Space vector modulation: an engineering review

Abstract

The space vector pulse width modulation (PWM) technique has rapidly gained favour among industrial drives manufacturers as an alternative to the traditional regularly sampled triangulation method. The authors present a practical engineering comparison between the two modulation techniques and show that the space vector technique inherently generates a 'superior' PWM waveform. In particular the waveforms are easier to generate with a microprocessor in real-time, they cause significantly lower motor losses, and motor stability problems are reduced as the current zero crossings are improved. The waveforms can be generated with essentially the same hardware so that all these advantages are available for zero additional cost.< >