Application of Single Phase Matrix Converter Topology in
Uninterruptible Power Supply Circuit incorporating Unity Power
Factor Control
Mustafar Kamal Hamzah
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Mara
40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
mustafar@salam.uitm.edu.my
Abstract
This paper presents the SPMC topology that will
operate as an Uninterruptible Power Supply Circuit
(UPS) incorporating Unity Power Factor Control. A
single circuit is developed that performs both the
rectifier and inverter operation may also incorporate
active power filter operation. Commutation strategies
are also implemented with reduction in spikes, a
common phenomenon in matrix converter topologies.
Results of simulations and selected experimental results
are presented to verify that the proposed technique is
feasible.
Keywords: Pulse Width Modulation, Matrix Converter,
Controlled Rectifier, UPS, InverterInsulated Gate
Bipolar Transistor
1 Introduction
The matrix converter (MC) offers possible “all silicon”
solution for AC-AC conversion, removing the need for
reactive energy storage components used in
conventional converter system [1]. Its topology was first
described in 1976 Gyugyi [2]. Previous published
studies dealt with three-phase circuit topologies [3, 4,
5]. MC in the three-phase variant is widely researched
whilst the Single-Phase Matrix Converter (SPMC) has
very little attention whilst offering very wide
application. The Single-phase matrix converter (SPMC)
was first realised by Zuckerberger [6]. All previous
works have focussed attention to direct AC-AC single-
phase converter [8] and DC chopper [9] but none on
inverter as well as rectifier operation.
This paper presents the SPMC topology that
will operate as an inverter and controlled rectifier. The
inverter transforms a DC input into an AC output using
the well-known Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation
(SPWM) technique, whilst offering a reverse power
flow by suitable switching schemes, performing as a
controlled rectifier. The various building blocks to the
development of a new uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) circuit are developed centred on the use of
SPMC. Apart from battery charging functions, the
controlled rectifier is developed to perform as a unity
0-7803-9514-X/06/$20.00 ©2006 IEEE
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Mohamad Fadzil Saidon Siti Zaliha Mohammad Noor
Faculty of Electrical Engineering Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Mara Universiti Teknologi Mara
40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia 40450 Shah Alam,Malaysia
mfadzil@salam.uitm.edu.my ctzaliha_mn@yahoo.com
power factor controller (UPFC) that may also
incorporate active power filter operation.
Investigations are made based on supplying an
uninterrupted supply to an inductive (RL) load. It will
be illustrated that the SPMC is a versatile topology that
could be used as a single converter topology unit,
capable of operating as a rectifier and an inverter in the
charging and back up modes respectively. A major
difference to the work of others; where normally a
separate battery charger, voltage regulation and an
inverter are required [11 & 12].
Before practical realisation is made simulations
were carried out using MATLAB/Simulink and PSpice
to evaluate the behaviour and feasibility of the proposed
technique. Successful results presented are mainly for
resistive load with the inclusion of simple low pass filter
(LPS) at the inverter output. The commutation strategy
used in this work has also shown reduction in spikes, a
common phenomenon in matrix converter topologies
[13]. Results of simulations and selected experimental
results are presented to verify that the proposed
technique is feasible.
2 SPMC
The SPMC requires 4 bi-directional switches as shown
in Fig. 1; each capable of conducting current in both
directions, blocking forward and reverse voltages [14].
It requires the use of bidirectional switches capable of
blocking voltage and conducting current in both
directions. Unfortunately there is no discrete
semiconductor device currently that could fulfil the
needs [15,16] and hence the use of common emitter
anti-parallel IGBT, diode pair as shown in Fig. 2. The
IGBT were used due to its popularity amongst
researchers that could lead to high-power applications
with reasonably fast switching frequency for fine
control.
3 The UPS
Generally static UPS system are as shown in Fig.3
comprising three basic elements; a rectifier/charger unit
that converts input AC power into DC power, an
inverter unit that converts DC power of a battery to AC
ICIEA 2006
power and a static bypass switch that transfers the
critical load to the back-up supply and isolating from
the mains. A manual bypass switch is also normally
added to cater for maintenance or repair purposes of the
UPS unit. The rectifier or charger normally uses a
bridge-diode in implementation without affording any
control function. A transformer is used to step-down
voltage during rectification operation, whilst during
mains-failure the transformer performs as a step-up
transformer.
Critical loads such as data storage and
computer systems, life support equipment, process
equipment controllers, telecommunications equipment
and emergency systems require continuous operation
when there is a power failure. Other sensitive
equipments are less tolerable to nuisances caused by
harmonics penetration into the supply system.
Associated problems such as poor overall power factor,
heating effects, device malfunction and destruction of
other equipment caused by nonlinear loads have been
recorded [17]. Therefore the demand for high quality
and availability of power supply has shown an upward
increase in recent years. This trend reflects in the
increase use of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to
provide uninterrupted and reliable power supply with
the provision of unity supply power factor [11].
UPS systems have progressed from rotary to
hybrid and static type. Rotating type uses motor-
generator sets that are often used in high sinusoidal
output applications. Hybrid type combines the use of
motor-generator sets and static type. In this system the
static UPS are used to bridge the gap between the loss
of the primary source and availability of a secondary
source such as a manually started diesel generator.
However, many UPS developments and researches have
concentrated on the static type with various topologies
S1a S1b S2a
R L
AC
S3a S3b S4a
Figure 1: AC-AC single-phase matrix converter topology
mains supply
blocking
switch
Rectifier/
Charger
Inverter
step-up
transformer
battery
Figure 3 : Typical Static UPS
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being introduced that are capable of providing many
desirable features apart from ensuring continuous
availability of the supply. Generally the static UPS
system as shown in Fig.3 consists of three basic
elements; a rectifier/charger unit that converts input AC
power into DC power, an inverter unit that converts DC
power of a battery to AC power and a static bypass
switch that transfers the critical load to the backup
supply and isolating it from the mains. A manual bypass
switch is also normally added to cater for maintenance
or repair purposes of the UPS unit.
4 Proposed UPS Using SPMC
Using SPMC the proposed system comparable to typical
static UPS system is as illustrated in fig.4. In
comparison only a single-circuit are required to perform
both the inverter and rectifier operation. Since SPMC is
characterised by pure controllable switching function,
the need for the blocking switch is eliminated and
maybe replaced by sophisticated control algorithm that
could be developed in the future. Observe also the use
of SPMC reduces the need of having two separate
circuits. In the proposed UPS, typical static UPS system
shown in Fig.4 is used. In comparison only a single
circuit is required to perform both the rectifier and
inverter operations during normal and back-up modes
respectively.
5 Inverter Operation
The DC to single-phase AC matrix converter will be
designed and controlled in such a manner that the
fundamental of the output voltage is:
Vout = Vin cos ωo t (1)
S2b
S4b
Figure 2 : Bi-directional switch
mains
supply
load
load
Single-phase
matrix
converter
step-up
battery
transformer
Figure 4 : Proposed UPS Using SPMC
The matrix switches, S follows: at t2 : S2 and S3 will be on, and S1 and S4 will be off
The full switching sequence can be illustrated with
 S1 S 2 
S= fig.5 and fig.6 which theoretically will result with a
 (2)
 S 3 S 4 sinusoidal waveform being generated as in fig. 7.

