PWM Algorithms and Emerging Semiconductor Technologies

The Market of electronic devices dominated by silicon technology is rapidly changing. Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technology devices increasing their share in the market of electronic devices. Different applications of power inverters including photovoltaic and automotive applications increases the total energy processed in semiconductor materials. Increased demand on power converters implies the maximization of electronic power converters efficiency. Uncertainty of the fossil fuel market further increases the demand on E-mobility approach. The term E-mobility includes a variety of applications for electronic power inverters with high demand on efficiency, electromagnetic compatibility and reliability. In this paper, several pulse width modulation (PWM) algorithms are compared along with broadband gap semiconductor (WBG) material perspectives which include faster switching, lower conducting and switching losses. After the simulation of a different PWM algorithms, PWM techniques were compared on STM32F4 microprocessor system. This approach is useful in cases when one algorithm does not have satisfactory performances in some operating conditions. In such cases one algorithm could be replaced after the occurrence of ringing on switching devices or occurrence of vibrations in electric drive.