A 100 kHz SiC Sparse Matrix Converter

A Sparse Matrix Converter (SMC) is a direct AC/AC converter that contains no large energy storage components. A 100 kHz, 1.5 kW SiC SMC is presented, which uses 1300 V, 4 A SiC JFET cascode devices. The SMC is operated from a 50 Hz, 230 V mains supply and has a predicted efficiency of 94%. A tower-like construction results in a volume of 1 liter and a power density of 1.5 kW/liter (25 W/in³). The measured waveforms verify matrix operation and show that the SiC JFET cascode devices have turn-on switching times of 30 ns. Analysis shows that the SMC heat sink and EMI filter volume can be minimized to 0.14 liters if the switching frequency is reduced to 40 kHz.