The sampling time Ts will be divided to 2-time
intervals t1 and t2 as follows:
TS = t1n + t2n
By this approach:
at t1 : S1 and S4 will be on, and S2 and S3 will be off
5.1 Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation
The Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) is a
well known wave shaping technique in power
(1) electronics as illustrated in fig. 8. For realisation, a
high frequency triangular carrier signal, Vc, is
compared with a sinusoidal reference signal, Vref, of
the desired frequency. The crossover points are used to
determine the switching instants.

S1a S1b S2a S2b S1a S1b S2a S2b

C C

DC DC
R L R L

S3a S3b S4a S4b

S3a S3b S4a S4b

Figure 5: Inverter Operation (Positive Cycle) Figure 6: Inverter Operation (Negative Cycle)

Figure 7 : Sinusoidal Output Voltage Figure 8: Formation of SPWM

97µs 97µs

Figure 9 : Switching Pattern for Commutation Strategy Figure 10 : Timing Diagram for Commutation Strategy

S1a S1b S2a S2b Commutation

Control Switch
e State Switch
(PWM)
C “ON”
L

S3a S3b S4a S4b 1 S1a S4a & S3b

current 2 S2a S3a & S4b

to switches reference
controller

Figure 11: Current Controller Arrangements Table 1 : Switching State

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5.2 Commutation Problem
The use of SPWM Pulse Width Modulation as in fig.6
as the switching algorithm in this converter, results with
possible reversal current if inductive loads are used,
during switch turn-off. Detailed treatment on safe-
commutation problem can be obtained in reference [18]
restated here briefly for completeness.
Theoretically the switching sequence in the
SPMC must be instantaneous and simultaneous;
unfortunately impossible for practical realization due to
the turn-off IGBT characteristic, where the tailing-off of
the collector current will create a short circuit with the
next switch turn-on. This problem occurs when
inductive loads are used. A change in current due to
PWM switching will result in current and voltage spikes
being generated resulting in the occurrence of a dual
situation. First current spikes will be generated in the
short-circuit path and secondly voltage spikes will be
induced as a result of change in current direction across
the inductance. Both will destroy the switches in use
due to stress. A systematic switching sequence is
required that allows for the energy flowing in the IGBTs
to decay.
In conventional converters, free-wheeling
diodes are used for this purpose. In SPMC these free-
wheeling diodes do not exist, hence switching sequence
needs to be developed to allow forced controlled free-
wheeling. This is to protect the converter from being
damaged as a result of voltage and current spikes as
been described. In conventional converter this is
normally implemented in the form of free-wheeling
diodes in inverter systems arranged in anti-parallel with
power switching devices. In this study, we will focus
our attention to switching spikes and assume that there
is no-change in the direction of current so as to
minimise complexities.
6 The Charging/Rectifying Mode
The rectifier operation is with reference to Figures 9 -
11, where the dotted line represents current wave-
shaping routes. Conventional rectifier with DC
capacitor filter has a setback in that it draws
discontinuous supply current waveform with high
harmonics content. As a result it contributes to high
total harmonic distortion (THD) level and low total
effective supply power factor that generally will affect
quality of the power supply system. Traditionally, the
rectifier circuit incorporates supply current wave
shaping technique to provide for unity power factor
operation [12]. This so-called boost rectifier unit must
have the blocking diode and transfer switch to function
properly during the charging and back-up operation
modes respectively [17, 19]. In this configuration, a
buck chopper is normally used to regulate the charging
operation of the battery.
In the proposed configuration, a buck chopper is
not needed to regulate the charging operation of the
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battery. Instead, the amount of charge to be stored in the
battery is controlled by having both a current control
loop and voltage control loop and sophisticated
