IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER

ELECTRONICS.
VOL. n. N O

509

4. OCTOBER 1993

Techniques for Minimizing the Input

Current Distortion of Current-Controlled
Single-phase Boost Rectifiers
John C. Salmon, Member-, IEEE

Abstract-This paper describes techniques for minimizing the

input current distortion of current-controlled single-phase boost
rectifiers. The switching patterns of several boost rectifiers are
examined to identify the nature of their input current waveforms.
This analysis is then used to examine the low-frequency current
distortion levels, and hence power quality, associated with the
rectifiers. A PWM strategy that selectively switches between
positive unipolar PWM and negative unipolar PWM, called
phase-adjusted unipolar PWM, is shown to produce the lowest
current distortion levels. A new 2-switch asymmetrical halfbridge rectifier is presented that draws an input current at a
unity fundamental power factor and with the same low distortion
as obtained with the 4-switch H-bridge rectifier. The operation
of the various rectifiers is examined with reference to theoretical
predictions, circuit simulations, and experimental results. This
analysis, using a per-unit system based upon the magnitude of
the rectifier inductor, is then used to compare the performance
of the various rectifier switching patterns.
I. INTRODUCTION

INGLE-PHASE pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) rectifiers

have been the source of interest in the literature [I]-[ IO]
over recent years. Tougher regulations on the harmonics generated by electronic equipment, together with the lower cost of
control circuits and power semiconductors, have made PWM
boost rectifiers more attractive. Electric power utilities are also
demonstrating a trend for restricting the harmonic pollution
of the utility system. It is for these reasons that this paper
is concerned with rectifier circuit topologies that control the
rectifier input current waveshape to achieve unity power factor
operation and very low current distortion levels.
Several single-phase PWM boost rectifier topologies have
been described in the literature, see Fig. 1 and [I]-[ IO]. The
1-switch bridge rectifier [see Fig. I(a) and (b)], has one ofthe
simplest circuit structures. Typical voltage current waveforms
for the circuit, using hysteresis current control, are shown
in Fig. 2(a); the hysteresis band is made large in the figure
for illustrative purposes. The 2-switch H-bridge rectifier
(see Fig. I(c) and [4], [7]), performs the same switching
action as the 1-switch rectifier but has the advantage of
higher efficiency. The 4-switch H-bridge rectifier [see Fig.
I(e)], can produce sinewave currents of a higher quality than
Manuscript received February IO, 1992; revised Augu\t 1 I . 1993. This work
was supported by the National Science and Engineering Rewarch Council.
Canada.
The author is with the Department of Electrical Engineering. Univervity of
Albena. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G7.
IEEE Log Number 92 13634.

+E

(d)
Fig. 1. Single-phase PWM controlled boost rectifiers. (a) 1-switch bridge:
ac-link inductor: (b) 1 -switch bridge: dc-link inductor; (c) 2-switch H-bridge;
(d) 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge.

the I-switch rectifier [see Fig. 2(b)]. The operation of the

2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge rectifier is described in
this paper and can be considered as a 2-switch, and hence
low cost, altemative to the 4-switch H-bridge [see Figs.
I(d) and 2(c)]. This new circuit topology [9] can achieve the

0885-8993/93$03.00 0 1993 IEEE

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

510

TI D, T3 D3

+E

T2 Dz T4 D4

-21
0 mS

nme

2OmS

OmS

nmc

20 mS

OmS

m e

20 mS

OmS

m c

20 mS

m e

20 mS

(a)

+E

T3

31

'

-E

-3
0 mS

(0
Fig.

1.

(Cont'd)

( e ) 4-switch H-bridge; (f) 2-switch

voltage-doubler.

