Synchronous Optimal Pulsewidth Modulation for High-Power AC Motor Drives: A Review

Electric vehicles require high-power machines, so reducing power loss becomes crucial. Compared to space vector modulation, synchronous optimal pulsewidth modulation (SOP) has several advantages in high-speed applications, like the capability to operate at a very low switching frequency with lower total harmonic distortion (THD), and reduced losses. This article presents a comprehensive review after performing a systematic investigation on different inverter topologies, including two-level (2L) voltage source inverters (VSIs) and multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies with SOP as the modulation scheme. Several optimal pulsewidth methods will be studied along with SOP design methods, including the steady state and dynamic switching. More emphasis is given to the various challenges faced in implementing SOP, followed by future trends.