A comparison of the reliability of a matrix converter and a controlled rectifier-inverter

This paper compares the calculated reliability of a matrix converter with a controlled rectifier/inverter topology for an aerospace motor drive application. These topologies are functionally equivalent in terms of input power quality and regenerative capabilities. The military handbook MIL-HDBK-217F guidelines have been used to predict reliability. Although the matrix converter has a higher number of semiconductor switches, these switches are subjected to a lower voltage stress, which can shown to increase the device reliability. When this factor is taken into account it can be shown that the predicted reliability of the matrix converter is actually slightly better than the controlled rectifier-inverter solution