nmc

MmS

half-bridge
(b)
31

same performance as the 4-switch H-bridge rectifier, but uses

only two switches instead of four. The main disadvantage
of the 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge is the large number
of power semiconductor devices placed in series with the
line current. This rectifier has four semiconductors in series
with the current as opposed to the two semiconductors in the
4-switch H-bridge [lo]. This can affect the overall efficiency
of the circuit and increase the heatsink size.
The 2-switch half-bridge voltage-doubler rectifier [see Figs.
l(f) and 2(d)], is a low-cost means of generating a dc output
voltage approximately double that of the other circuits shown
in Fig. 1. This rectifier, similar to the 4-switch H-bridge and
the 2-switch H-bridge, has the boost inductor in series with the
ac supply. However, the 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge has
the inductor located at the output of the diode rectifier. The 1switch rectifier can place the inductor on the ac-side, "ac-link
inductor," or the dc-side, "dc-link inductor," of the rectifier
[see Figs. l(a) and l(b)]. With the exception of high per-unit
current demands and low output voltages, the performance of
the rectifier is not affected by placing the inductor on either
side of the rectifier. This paper identifies the operating regions
where the inductor placement can make a difference.
Each of the six circuits shown in Fig. 1 use the switching
pattem of the voltage waveform U, to control the ac-line
current. Three forms of PWM switching pattems are considered for wu: unipolar PWM; phase-adjusted unipolar PWM,
and bipolar PWM [lo]. The possible switching states of w,
relative to the ac supply voltage during the positive half-cycle
is used to form the basis of the waveform classifications in
this paper. Unipolar PWM refers to the fact that w, switches
either between 0 V and +E, positive unipolar PWM, or U,
switches between 0 and -E, negative unipolar PWM, e.g.,
Fig. 2(a). For a rectifier using a dc-link inductor [see Fig.
l(b)], positive unipolar PWM is used in both half-cycles of

0 mS

m e

20mS

(C)
0 41

ume

20mS

Oms

(d)
Fig. 2. Voltage and current waveforms for PWM boost rectifiers. (a)
2;switch H-bcdge and the 1-switch bridge usigg an ac-linJ inductor:
( I D = 0.2, A I D = 0.05); (b) 4-switch H-bridge: I o = 1.0, A I D = 0.05).
(c) 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge: ID E 1.0, A I D = 0.05) (d) 2-switch
half-bridge voltage-doubler ( I o = 0 . 2 , A l ~= 0.05)

the ac supply. For a rectifier using an ac-link inductor [see

Fig. l(a)], positive unipolar PWM is used in the positive halfcycle of the ac supply and negative unipolar PWM is used
in the negative half-cycle. In this paper, both of these cases
are classified as using unipolar PWM. Bipolar PWM allows
w, to switch only between +E and -E in both half-cycles of
the ac supply, e.g., Fig. 2(d). Phase-adjusted unipolar PWM
allows U, to selectively choose between positive unipolar

SALMON: SINGLE-PHASE BOOST RECTIFIERS

POSSIBLE CONTROL

51 1

TABLE I
STRATEGIES
FOR PWM BOOSTRECTIFIERS

D.U.

0.

PWM and negative unipolar PWM in both half-cycles of the

ac supply (see Figs. 2(b) and 2(c) and [IO]). Phase-adjusted
unipolar PWM is possible in rectifiers using ac-link and dc-link
inductors.
The control methods that can be implemented in each of the
five circuits in Fig. 1 are summarized in Table I. For example,
the 4-switch H-bridge can be controlled to implement any one
of the three PWM schemes whereas the 1-switch rectifier can
only implement unipolar PWM. This paper investigates three
forms of low-frequency current distortion that can occur as a
result of using these PWM control methods:
1) Type I: Current distortion at the beginning of each halfcycle. This is caused by the ac-source voltage being too small
to force the inductor current to follow a rising current demand.
2) Type II: This is caused by the output dc voltage being
too small to force the current downwards when the inductor
current is being decreased.
3) Type Ill: A combination of Types I and 11.

11. UNITYFUNDAMENTAL
POWER
FACTORWITH LOW DISTORTION
This section uses time-averaged waveforms for identifying the conditions necessary for generating sinusoidal ac-line
currents at unity power factor. A per-unit system is described
to make the analysis applicable to all voltage and power levels.
A. Per-Unit System

The base quantites for the per-unit system are defined as

follows:

Vbase =
Zbase = w L

Ibase

fbase

= vS/[uL]
= fs

(1)

The following list defines the circuit parameters used in this

paper together with their per-unit symbols (per-unit values are
identified with a - located above the symbol):
uu,,21, Voltage waveform used to shape the line current.
vS, Vs Source voltage.
ID,f~ RMS demand current.
E , E Output dc voltage.
L , L Rectifier inductance.
A I ; A r Current hysteresis band.
VD,VD Demand voltage magnitude for ut,.
I s , I , RMS ac-line current.
f s , f s Supply frequency.
This per-unit system places the per-unit output dc voltage
E at 1.414 (or J2) when the output dc voltage E is equal
in magnitude to the peak of the ac input voltage (= J2Vs).

