Versatile High-Frequency Inverter Module for Large-Signal Inductive Loads Characterization Up to 1.5 MHz and 7 kW

Abstract

This paper presents the challenges encountered and the solutions adopted during the construction of a versatile voltage-fed high-frequency series-resonant half-bridge inverter module. It is used in the large-signal power generator of an inductive load characterization test-bench operating from 1 kHz up to 1.5 MHz and up to 7-kW output power for a variety of loads. Square wave operation of the module is established slightly above resonance under zero voltage switching conditions. Output power is controlled by means of a variable dc bus while resonant conditions are fixed by means of two adjustable capacitor banks. The control of every test-bench block and the triggering waveform generation is performed digitally with a field programmable gate array. Two prototype modules have been designed, constructed and evaluated for operation in half-bridge and full-bridge configurations showing rugged and stable operation under hazardous conditions such as voltage transients as high as dv/dt = 50 kV/mus at 1 MHz during the characterization of domestic induction heating loads.