algorithm in the rectifying mode of the SPMC [24]
based on first quadrant DC chopper. Furthermore as
shown in Fig.4 the need for the blocking diode and
transfer switch is eliminated due to controllable
switching function inherent in the SPMC.
7 Results and Discussions
Two parts of results were obtained; 1) inverter operation
and 2) the rectifier operation. Both will briefly be
described in this section.
7.1 Inverter
Figure 14 is sample result obtained from simulation to
illustrate the operation of inverter in producing the
sinusoidal form of voltage. Figure 15 shows the result
obtained on the experimental test-rig similar to those
that had been simulated. With the introduction of proper
filter, we could actually produce a sinusoidal waveform
as shown in Figure 16.
7.2 Rectifier Operation
From Fig. 17 and 18, notice that the safe-commutation
switching arrangements had removed the undesirable
spikes due to switching transients. In Fig.11 -13 the
upper switch of the first leg which is closer to the
capacitor is used to charge up the battery while the
lower switches of both the first and second leg ensure
close tracking of the supply current to a sinusoidal
reference current. In this, the switches of the first leg
operate in alternate sequence. This boost-charging
strategy involves fast switching action of the switching
devices which are piloted by Pulse Width Modulation
(PWM) technique. All of these switching actions are
carried out in the current control loop (CCL). Since
instantaneous switching actions is required of the SPMC
to make the supply current follows the sinusoidal
reference current closely, the current control loop time
response has to be fast. In the simulation works an
operating switching frequency of 20 KHz is used.
Meanwhile the other upper switch on the
second leg is used to divert the boost energy away from
the battery to ensure the voltage level of the battery does
not exceed the limit. This is achieved by actively and
continuously monitoring the battery voltage level using
a voltage control loop (VCL). In this control loop the
voltage of the battery is compared with a set reference
in order to provide for the appropriate action of the
switch. The switch is turned on upon detection of
equality of both voltage levels. On the other hand, if the
voltage level of the battery is lower than the set
reference the switch is turned off and the boost energy is
directed back to the battery. Therefore, this control loop
is vital in ensuring the battery life is sustained.
 S1a S1b S2a S2b S1a S1b S2a S2b
e e
C L C
L

S3a S3b S4a S4b S3a S3b S4a S4b

Figure 12: Rectifier Operation (Positive Cycle) Figure 13: Rectifier Operation (Negative Cycle)

Figure 14 : Voltage without Filter for Inverter Figure 15: Voltage without Filter for Inverter in Experiment

Figure 16 : Voltage Output Before filter for Inverter Figure 17: Output voltage of RL load without commutation

Figure 18: Output voltage of RL load with commutation Figure 19: Pulsating Supply Current Waveform for Rectifier
1.8
1.6
DC Capacitor Voltage (unity)

1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 4 8 12 16 20
Time (ms)

Figure 20: Waveforms in charging/rectifying mode Figure 21: DC Capacitor Voltage Waveforms in charging/rectifying mode

The waveform of the supply current without the boost
scheme is shown in Fig.19 exhibits pulsating nature that
is discontinuous and non-sinusoidal. This obviously
shows that the supply current is heavily distorted and
contains only odd harmonics with the THD of over 76
%. The simulation result in the charging mode of the
SPMC using PSpice is shown in Fig.20. After active
wave shaping, the supply current waveform improved
significantly in that it is now continuous, almost
sinusoidal and in phase with the supply voltage. The
THD level reduces to below 10 % with almost unity
power factor operation. It can also be observed in Fig.21
that the DC capacitor voltage is maintained at the set
value throughout the boost-charging process.

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8 Conclusion Phase Matrix Converter as a Direct AC-AC
Converter Synthesized Using Sinusoidal Pulse
The SPMC topology has been presented to operate as an Width Modulation with Passive Load
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