90

18

70

60

(a)

Fig. 3.

(b)

Time-averaged waveforms for distortionless unity power factor line

current. (a) ac-link inductor. (b) dc-link inductor.

The rectifier output voltage is assumed in this paper to be

ripple-free. The line current and demand current are scaled
relative to the size of the rectifier inductor in the per-unit
system chosen. This is a useful per-unit system since the
ac-line current distortion is dependent upon the size of the
inductance. The demand current waveform I D is assumed to
be a sinusoidal waveshape in phase with the line voltage.
A I is the peak magnitude of the current hysteresis band.
The demand current magnitude I D is an important parameter
and it is used as the reference variable for monitoring the
line current distortion. The rectifier controller may request a
specific current magnitude f ~ but
. the actual rms line current
drawn, Is. may differ owing to current distortion.

B. Waveforms for Unity Power Factor- Operation

The boost rectifier topologies shown in Fig. 1 can be reduced
to two similar simplified forms, depending upon the inductor
location (Fig. 3). An inductor, located in series with the ac-line
voltage, or rectified voltage, and the PWM converter is used to
shape the line current via controlling the shape of the voltage
ii,. The rectifiers shown in Figs. I(a), l(c), l(e), and l(f)
are associated with the simplified model shown in Fig. 3(a).
The rectifiers shown in Figs. I(b) and (d) are associated with
the simplified model shown in Fig. 3(b). The function of both
models is identical except when the rectifiers are operated with
a high per-unit current demand and a low output voltage. Note
that the idealized waveforms are identical for both models over
the positive half-cycle of the ac-supply.
The shape of V,, in Fig. 3 represents the time-averaged
waveform required to force a I p.u. current through the
inductor L ; the high-frequency components associated with
li,, are neglected.
Considering the positive half-cycle of the ac voltage for
both models, 6, is negative initially and positive over the rest
of the half-cycle. This implies that the boost rectifier must
be capable of producing negative and positive values for V u ,
in order to produce distortionless unity fundamental power

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

512

factor currents. The peak of Gu is larger than the-peak of

the ac voltage. The output voltage of the rectifier E should
always be greater than this peak to generate distortionless unity
fundamental power factor current. Note that the peak of 6, is
related to the magnitude of the current. These basic features
form the basis of why the line current can experience low
frequency distortion.

~ . .
-0.51

111. DISTORTION
ANALYSIS

This section describes three types of low-frequency current

distortion. The equations for the ac-line current are specified
over the positive half-cycle of the ac voltage with the assumption that the circuit functions identically in both halves of
the ac voltage cycle. The operating bounds between various
waveform types are defined for demand currents covering the
range 0 to 1 per-unit.

A . Distortion Types and Time-Averaged Circuit Waveforms

The time-averaged line current waveforms for the rectifiers
are drawn in Fig. 4 using several assumptions. When the
rectifier can not generate the desired voltage profile for G,
(= demand voltage G D ) , then the voltage sticks at either 0 or
kfi to try and force the current I,toward the demand current
io. The current deviates from the demand for a while and
then finally rejoins it. After this point, Gu then follows the
ideal voltage profile GD and the line current 5, follows the
demand current profile ;D. This action duplicates the action
of a hysteresis current controller that tries to force the current
to follow a desired current template.
There are three low-frequency distortion types that can
occur:
Type I : The line current distorts at the beginning of each
half-cycle [Fig. 4(a)]. In the positive cycle, this is caused by GD
being less than zero while the rectifier can only generate zero
voltage. This distortion occurs in unipolar PWM [IO]; hence,
this distortion is commonly associated with the I-switch bridge
and the 2-switch H-bridge rectifiers.
Type II: The line current distorts after the peak of the acline voltage [Fig. 4(b)-(d)]. This distortion is caused by GD
exceeding the magnitude of the output dc voltage E . There are
three line current waveforms that can occur for this distortion.
Case A represents the situation when the line current rejoins
the reference before the end of the half-cycle. Cases B and C
represent the situation where this does not occur and the line
current rejoins the demand current in the next half-cycle. This
distortion type occurs in bipolar and phase-adjusted unipolar
PWM; hence, the 2-switch half-bridge voltage doubler, the 2switch asymmetrical half-bridge, and the 4-switch H-bridge
rectifiers. The waveform for case B occurs when a dc-link
inductor is used and the waveform for case C occurs when an
ac-link inductor is used.
Type IIZ: This distortion type is a combination of Type I
and I1 [Fig. 4(e)-(g)]. This distortion type is associated with
unipolar PWM [IO] and is commonly associated with the 1switch bridge and 2-switch H-bridge rectifiers. The waveform
for case B occurs when a dc-link inductor is used and the
waveform for case C occurs when an ac-link inductor is used.

