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Heterogeneous integration and the converter in package concept have been highlighted as enabling technologies to unlock the full potential of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices. Control of parasitic elements in the commutation loops and passive filter integration within the power module reduces the risk of overcurrent and overvoltage stresses for the transistors and can improve the containment of high-frequency noise at source, resulting in safer operation of the whole converter. However, at present, the major limitation to filter integration is posed by the low energy density of commercial magnetic components. This article further investigates on the integration of more reliable high-power-density magnetic components within the power module structure. The proposed approach consists of bonding individual copper parts, representative of single winding turns, onto an appropriately patterned ceramic substrate, thus improving the filters thermal management. At first, an experimental comparison between different bonding techniques has been carried out based on mechanical performance. Finally, to prove the feasibility and repeatability of the proposed route, a complete inductor has been manufactured using the solder bonding technique. Both thermal tests and simulations confirmed that due to the enhanced heat exchange between the inductor and cooling system, the maximum current density can be increased above commercial standards while maintaining the temperature in a safe range for the nearby active devices.

A novel fast and reliable open-circuit fault diagnosis strategy for a matrix converter with a finite-control-set model predictive control strategy is proposed in this paper. Current sensors are located ahead of the clamp circuit to measure the output currents in order to improve the speed of fault diagnosis. In addition, the current recirculating path during a single open-circuit switch fault condition is given in detail with the aim of contributing more expert knowledge to the fault diagnosis. The proposed fault diagnosis method is applicable over the whole range of modulation index.

The International Technology Roadmap for Wide-Bandgap Power Semiconductors (ITRW) has four distinct technical working groups, each providing its own perspective on the technology and industrial drivers for the adoption of wide-bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors in power electronics. This article summarizes the progress toward an initial roadmap for the packaging and integration working group of the ITRW.

This paper presents a solution to the control of the third harmonic of the neutral point in a VIENNA rectifier. A hybrid method combining a dynamic adjustment factor with a voltage deviation control of the split dc link is proposed. The fluctuation of the neutral point has been analyzed and the reason for the third harmonic fluctuation has been described with a mathematic model. In addition to minimizing the third-harmonic component in the neutral-point voltage, the proposed control method also provides immunity to the influence of changes in the capacitor voltage. Furthermore, the significant fluctuation in the neutral-point voltage caused by asymmetric capacitor parameters or unbalanced load can be effectively reduced by using a hybrid control method combining additional adjustment coefficients. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy have been verified using both simulation and experimental results.

This paper presents an analytical and experimental comparison between silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors and silicon carbide MOSFETs when used in a direct ac-ac matrix converter (MC) circuit. The switching performance of the two devices is analyzed and the efficiency/losses are measured in order to develop a loss model that will help engineers to design and develop MC circuits using these types of devices. Particular attention is given in this paper to the discrepancies found between the datasheet values and the measured data. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance of the two MCs is also determined, and the implication of using high-speed devices from both an EMI and an efficiency point of view is formulated together with an improved input filter design.

This paper presents an auto-tuning method for a proportion plus integral (PI) controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, which is supposed to be embedded in electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) control module in aircraft. The method, based on a relay feedback with variable delay time, explores different critical points of the system frequency response. The Nyquist points of the plant can then be derived from the delay time and filter time constant. The coefficients of the PI controller can then be obtained by calculation while shifting the Nyquist point to a specific position to obtain the required phase margin. The major advantage of the auto-tuning method is that it can provide a series of tuning results for different system bandwidths and damping ratios, corresponding to the specification for delay time and phase margin. Simulation and experimental results for the PMSM controller verify the performance of both the current loop and the speed loop auto-tuning.