Power Electronics and Drives

CHAPTER SEVEN
AC-AC CONVERSION:
CYCLOCONVERTERS AND MATRIX
CONVERTERS

7.1 INTRODUCTION
The ac-to-ac power converters available in industry today do not
actually convert power directly from a.c. power of one frequency to a.c.
power of another frequency. Instead, these converters first convert
electrical power to d.c. using a rectifier, and then convert power back into
a.c. using an inverter.These are called two-stage converters. However,
a cycloconverter is a frequency changer that converts an a.c. supply of
fixed input frequency directly to an a.c. output of another frequency.
Cycloconverters not only eliminate the problem of having multiple
systems to perform a single function, they also limit the flow of power to
a single switch at any one period in time. Therefore, there is no bus link,
d.c. or otherwise, included in a cycloconverter topology between power
input and power output.
Cycloconverters are used in many industrial applications as one-stage
frequency changer for a.c. motor drives and other high power, low speed
devices such as gearless cement mills, steel rolling mills, ore grinding
mills, pumps and compressors, and mine winders. Cycloconverters can
be classified into two categories depending upon the method how the
firing angle 'α' is controlled. These are:
1. Phase-controlled cycloconverters, in which the firing angle is
controlled by adjustable gate pulses as in controlled rectifier
circuits.

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2. Envelope cycloconverters, in which the switches remain fully-on

like diodes and conduct for consecutive half cycles.
Depending upon the converter use for conversion, the cycloconverters
may also be classifies as,
(i) 2-pulse cycloconverters.
(ii) 3-pulse cycloconverters.
(iii) 6-pulse cycloconverters.
Another classification is based on the input and output phases of the
cycloconverters as,
(i) Single-phase to single-phase cycloconverters.
(ii) Three-phase to single-phase cycloconverters.
(iii) Three-phase to three-phase cycloconverters

7.2 SINGLE-PHASE TO SINGLE-PHASE CYCLOCONVERTER

The basic circuit of the single-phase two-pulse cycloconverter is
shown in Fig.7.1. The converter consist of four thyristor and a center-tap
transformer. By the controlled opening and closing of the thyristors, it is
possible to fabricate output voltage waveforms having a fundamental
component of the desired output frequency.

Fig.7.1 Single-phase to single-phase two-pulse cycloconverter basic

circuit.

For example, if it is required to generate an output voltage wave of 25 Hz

from an input voltage of 50Hz, then in the positive half-cycle of the input
voltage van, thyristor T1 conducts from 0 to π, and in the positive half-
cycle of the input voltage vbn T3 conducts from π to 2π, hence output
voltage is positive. Similarly, during the negative half-cycle of vbn, T2
conducts from 2π to 3π and during the negative half-cycle of van T4
conducts from 3π to 4π, hence the load voltage becomes negative and the
sequence is repeated. The waveforms of this converter are shown in

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Fig.7.2. The input supply voltage is shown in Fig.7.2 (a) and the 25 Hz
output voltage waveform is shown in Fig.7.2(c).
If another output frequency is required, say 16.5 Hz, the waveform will
consist of three positive half cycles and thee negative half cycles as
shown in Fig.7.2(d). Also, for 12.5 Hz output waveform it is required to
trigger four positive half cycles and four negative half cycles. Therefore,
if m = number of half supply cycle of frequency fi , the output frequency fo
will be

Fig.7.2 Single-phase to single-phase cycloconverter input and output

waveforms.

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From the output waveforms obtained in Fig.7.2 (c) and (d) , it is to be

noted that the converter operates in the mode of half-cycle selection
techniques with the triggering α = 0˚ as discussed in Chapter Six.
However, if it is required to control the value of the desired fundamental
component of the output voltage waveform, the triggering angle α could
be set to any value, e.g. α = 60˚ as shown in Fig.7.2(e), or make it variable
throughout the whole output cycle using modulation techniques.The
cycloconverter generating waveforms of Fig.7.2(c) and (d) is called
envelope cycloconverter, whereas cycloconverter generating waveforms
of Fig.7.2 (f) and (g) is called phase-angle controlled cycloconverter.
One distinct feature of the cycloconverters is that all of them are
naturally commutated devices like controlled rectifiers. It is because of
the necessity of producing natural commutation of the current between
successive switching that the realizable output frequency is lower than the
input frequency. Theoretically, the fundamental component of the highly
distorted output voltage waveform is likely to be between 1/3 and 2/3 of
the input frequency. Therefore, the cycloconverters are mostly step-down
type.
It is possible to implement a cycloconverter in several different forms.
The single-phase to single-phase version (Fig.7.1) can also be constructed
using two rectifier bridges connected back-to-back or inverse-parallel as
shown in Fig.7.3. By the controlled opening and closing of the switches
of the two converters it is possible to fabricate output voltage waveforms
having a fundamental component of the desired output frequency.