-21

(0

(e)

(g)

Fig. 4. Time-averaged rectifier waveforms with low-frequency distortion. (a)

Type 1; (b) Type 11, case A; (c) Type 11, case B;(d) Type 11, case C. (e)
Type 111, case A; (f) Type 111, case B ; (9) Type III, case C.

B . Current Equations
The following analysis defines the functions goveming
the line current waveshapes over several angular ranges; for
example, a function may be valid over the angular range
d = 0 + 0.8 refers to the angular position in the positive
half-cycle of the ac mains voltage and, for this example, the
function is valid for d ranging from 0' to C O .
Type I : This distortion type [see Fig. 4(a)] occurs in circuits
employing a unipolar PWM control scheme, e.g., the 1switch bridge and the 2-switch H-bridge rectifiers. T
h
e per-unit
equations specifying the line current waveform for is and the
voltage 6, are given by:

is =Jz.(1-cosd)
Is=Jz&
G,=O

.sin0

05e5p

5d5p
p 5 d 57r
0

[H-:]

G , = ~ z . d x . s i n

(2)

(3)
(4)
P<d<7r

(5)

Determining p:iS rejoins the demand current profile

at
angle p. p can be determined by-equating (2) with the demand
current at d = p. Hence, with io given by:
iD = \/Z.fD.sind

(6)

SALMON: SINGLE-PHASE BOOST RECTIFIERS

513

,O is given by:

Type 11: Case B: This distortion occurs -when the peak of

the demand voltage for V,,VD. exceeds E [Fig. 4(c)]. The
Lj = 2 . tan-' [i,]
( 7 ) distortion is more extreme than the Type 11: case A and
is present at high per-unit demand currents. This distortion
A linear approximation to this equation (see [9]) is given by:
occurs in circuits employing a dc-link inductor and using either
Papprox= [5 91 ID]degrees
(8) phase-adjusted unipolar PWM or bipolar PWM, e.g., 2-switch
asymmetrical half-bridge.
Type 11: Case A: This distortion occurs when the peak of
The source current departs from the reference at angle n
V D exceeds E [see Fig. 4(b)]. Since the current distortion and rejoins at an angle exceeding T . This angle is equivalent
is caused by a low output voltage and no distortion occurs to U at the beginning of the half-cycle. The current equations
at the beginning of each half-cycle, this distortion occurs in are defined as follows:
circuits employing either phase-adjusted unipolar PWM or
i,s=io
(1 -cos81
bipolar PWM [IO]. The line current departs from the reference
at angle cy and then rejoins at angle $, where li, < T . The per-E.H
o<e<o
(19)
unit equations specifying the line current waveform for ;s and
I, is the per-unit line current at the beginning of the half-cycle.
the voltage 6, are given by:

2,

o < 0 < (1

= J z . I , 'sing

is= Jz . [ I D . sin cy + (cos ( x

r,=Jz.I,.sin~
3,q = . [ I D . sin (1

(9)

Jz

cos H ) ]

m < ~ < r r
(1 - cos 011

(20)

rr<H<T

(21)

+ (cos

-E.(O-tr)

( 10)

o<e<a

&=E

(22)

G , . = ~ ~ . s i n [ Q - ~a <
] O < a (23)

;,,,=E

The ideal voltage for 7/, to give unity power factor is defined
,:
as being the demand voltage 6

6,

d a - s i r i [6'-

g]

When this equation matches E at angle ( Y . then the current

starts to distorts. Hence, cy can be determined using the
equation:

Integrating the difference between the demand, or desired,

control voltage and actual voltage for ,ii, over the period ( Y to
$, and equating the result to zero, will obtain the angle .li, at
which the difference between the desired inductor volt-seconds
and the actual volt-seconds is zero.
/ e = v [ d a . s i n

(6'-:)-I?]d6'=0

An expression defining iois obtained by putting O = 17 in (21).

