MATLAB/Simulink based Implementation of Extended Hexagonal Switched Cell -RSC Asymmetrical Multi-Level-Inverter Configuration

The optimization of classical multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies to minimize the number of switches has given rise to diverse configurations referred to as reduced switch count (RSC) MLIs. Among these, the simplest are the T-type configurations. However, due to their limited asymmetric ability and lack of redundancies, researchers have sought to develop novel configurations using the highly modular H-bridge structure. One such structure is the hexagonal switched cell (HSC), which consists of six switches interconnected in an anti-parallel manner using two uni-directional switches. Each HSC can function independently as a seven-level inverter with binary voltage ratios. Inspired by the HSC, several novel symmetrical and asymmetrical topologies have been devised to scale the HSC to higher levels. This paper focuses on a critical discussion of a novel extended HSC-based configuration capable of supporting both symmetrical and asymmetrical operations. The primary aim of this paper is to examine the extended asymmetrical multilevel inverter topology based on HSC and implement it utilizing low-frequency-based PWM. To validate the operation of the proposed configuration with PWM, simulations are conducted in the Simulink environment using MATLAB.