Fig.7.3 Single-phase to single-phase bridge type cycloconverter.

The phase-angle controlled cycloconverter of Fig.7.3 has exactly the

same circuit topology as a dual converter. For a dual converter the firing
angles of the converter switches are constant in time, as in bridge rectifier
circuits, to result in rectifier operation with d.c. output. On the other hand,
cycloconverter operation utilizes circuits in which the switch firing angles
are functions of time and the output is a.c.voltage.

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In the bridge type cycloconverter, each bridge is connected to the same

a.c. source but no thyristor firing overlap can be permitted between them
as this would short-circuit the supply. In an ideal dual converter the firing
angles of the two converters are controlled so that their d.c. output
voltages are exactly equal. If the positive bridge is gated at an angle αp to
produce a rectified output voltage Vdc, then the negative bridge is
simultaneously gated at αn to also produce the same output voltage Vdc,
of consistent polarity. Thus the two bridges are delivering identical output
d.c. voltages at any instant and the two firing angles must satisfy the
relation,

αp – αn π

The phase-angle controlled cycloconverter of Fig.7.3 can operates in two

modes, circulating current free mode and circulating current mode:

1. Circulating current free mode

Since the two bridges are acting alternately only one bridge carries
load current at any given time. There is then no current circulating
between the two bridges, and the mode of operation is usually called
circulating current free operation or noncirculating current operation.
The average value of the rectified load voltage was developed in Section
3.3 in Chapter Three as

which can be re-written as

Hence, when p-converter operating alone, the output voltage is positive

half-cycles with average output voltage . Also when
n-converter operating alone, the output voltage is negative half-cycles
with average output voltage . In order to
maintain the circulating current free condition, the gating pulses to the
thyristors must be controlled so that only the bridge carrying current is
kept in conduction. The temporarily idle converter must be blocked by
removing its gating pulses altogether.

2. Circulating Current Mode

The circulating current mode is the standard mode of operation in
which both the p-converter and n-converter are operating simultaneously.

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The p-converter operates as rectifier and the n-converter operates in

inversion mode. Thus the two bridges are delivering identical output d.c.
voltages at any instant and the two firing angles must satisfy the relation
as presented in Eq.(7.3).
An inter-group reactor is included, and allows current to circulate
through the positive and negative converters. To keep current flow in both
of the converters entirely continuous it is necessary to allow large
amounts of circulating current. At times it can reach 57% of the output
load current. The purpose of allowing for circulating current is to reduce
the number of harmonics in the output voltage. This mode of operation
also simplifies the optimal control strategy for the cycloconverter.

7.3 ANALYTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SINGLE-PHASE TO

SINGLE-PHASE CYCLOCONVERTER OUTPUT VOLTAGE
WAVEFORMS

7.3.1 RMS Load Voltage

The rms value Vo(rms) of the output voltage waveform vo(ωt) in Fig.7.2
is equal to the rms value of any of the half sinusoid sections. This is can
be calculated as

√ ∫ √ ∫

√ ( )
√

It is to be noted from Eq. (7.4) that the rms value of the output voltage of
a single-phase to single-phase cycloconverter is independent on the output
frequency fo.

7.3.2 Fundamental Component of the Load Voltage Waveform

The Fourier coefficients a1 and b1 of the fundamental component of the
output voltage waveform shown in Fig.7.2 ( f ) can be calculated as:
If there are m half cycles of input in each half period of the output, then

π
[∫ ∫
π
π
∫ ]

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π α π
∑, * (α )+
π
π
*
α π
(α )+-

Similarly

π
[∫ ∫
π
π
∫ ]

π α π
∑, * (α )+
π
π
*
α π
(α )+-

The amplitude c1 of the fundamental component is calculated as

Higher harmonic components can be calculated by dividing the parameter

m inside the square brackets of Eqs.(7.5) and (7.6 ) by the appropriate
order of harmonic.

Example 7.1

The input voltage to the single-phase cycloconverter of Fig.7.1 is 240V,

50 Hz.The load resistance and inductance are 10 Ω and 50 mH
respectively. The frequency of the output voltage is 25 Hz. If the
converter is to operate with αp = 75˚,

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(a) Sketch approximately to scale, the input supply voltages and

the output voltage waveforms.
(b) Determine the rms value of the output voltage.
(c) Determine the rms value of the load current.
(d) Determine the input power factor.

Solution

(a) The input and output voltage waveforms are shown in Fig.7.4.

Fig.7.4 Input and output voltage waveforms.