This assumes that the inductor current is the same at 6' = 7r
as at H = 0". Hence:

i, = Jz . [ I D . sin + (1 + cos a ) ]
(Y

(15)

(17)

;s

+E.

($I
-

a)=0

1)

+ E . o = Io

(26)

i, + h

' ( 1 - cos6')

(27)

O < H < U

I , is assumed to be a positive quantity and defined by (25).

;,=~'3.ID.siri~ a < ~ < r Y
;, = . [iD . sin (1 (cos ( v - cos e)]

-E.(O-(Y)
= - E

il,, =

(29)
(30)

a < H < 7 r

< 6' < m

d a . [" :]

&=E

(18)

(28)

Jz

This is an equation that is best solved using numerical iterative

techniques.

+E.8

a ($ ;) 4-

a is obtained using (16).

Type 11: Case C : This distortion is similar to the Type 11:
case B described above and occurs in circuits employing an aclink inductor and using either phase-adjusted unipolar PWM
or bipolar PWM, e.g., 4-switch H-bridge and the 2-switch
half-bridge voltage-doubler rectifier.
The current equations are defined as follows:

<I,,

cos

(25)

- CY)

Jz . (coso + i~ . sin a

8=n

'

E . (T

cr is obtained by equating (19) with (20) at 6' = o. Hence

we get:

The actual current rejoins the desired reference current profile

at $. Given that (Y is known, this process will then define the
value of $:

(24)

tX<H<T

sin

(1<6'<T

< 6' < cy

(3 1)
(32)

is obtained from (26) provided the sign is changed on the

io.
n is obtained from (16).

E and

514

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

Type Ill: Case A: This form of distortion [Fig. 4(e)], has

both Type I and Type I1 distortion. Since the angle $,
associated with Type I1 distortion, is less than 180", then Type
I1 does not interfere with Type I and the location of the rectifier
inductor does not affect the waveforms. Since it is assumed
that 7 0 < 1, then p < 90" and Type I distortion does not
interfere with Type I1 distortion. Unipolar PWM waveforms,
such as in the 1-switch bridge and 2-switch H-bridge rectifiers,
are susceptible to this distortion. Equations defining and 6,
are given by:

a,

Equations (7), (1 6), and (18) can be used for determining p, a ,

and $, respectively.
Type ZZZ: Case B: This form of distortion, associated with
the rectifier having a dc-link inductor, is similar to Type
111: case A except that the inductor current is not forced
to zero before the end of the half-cycle [Fig. 4(f)]. The 1switch bridge rectifier using a dc-link inductor can produce
this distortion type. The current rejoins the desired current
template at 0 = 0. This has the effect of altering the current
profile associated with the Type I distortion and the angle at
which the current rejoins the template is now denoted p'. Note:
for ID< 1,(3' < 90". Thus, the equations defining the current
and voltage waveforms are as follows:

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.8

Fig. 5. Operating regions.

Type 111: Case C : This form of distortion is similar to Type

111: case B and is associated with the rectifier having an aclink inductor [Fig. 4(g)]. This distortion type is produced by
the 2-switch H-bridge and the 1-switch bridge using an ac-link
inductor.
The current begins the positive half-cycle at -ioand
decreases rapidly by conducting through the rectifier diodes
D1 and 0 4 [Fig. l(c)]. Upon reaching zero magnitude at angle
U , the hysteresis controller having switched T4 on from the
beginning of the cycle, automatically applies a zero voltage
loop through T4 and 0 2 . This increases the current in the
positive direction. The current profile associated with the Type
I distortion is altered and the angle at which the current rejoins
the template is now denoted p'. Note that for most of the range
0 < ID< 1, that p' < 90". Thus, the current and voltage
waveforms are defined by:

z, =
7,

- Io + JZ.(1 - COSO)
+E.o o<o<ff

Jz . (cos

- cos e)

i,=Jz.iD.sin~
=
[iD . sin cy

7,

Jz.

