A High-Efficiency Diode-Clamped Linear Amplifier

摘要

This paper proposes a new power converter without any switching operation and which works as a linear amplifier. The main circuit of the proposed converter consists of series-connected MOSFETs, series-multi DC power supplies, and clamping diodes. The circuit configuration is similar to a diode-clamped multi-level inverter, except for using complementary power devices, which are n- and p-channel MOSFETs. One of the series-connected MOSFETs operates in an active state just like a linear amplifier, while the other MOSFETs operate in on or off states like an inverter circuit. As a result, the proposed converter achieves an acceptable efficiency as high as 90% without any ripples or harmonics caused by switching operation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed converter has the capability to drive a 2.2-kW three-phase induction motor.