(b) From Eq.(7.4), the rms value of the output voltage is

√ ( )

√ √ ( )

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The load impedance at 25 Hz is

| | √ √ Ω

The rms value of the load current is

(c) The input power factor:

RMS input current

Input VA =

Output power

7.4 MULTI-PHASE CYCLOCONVERTER

The single-phase cycloconverter circuits shown in Figs.7.1 and 7.3 are

not practical circuits and are seldom used because of their nonsinusoidal
output voltage. As many industrial applications require sinusoidal a.c.
voltage and in order to construct a ‘clean’ sinusoidal output, multi-phase
cycloconverters are much more effective in producing clean waveforms
due to the variety of input to choose from. A nearly sinusoidal output
voltage can be synthesized from three-phase input voltages by using
three-phase controlled rectifiers as will be discussed in the following
subsections.

7.4.1 Three-Phase to Single-Phase Cycloconverter

The three-phase to single-phase cycloconverter is shown in Fig.7.5

which is also called three-pulse cycloconverter since it uses three-phase
half-wave converters.

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Fig.7.5 Three-phase to single-phase cycloconverter circuit.

The output voltage is positive when the thyristors of the p-converter

are conducting, and the output voltage is negative when the thyristor of
the n-converter are conducting. The positive (p) and negative (n)
converters must operate alternatively without electrically overlap to
prevent any circulating current when the two converters operate in the
circulating current free mode. The average output voltage of the
controlled rectifier of Fig.7.5 is given in Eq.(3.20) which can be rewritten
as,

With constant value of the triggering angle α output voltage waveform of

the three-phase to single-phase cycloconverter will be as depicted in
Fig.7.6.

Fig.7.6 Output voltage waveform of the three-phase to single-phase

cycloconverter with constant value of the triggering angle α.

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For phase-controlled cycloconverters with 50Hz supply the practical

maximum output frequency is likely to be about 15Hz for single-way
three-phase (three-pulse) rectifier and 30Hz for three-phase (six-pulse)
bridge rectifiers. In the dual three-phase converter a.c. operation, the
firing angles of the converter switches can be time varied, cycle by cycle.
If the time varying firing angle is described as α(t), then the output
voltage (no longer d.c.) has a peak amplitude Vo given by

In Eq.(7.9), when the firing angle α(t) is varied with time in a periodic
manner, this means that a process of discrete phase modulation is
resulting. The supply frequency acts as a carrier signal, whereas the
output frequency ωo acts as the modulating frequency. This allows the
output (modulated) voltage of the converter to be controlled in both
amplitude and frequency independently.
A form of modulating function commonly used is

where M is the modulation index which is the ratio of maximum

modulating voltage to the maximum carrier voltage, and ωo =2π fo ( fo is
the desired output frequency). For example, to convert a three-phase
supply into a single-phase 15Hz output, it is necessary to use the
modulating function (i.e., firing angle)

The output voltage waveform of the three-phase to single-phase cycloco-

nverter with variable angle α is shown in Fig.7.7.
In Fig.7.7, it is clear that the cycloconverter output voltage waveform
is made up of sections of sine waves which is called concurrent conse-
cutive wave. This wave is highly distorted. The amount of distortion
increases as the ratio output frequency/input frequency (i.e., modulating
frequency / carrier frequency) increases. In addition to severe output
voltage distortion the input current to a cycloconverter is usually
significantly distorted. Also, the fundamental component of the input
current lags the supply voltage, resulting in poor input power factor,
irrespective of whether the load current is lagging, leading, or of unity
power factor. Very often both input and output filters may be needed.

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Fig.7.7 Output voltage waveform of the three-phase to single-phase

cycloconverter with variable value of the triggering angle α.

The output voltage waveform shown in Fig.7.7 can also be obtained

from a three-phase half-wave rectifier shown in Fig.7.8. The average of
this controlled rectifier circuit varies as the cosine of the firing angle α
(Equation 7.8). By successive variation of α, a nearly sinusoidal output
voltage can be obtained . Fabrication of such output voltage is illustrated
in Fig.7.9 as follows:

 At point ‘A’, α = 0˚ and Vdc = Vdo (from Eq.(7.8)) where

Vdo = 3√3 Vm / 2π.
 At point ‘B’, α ˃ 0 , hence Vdc ˂ Vdo and so on for point ‘C’.The
converter operates in rectifying mode.
 At point ‘D’, α = 90˚, Vdc = 0 since cos 90˚= 0 and the converter is
idling.
 At points ‘E’,’F’,’G’,’H’and ‘I’, α ˃ 90 Vdc = negative and the
converter operate in inversion mode.

The average value of the output voltage will be maximum at point ‘A’
(α = 0) and zero at point ‘D’(α = 90˚). The firing angle is changed from
0˚ to 90˚ and then from 90˚ to 180˚ and back again to 90˚ in appropriate
steps.

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Fig.7.8 Three-phase
half-wave rectifier.

Fig.7.9 Fabrication of output voltage from rectifier-inverter operation of

a three-phase half-wave rectifier of Fig.7.8.

