patent 4270136, May 26, 1981.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[2] A. Nabae, I. Takahashi and H. Akagi, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/ieeexplore.ieee.org\/document\/4503992\">A New Neutral-Point-Clamped PWM Inverter<\/a>,\u201d in IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. IA-17, no. 5, pp. 518-523, Sept. 1981, doi: 10.1109\/TIA.1981.4503992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[3] J. Zaragoza, J. Pou, S. Ceballos, E. Robles, C. Jaen and M. Corbalan, &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/ieeexplore.ieee.org\/document\/4671112\">Voltage-Balance Compensator for a Carrier-Based Modulation in the Neutral-Point-Clamped Converter<\/a>,&#8221; in&nbsp;<em>IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics<\/em>, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 305-314, Feb. 2009, doi: 10.1109\/TIE.2008.2009195.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[4] S. N. Vukosavic, \u201cPWM Voltage Actuator,\u201d in <em>Grid-Side Converters Control and Design<\/em> (Power Electronics and Power Systems Series). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018, pp. 54-60. doi:10.1007\/978-3-319-73278-7.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Simple first-step guide to building NPC converters, taking as an example a 3-phase 3-level NPC converter supplied by a DC voltage and connected to a resistive load.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":24314,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"software-environments":[103],"provided-results":[108],"related-products":[50,32,166,111],"guidedreadings":[],"tutorials":[123],"user-manuals":[],"coauthors":[82,65],"class_list":["post-19356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-implementation","software-environments-matlab","provided-results-experimental","related-products-acg-sdk","related-products-b-box-rcp","related-products-b-box-rcp-3-0","related-products-pm","tutorials-neutral-point-clamped-inverter-npc"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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