As wide-bandgap devices continue to experience deeper penetration in commercial applications, there are still a number of factors which make the adoption of such technologies difficult. One of the most notable issues with the application of wide-bandgap technologies is meeting existing noise requirements and regulations. Due to the faster dv/dt and di/dt of SiC devices, more noise is generated in comparison to Si IGBTs. Therefore, in order to fully experience the benefits offered by this new technology, the noise must either be filtered or mitigated by other means.

A survey of various DC/DC topologies was conducted in order to find a candidate for a battery interface in a UPS system. A three-level NPC topology was explored for its potential benefit in terms of noise, efficiency, and additional features. This converter topology was modeled, simulated, and a hardware prototype constructed for evaluation within a UPS system, although its uses are not limited to such applications. A UPS system is a good example of an application with strict noise requirements which must be fulfilled according to IEC standards.

Based on a newly devised mode of operation, this converter was verified to produce no common-mode voltage under ideal conditions, and was able to provide a 6 dB reduction in common-mode voltage emissions in the UPS prototype. This was done while achieving a peak efficiency in excess of 99% with the ability to provide bidirectional power flow between the UPS and battery backup. The converter was verified to operate at the rated UPS conditions of 20 kW while converting between a total DC bus voltage of 800 V and a nominal battery voltage of 540 V.