Example 7.2

A three-phase to single-phase, three-pulse cycloconverter delivers power

to a load rated at 100 V, 30 A, with power factor 0.8 lagging. Estimate the
necessary input voltage and power factor.

Solution
From Eq.(7.9) the peak value of the required input voltage is given by

√
√

Solve for the worst case when

√
√

Hence the supply rms voltage per phase is

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The rms value of the specified single-phase load current is 30A. If this is
shared equally between the three input phases, each input line (assuming
sinusoidal operation) has an rms current per phase,

√ √
The load power is

The input power per-phase is therefore,

The input power factor is

Note that this value of input power factor is the maximum possible value,
with α = 0. If α is increased, the power factor will decrease.

7.4.2 Three-Phase to Three-Phase Cycloconverter

It is possible to implement a cycloconverter in several different forms.

The three-phase to three-phase version of the cycloconverter with p = 3
supplying three-phase load is shown in Fig.7.10. In this figure, PA is
thepositive converter of phase-A and NA is the negative converter for
phase-A. Similarly PB and PC are the positive converters of phase-B and
phase-C respectively, whereas NB and NC are the negative converters of
phase-B and phase-C respectively. The load voltage va is generated by PA
and NA converters that are connected through an intergroup reactor. The
firing schedules of thyristors in PB – NB converters and PC – NC converters
are same as converters PA – NA but lag by 120˚ and 240˚ respectively.
The output voltage waveforms of the three phases are shown in Fig.7.11
for clarity.
The average value of output voltage can be varied by varying the
firing angles of the thyristors on conduction, whereas the frequency of the
output voltage can be varied by changing the sequence of firing of the
thyristors. Since each converter consists of three thyristors, thus in total

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six thyristors per phase. This means, in all 18 thyristors are required for
the whole circuit. This is why the cycloconverter considered as a complex
device for a.c. to a.c. conversion, since it needs large number of thyristors
with more complex triggering circuits.

Fig.7.10 Three-phase to three-phase cycloconverter circuit.

Fig.7.11 Load voltage waveforms for three-phase to three-phase with p =3

cycloconverter.

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Circulating current mode

The three-phase to three-phase cycloconverter can also be made to
operate in circulating current mode to reduce the control problems arising
with discontinuous load current. In this case an intergroup reactor may be
connected between the p-converter and n- converter as shown in Fig.7.10
so that circulating current is allowed to circulate between them. In such
scheme both the p-converter and n-converter are allowed to conduct
simultaneously provided that the average output voltages of the two
bridges are identical and must satisfy Eq.(7.2).
The intergroup reactor used in this scheme add cost to the circuit
which is considered as disadvantage although it reduce the ripples and
improve the quality of the output voltage waveform of the cycloconverter
waveforms of this cycloconverter are depicted in Fig.7.12 for circulating
current mode.

7.4.3 Three-Phase to Single-Phase Full-Wave (Six-Pulse) Cycloconverter

Fig.7.13 shows the schematic diagram of a three-phase to single-phase
bridge type (p = 6) cycloconverter. Two three-phase, full-wave controlled
bridge rectifier circuits of the form of P and N converters are connected
back-to-back nature representing circulating current free operation. The
positive group thyristors conduct for half the period of the output wave
whereas the negative group thyristors conduct for the remaining half of
the period.
A total of 12 thyristors are implemented in the circuit of this type of
cycloconverter. However, the quality of the output voltage waveform is
better than that of half-wave three-phase to single-phase converter circuit
shown in Fig.7.8. For the three-phase, full-wave converter p = 6, and the
peak load voltage may be inferred from Eq.(7.9) to be

This is seen to be twice the value of the half-wave, three-pulse converter

given in Eq.(7.9).

7.4.4 Three-Phase to Three-Phase Full-Wave (Six-Pulse) Cycloconverter

Fig.7.14 shows the schematic diagram of a three-phase to three-phase
bridge type (p = 6) cycloconverter in circulating current mode. This
converter is constructed using three three-phase to single-phase converters
of Fig.7.13. A total of 36 thyristors are implemented in the circuit of this
type of cycloconverter 12 for each phase. Fig.7.15 shows the same
converter operating in free-circulating current mode.
The output voltages vo with six-pulse circulating current operation is
given by Eq.(7.12) in reference [37] as

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Fig.7.12 Voltage waveforms for the three-phase to three-phase cycloconverter.

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Fig.7.13 Three-phase to single-phase full-wave (six-pulse) cycloconverter.

Fig.7.14 Three-phase to three-phase full-wave (six-pulse) cycloconverter

operating in circulating current mode.

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Fig.7.15 Three-phase to three-phase full-wave (six-pulse) cycloconverter

operating in non-circulating current mode.

