Reduced switch count-based N-level boost inverter topology for higher voltage gain

This study proposes a new boost inverter based on a switched-capacitor concept with reduced switch count. The basic unit is a five-level topology, which inherently generates the AC output voltage with the self-voltage balancing of the capacitors. A conventional carrier-based sinusoidal modulation technique has been designed to maintain the capacitor voltage up to the input source voltage. The N-level structure of the proposed basic unit is also presented, which has the additional advantage of higher voltage gain with a single input. A detailed comparison with other similar topologies has been carried out. A laboratory prototype has been used to test the workability of the proposed basic unit and its extension for seven-level through several results.