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This paper proposes operating a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter using a two-level pulsewidth-modulation method. This allows for the clamping diodes to be rated at a fraction of the main switches due to their low average current requirement. The use of a bootstrap charge pump as a low-cost method to obtain the isolated gate drive power supplies is extended for use with the NPC topology. Using this control method and circuits, an inverter based on high-volume, low-cost, low-voltage power MOSFETs is experimentally demonstrated as a possible economic alternative to an insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-based drive for 120-Vrms-supplied systems.
Welchko et al. (Tue,) studied this question.