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√
[ ∑ ∑ ]

where
[ ]

k= 1 for the six-pulse midpoint circuit

k=2 for the six-pulse bridge circuit

From equation (7.12), it is seen that the output voltage contains large
number of undesirable harmonic components.

7.5 ENVELOPE CYCLOCONVERTERS

The envelope cycloconverter is an alternative to the phase-controlled

cycloconverter discussed in previous sections. The basic idea in operation
of this earliest type of frequency changer is that the switches of Fig.7.1 in
the envelope cycloconverter can operate continuously, like diodes. The
firing angle ' α ' of the component converter is not varied. It is kept
constant normally at ' α ' = 0˚ for the positive converter and 'α' =180˚ for
negative converter during the positive half cycle of the voltage whereas,
during the negative half cycle, αP = 180˚ and αn = 0˚. In effect the rectifier
valves, usually thyristors, act as on-off switches for the whole of a half
cycle. This type of converter is generally called synchronous cycloco-
nverter in which the commutation process of the conducting switches is
entirely natural.
The output voltage waveform follows the profile of the a.c. supply
voltage vs , as depicted in Fig.7.16 for simple single-phase version of the
converter. These voltage waveforms shows frequency output of ½ fi, ⅓ fi
and ¼ fi as shown in Fig.7.16 (b), (c) and (d) respectively. The major
advantage of envelope converter is that it has a simple control circuitry.
As such, the envelope cycloconverter is preferred if the desired output
frequency is constant. However, in case the output voltage control is
required, the input voltage has to be varied. The circulating currents may
be avoided by turning off the conducting converter completetly.

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(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Fig.7.16 Output voltage waveforms from envelope cycloconverter.

7.5.1 Performance Characteristics of a Single-Phase

Envelope Cycloconverter

Rms Load Voltage

The rms value Vo(rms) of the output voltage waveform vo(ωt) in
Fig. 7.16 (b) is equal to the rms value of any of the half sinusoid sections.
This is can be calculated as

√ ∫ √ ∫

√
√

It is to be noted from Eq.(7.13) that the rms value of the output voltage of
a single-phase to single-phase envelope cycloconverter is independent on

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the output frequency fo and has a value same as that of sinusoidal

operation.
To generalize the rms value of the synchronous envelope cyclo-
converter, if m = number of half supply cycle of frequency fi , the output
frequency fo will be

and the rms value Vo(rms) of the output voltage waveform vo(ωt) is

√ ∫
√

From Eq.(7.14) , it is worth to note that the rms value of the output
voltage waveform is the same for that of pure sinusoidal operation.
However, this does not mean that the waveforms of Fig.7.16 (b), (c) and
(d) are pure sinusoids and as a result the output voltage of this converter
contains harmonics. These harmonics will be analysed in the following
subsection.

7.5.2 Harmonic Analysis of the Output Voltage Waveform

(A) Case when T=2 (Double half cycle)

Let T = 2 is the number of conducting half cycles of the input supply
voltage of frequency fi in a half period of the output voltage waveform of
frequency fo , hence the load voltage waveform vo , for case of R-load
shown in Fig.7.16(b), may be defined for a single-phase system as:

√
√
√
√

where = rms value of the input supply voltage.

Fourier expansion of Eq.(7.15) gives the following results:
For n  T

√
[ ]

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√
[ ]

The amplitude cn of the nth order harmonic component is calculated as

and the phase angle  n of the nth harmonic is

For n = T, the Fourier coefficients are:

This means that the input frequency component is entirely suppressed and
the fundamental component of the output voltage waveform is now define
as n = 1 in Eq.(7. 15) with a value given by

√
[ ]

√
[ ]

For T =2 ,

√
[ ]

√
[ ]

√ √ √

The harmonic amplitude spectrum of the load voltage waveform for T=2
and with R-load is shown in Fig. 7.17. It is clear that the output frequency
of the waveform obtained from the envelope cycloconverter with T=2 is
half the input frequency (25 Hz for 50 Hz input). Higher order odd
harmonics 3rd,5th ,7th and 11th are only present in the spectrum. All even

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harmonics (n=2,4,6...) are not present and the supply frequency

component is entirely suppressed.

Fig.7.17 Harmonic amplitude spectrum of load voltage waveform for

T=2 with R-load.

7.5.3 Three-Phase Cycloconverter with T =2 with R-Load

For medium and high power applications, three-phase cycloconverter
is used. A three-phase version of a single-phase synchronous cyclo-
converter is shown in Fig.7.18 which consists of three single-phase
cycloconverters X,Y, and Z feeding a three-phase star-connected resistive
load in 4-wire configuration. The neutral wire is necessary to provide a
return path to the load current for the three phases. Other type of
connections such as 3-wire system or delta-connected load may not be
feasible.

Fig.7.18. Three-phase synchronous cycloconverter.

