A method of commutation in a matrix rectifier from an active vector to a zero vector includes two steps. A method of commutation in a matrix rectifier from a zero vector to an active vector includes three steps.

A method and apparatus for providing multi-phase power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cycloconverter controller for determining a charge ratio based on a reference waveform; and a cycloconverter, coupled to the cycloconverter controller and to a multi-phase AC line, for selectively coupling an alternating current to each line of the multi-phase AC line based on the charge ratio.

A method and apparatus for providing multi-phase power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cycloconverter controller for determining a charge ratio based on a reference waveform; and a cycloconverter, coupled to the cycloconverter controller and to a multi-phase AC line, for selectively coupling an alternating current to each line of the multi-phase AC line based on the charge ratio.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a switching network that (1) receives energy from an input source that magnetically excites an output winding, (2) stores some of that energy in a series capacitance while delivering power to a resistive load during a first excitation cycle portion, and (3) then injects some of the stored energy back to the input source by injecting current into a tap of the output winding while delivering power to the resistive load and during a second excitation cycle portion. In an illustrative example, the first excitation cycle portion may include a first positive or negative quarter cycle of the excitation waveform. The second excitation cycle portion may include a second positive or negative quarter cycle of the excitation waveform. The energy injected back to the input source during the second excitation cycle portion may advantageously provide, for example, an assisting torque to a prime mover.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a switching network that (1) receives energy from an input source that magnetically excites an output winding, (2) stores some of that energy in a series capacitance while delivering power to a resistive load during a first excitation cycle portion, and (3) then injects some of the stored energy back to the input source by injecting current into a tap of the output winding while delivering power to the resistive load and during a second excitation cycle portion. In an illustrative example, the first excitation cycle portion may include a first positive or negative quarter cycle of the excitation waveform. The second excitation cycle portion may include a second positive or negative quarter cycle of the excitation waveform. The energy injected back to the input source during the second excitation cycle portion may advantageously provide, for example, an assisting torque to a prime mover.

A converter includes: a terminal that receives code-modulated power into which first alternating-current power has been code-modulated with a modulation code; and a circuit that converts the code-modulated power with a conversion code to generate second alternating-current power. The conversion code is based on the modulation code. A frequency of the second alternating-current power is higher than a frequency of the first alternating-current power.

A converter includes: a terminal that receives code-modulated power into which first alternating-current power has been code-modulated with a modulation code; and a circuit that converts the code-modulated power with a conversion code to generate second alternating-current power. The conversion code is based on the modulation code. A frequency of the second alternating-current power is higher than a frequency of the first alternating-current power.

A converter includes a transformer including primary windings and secondary windings, switches connected to the primary windings, an output inductor connected to the secondary windings, and a controller connected to the switches. The controller turns the switches on and off based on dwell times calculated using space vector modulation with a reference current .sub.ref whose magnitude changes with time.

A converter includes a transformer including primary windings and secondary windings, switches connected to the primary windings, an output inductor connected to the secondary windings, and a controller connected to the switches. The controller turns the switches on and off based on dwell times calculated using space vector modulation with a reference current .sub.ref whose magnitude changes with time.

A power controller system comprises multiple power controllers that receive a periodic waveform input and that apply power to multiple loads. A switch-on time and a switch-off time is for each of the power controllers within a cycle of the periodic waveform input. The power controllers generate output waveforms to be applied to the loads that are partial segments of the cycle of the periodic waveform input. Each of the power controllers includes a switchable power component that can be switched on and switched off at any time and that can conduct current in both forward and reverse directions.