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For T=2 , one can define the output voltage of Fig.7.16(b) in three-phase
system as

√
√
√
√

where j = 1,2,3 and  1  0,  2  2 / 3,  3  4 / 3

Fourier expansion of Eq.(7.25) n  T gives the following results:

√
*

√
*

For n = T, the Fourier coefficients are:

The harmonic amplitude spectrum for the three phases A, B, and C is

found to be same as the harmonic spectrum for single phase presented in
Fig.7.17. However, the phase-angle relationships of the three-phase
voltage waveforms for R-load, for the case when T = 2, are shown in
Fig. 7.19. It is clear that the fundamental component as well as the higher
order harmonics are balanced in magnitudes but they are unbalanced in
phase angles. With passive loads such as R and R-L loads there will be no
problem in operation of the cycloconverter. However, with active load
such as motors, the operation of the cycloconverter will encounter
problems such as excessive heat, vibration and noise.

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Fig.7.19 Phase angle relationships for T = 2, R-load of the three phases

A,B and C.
7.5.4 Three-Phase Cycloconverter with T =3 with R-Load
In the following analysis three-phase version is considered for the case
when T=3. Since the output waveforms for the three phase are same only
they differ in phase lag of the three-phase system namely 0˚,120 ˚and
240˚.The waveform of the output voltage when T=3 is shown in Fig.7.16
(c) represent the case when T=3 with R-Load above and can be defined in
general mathematical form as

√
√
√
√
√
√

Fourier series analysis of Eq.(7.31) for the single-phase version of the

converter gives

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For n  T

√
[

For n = T, the Fourier coefficients are:

For n = T, the Fourier coefficients are:

Harmonic frequency spectrum of the output voltage waveform for one

phase with T=3 is shown in Fig.7.20.The fundamental frequency is ⅓ T
(= ⅓ fi = ⅓ 50) = 16.66 Hz. The 3rd harmonic is zero, whereas the
second significant harmonic is the 5th one followed by the 7th . The other
higher order harmonics are negligibly small.

Fig.7.20 Harmonic frequency spectrum of the output voltage waveform

for one phase with T=3.

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The Fourier analysis for the three-phase version gives:

For n  T

√
*

√
*

For n = T, the Fourier coefficients are:

√

The phase-angle relationships of the load voltages for R-load, are

shown in Fig. 7.21, for the case of T = 3. As in the case when T = 2, the
harmonic amplitude spectrum for the three phases A, B, and C for T = 3 is
found to be same as the harmonic spectrum for single phase presented in
Fig.7.20. However, the phase-angle relationships of the three-phase
voltage waveforms for R-load shown in Fig.7.20 for the fundamental
component as well as the higher order harmonics are balanced in
magnitudes but they are unbalanced in phase angles. Analysis of the
output voltage waveform for any number of T = 4,5,6,7,....etc, reveals
that the three-phase synchronous envelope cycloconverters generate
output voltage waveforms that are balanced in magnitude but they are
unbalanced in phase relationship.

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Fig.7.21 Phase angle relationships for T = 3, R-load of the three phases

A,B and C.

The Generalized Solution

The generalisation of the solution of Fourier expansion of the output
voltage waveform generated by synchronous envelop cycloconverter for
any value of T is derived in this section for single-phase and multi-phase
systems. This generalized solution can be applied easily for any given
waveforms as described hereinafter.

1- Generalized equation for single-phase system

Mathematical analysis of voltage waveforms for single-phase systems
yields the following general Fourier analysis:

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√
[ ∑ ∑

√
[ ∑ ∑

where k = integer 1,2,3,.....

The nth harmonic amplitude is given by:
√

and the phase angle  n of the nth harmonic is

2- Generalized equation for multi-phase system.

Mathematical analysis of voltage waveforms for multi-phase systems
yields the following general Fourier analysis:

√
[ ∑

∑ ]

√
[ ∑

∑ ]

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The nth harmonic amplitude is given by:

√
and the phase angle  n is:

Application of the generalized equations from Eqs.(7.50) to (7.54) to

both single-phase and multi-phase system give the same results obtained
from the individual analysis of each waveform. From the previous results,
it is found that when T is even integer number (T = 2,4,6,8….) the Fourier
coefficient of the supply frequency components aTj and bTj are always
equal to zero, while for odd values of T =3,5,7,9,….., the supply
frequency components aTj and bTj have significant values. Fig.7.22
shows the frequency spectrum for T = 4. The phase relationship of the
three phases is also shown in Fig.7.23 which shows unbalanced phase-
angle between the three individual phases A,B, and C.
The problem of unbalanced phase-angle relationships, can be solved
using a multiple of 2π phase shifting technique , which is based on
shifting the load voltage vLj of phase B or phase C or both of them, by
multiple of 2π, with phase A taken as a reference, i.e when γA= 0, the
other phase angles will be:

γB = (2 π/3) + 2π γC = (4 π/3) + 4π
It is found that this technique makes the phase displacement angles of the
nth harmonics balanced except when n is multiple of 3, in this case the
phase displacement angles will be in-phase for all cases. The result of
implementing this technique is shown in Fig.7.24 as an example for T=4.

Fig.7.22 Harmonic frequency spectrum of the output voltage waveform

for one phase with T=4.

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Fig.7.23 Harmonic amplitude spectrum (of phase A, B, and C) and phase

angle relationships for T = 4, R-load before phase-angle corrections.

Fig.7.24 Phase-angle relationships of phase A, B, and C for T = 4, R-load

after phase-angle correction.

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7.6 HARRMONICS REDUCTION IN ENVELOPE

CYCLOCONVERTER
As it is seen from the previous analysis that the output voltage
waveform of the envelope cycloconverter contains harmonics. To reduce
these harmonics it is necessary to generate wave shape which is nearly
sinusoidal or stepped wave . For single phase source, to generate stepped
wave, it is necessary to use some form of input transformer connection.
Conduction in successive phases of the transformer secondary windings is
made in logic sequence , with respect to the supply voltages, so as to
provide an output voltage envelope that is approximately a stepped
waveform of the desired output frequency.
In the circuit of Fig. 7.25 (a) , where Triacs are adopted , the voltage
applied across the load can be the full supply voltage of either polarity or
some fraction Vm1 , depending on the transformer secondary tap setting.
The switches are shown as triacs but can equally well be pairs of inverse-
parallel connected silicon controlled rectifiers or any other bidirectional
switch. With an ideal supply and ideal switches waveform of the shape
shown in Fig. 7.25(b) can be obtained.

(a)

(b)

Fig.7.25 Single-phase envelope cycloconverter: (a) Circuit diagram for

two-pulse operation and (b) Load voltage waveforms with
output frequency fo =(1/3) fin .

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Basically, a single-phase envelope cycloconverter can be considered to

be composed of two converters connected back to back as shown in
Fig.7.26. The types of voltage waveforms that can be obtained using
envelope converters shown in figure can be improved by increasing the
number of pulses using three-phase or multi-phase systems. The
waveform is obtained by properly selecting the input voltages to the
converter. As with rectifier circuit operation an increase of pulse number
reduces the voltage ripple and the higher harmonic content.

(a) (b)

Fig.7.26 Three-phase to single-phase envelope cycloconverter: (a) Circuit

diagram for two-pulse operation and (b) Load voltage
waveforms with output frequency fo=(1/2) fin .

7.7 THE MATRIX CONVERTER

A matrix converter is defined as an ac to ac converter with a single
stage of conversion. It utilizes bidirectional controlled switch to achieve
automatic conversion of power. In its topology, the matrix converter can
be considered as a three-phase to three-phase forced commutated
cycloconverter which, in its simplest form, consists of nine bi-directional
switches that allow any output phase to be connected to any input phase
as it is shown in Fig.7.27. The input terminal of the converter are
connected to a voltage source, usually the grid, while the output terminal
are connected to a current source like an induction motor . Only one of the
three switches connected to the same output phase can conducts at any
instant of time.

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The matrix converter has several advantages over other type of ac to ac

converters in that
 The output voltage waveforms generated by this converter has
minimal higher order harmonic and no subharmonics.
 The bidirectional switches make it possible to have a controllable
power factor input since this converter has inherent bidirectional
energy flow capability (improved power factor and regeneration
capability).
 The lack of d.c. links ensures it has a compact design.
 Generation of output voltage with the desired amplitude and
frequency.
 Sinusoidal input current and sinusoidal output voltage .

The main disadvantage of the matrix converter is that it requires more

semiconductor devices than a conventional ac to ac indirect power
frequency changer.

Fig.7.27 Schematic circuit of a three-phase to three-phase matrix converter.

In the matrix converter, if it is assumed that all the switches are ideal
and no energy storage components are present between the input and
output side of the converter, then, the instantaneous input power must
always be equal to the instantaneous output power. Due to this power
invariance feature, the phase angles between the voltages and currents at
the input can be controlled to give unity displacement factor for any loads.
Therefore, for the converter, it is necessary to use ideal bidirectional
switches, capable of conducting current and blocking voltage for both
polarities depending on the actual control signal.
The required output voltage waveforms are generated directly from the
input voltage waveforms and each output voltage waveform is synthe-
sized by sequential sampling of the input voltage waveforms. The
sampling rate has to be set much higher than input and output frequencies,

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the number of input and output phases do not have to be equal so that
rectification, inversion, and frequency conversion are all realizable. The
output voltage waveforms are therefore composed of segments of the
input voltage waves. The lengths of each segment are determined
mathematically to ensure that the average value of the actual output
waveform within each sampling period tracks the required output
waveform.
Methods of matrix converter control
There are three methods of matrix converter control,

 Venturini-analysis of function transfer

 Pulse width modulation
 Space vector modulation

The Venturini principle can be explained initially using a three-phase

output. Consider a three-phase output using a three-phase input voltage
as depicted in Fig.7.27, switching elements SAa –SCc are nine bidirectional
switches connecting the input phases (a, b, and c) to any output phase
(A,B, and C) at any instant . Only one of the three switches is turned on at
any given time, and this ensures that the input of a matrix converter,
which is a voltage source, is not short-circuited while a continuous current
is supplied to the load.
During phase connection process, the three voltages vAN ,vBN and vCN
are related to the three input voltages by the following mathematical
formula :

( ) ( )( )

or V=Sv

where

( ) ( ) ( )

S = connection matrix consists of the switching variables SAa through SCc.

For star-connected load as shown in Fig.7.27, the output phase current are
related to the input phase current by

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( ) ( )( )

Theoretically, with nine bi-directional switches the matrix converter

can have (2)9 = 512 different switching states combinations. But not all of
them can be usefully employed. Because the converter is supplied by a
voltage source and usually feeds an inductive load, the input phases must
not be short-circuited and the output currents should not be interrupted.
These rules imply that one and only one bi-directional switch per output
phase must be switched on at any instant. By this constraint, in a three -
phase to three-phase matrix converter only 27 switching combinations are
the permitted in practice.
Although the matrix converter has the features that have been briefly
described above it might be surprising to establish that this converter
topology, today, has not found a wide utilization yet. The reasons for that
are due to the number of practical implementation problems that have
slowed down the development of this type of ac-to-ac converter.

PROBLEMS

7.1 For the output voltage waveform vo(ωt) of Fig.7.4 with peak voltage
200V, calculate the values of the rms voltage Vo for the triggering angle
α: (a) 30˚, (b) 45˚, (c) 90˚, (d) 125˚, and (e) 150˚.

[Ans: (a) 139.37 V, (b) 131.36 V, (c) 114.84 V, (d) 104.38 V, (e) 70 V]

7.2 Show that the fundamental component of waveform vo(ωt) of Fig.7.4 is

zero. What is the frequency of the lowest order harmonic?

7.3 In the single-phase cycloconverter shown in Fig.7.3, the input supply

voltage is 240V, 50Hz. The load is a pure resistance and the output
frequency is 12.5Hz. It is required to:
(a) Sketch the waveforms for the input voltage verses ,output voltage
vo for α = 0ᵒ and α = 90ᵒ .
(b) Calculate the rms value of the output voltage at α = 0ᵒ and α = 90ᵒ .

[Ans: (b) 240 V, 169.73 V]

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7.4 A three-phase, four-wire, half-wave rectifier dual converter operated from

a 400V, 50-Hz three-phase supply. Calculate the average value of the load
voltage for firing angles (a) 30˚, (b) 45˚, (c) 90˚, (d) 125˚, and (e) 150˚.

[Ans: (a) 405.26 V, (b) 330 V, (c) 0 V, (d) - 268.37 V, (e) - 405.26 V]

7.5 The input voltage to the single-phase to single-phase cycloconverter is

240V(rms), 50Hz. The load resistance is 10Ω and the load inductance is
L = 50 mH. The frequency of the output voltage is 25Hz. If the converter
is operating with a delay angle αp = 2π/3,

(a) Sketch the circuit configuration of the converter.

(b) Sketch the output voltage waveform.
(c) Determine the rms value of the output voltage.
(d) Determine the impedance of the load at the outut frequency.
(e) Calculate the rms value of the load current.
(f) Determine the input power factor of the converter.

[ Ans : (c ) 106 V, (d) 12.7 Ω , (e) 8.34 A, (f) 0.371 (lagging)]

7.6 A single-phase cycloconverter operating in circulating current free dual

converter with input 220 V, 50 Hz is used to produce an output voltage
waveform of the general form (Fig.7.5). The output frequency is one-third
of the input frequency, and α = 45˚. Calculate the amplitude of the
fundamental voltage.

[Ans: 135.85 V]

7.7 A three-phase to single-phase three-pulse cycloconverter delivers an output

of 240 V, 70 A to a load of 0.9 power factor lagging. Assume that the
switches of the converter are ideal and that the output current is nearly
sinusoidal. Calculate the input voltage and input power factor.

[ Ans: Vs =290 V , PF = 0.4315 ]

7.8 A three-phase to three-phase, three-pulse cycloconverter operating in

circulating current-free such that the input / output frequency ratio is
fi / fo = 9. What are typical frequencies of the low-order higher harmonics?

[ Ans : (2/9) fo , (1/3) fo , (4/9) fo , (5/9) fo , (2/3) fo , (7/9) fo,……]

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