G,=E

< 0 < p'

/Y<s<a

+ (cos

-E.(O-cy)

&=-E

(49)

Q -

(50)
(51)

cos e)]

a<e<7r

(52)

(53)

o<o<u

(56)

cY<o<7r

Equation (25) can be used to obtain

determined using the following equations:

io.
U and p'

Jz.(1 - cosa) + E . = io
i D . sinp' + cosp'
cos0 = o
U

are
(57)
(58)

C . Operating Bounds

Equations (25) and (26) can be used to obtain io and U

respectively. p' is determined using the following equation:
fD

. (sin 0 - sin 0') + (COS U - COS p') = 0

(48)

Unipolar PWM can experience distortion Types I and 111.

This section identifies the operating regions and boundaries
over which the two distortion types can occur for unipolar
PWM when a dc-link inductor is used in the 1-switch bridge
rectifier. The operating regions are also related to the distortion
types of each of the rectifiers and to the performance of bipolar
and phase-adjusted unipolar PWM.
There are three operating regions (Fig. 5 ) , with two boundaries separating the regions. Fig. 6 shows the "time-averaged''

SALMON: SINGLE-PHASE BOOST RECTIFIERS

515

1.0*d2

90

180

0.75

1.2*42

90

180

1.o

1 1. 5,P.u.

"J\

.no
e o

e o

Key: i; =

90

----

180

i,=

e o

1 . 50'
IA

0.5

,' f

0 . 51

.5

0'

1.4*d2

180

(I

180
e o

0'

90

-1

Fig. 6 . Current waveforms using unipolar PWM and the inductor located on the dc-side of the rectifier.

current waveforms over a range of demand current magnitudes

and output voltages, for the positive half-cycle and for the
1-switch bridge rectifier using a dc-link inductor.
Region 1: The output dc voltage is much larger than the
peak of the demand voltage V D required to maintain a unity
power factor sinusoidal current. For the 1-switch bridge and
the 2-switch H-bridge, Type I distortion occurs (Fig. 6 with
E = 1.4 * J2.) If bipolar or phase-adjusted unipolar were
adopted, then this region would generate sinusoidal currents
with no low frequency distortion.
Boundary I: The boundary between region 2 and region 1
o5curs when the peak value for the demand voltage V D reaches
E. Given a per-unit current demand of f ~ the, peak value of
the desired voltage for V, in per-unit is:

JG

the end of the half cycle: 1c, = 180". The relation between
f~ and E on this boundary is found by \king the difference
between the desired voltage curve for Vu and E and integrating over the period (Y to 180' [see (18)]. The following
relationships are useful for manipulating this equation: From
(7):

cos - =

1
~

JX

From (16):

(59)

Hence, the following expression can be obtained from (18)

by solving for 1c, = 7r:

This boundary represents the minimum output voltage that

should be used to eliminate low-frequency distortion when
using the bipolar and phase-adjusted unipolar PWM strategies.
Region 2: For the 1-switch bridge and the 2-switch Hbridge, Type 111: case A distortion occurs (Fig. 4(e) and Fig.
6 with E = J2 and f~ = 0.5.) For the 1-switch asymmetrical half-bridge, 2-switch half-bridge voltage doubler, and
the 4-switch H-bridge, using either bipolar or phase-adjusted
unipolar PWM, Type 11: case A distortion occurs [Fig. 4(b)].
Boundary 2: This boundary marks the instances when the
current is reduced down to the reference waveform at exactly

For f~ ranging between 0 and 1 and using numerical

iterative techniques, a value for E can be found from (62)
corresponding to boundary 2. The resultant curve is given in
Fig. 5, marked boundary 2. The theoretical current waveforms
are the same as for operation in region 11.

VD,,,, =

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

516

Region 3: For the 1-switch bridge using a dc-link inductor, Type 111: case B distortion occurs (Fig. 6 with E =
1 . 2 J 2 , i~ = 1.0 For the 2-switch H-bridge and the 1-switch
bridge using an ac-link inductor, Type 111: case C distortion
occurs [Fig. 4(g)]. For the 1-switch asymmetrical half-bridge,
using either bipolar or phase-adjusted unipolar PWM, Type
11: case B distortion occurs [Fig. 4(c)]. For the 2-switch halfbridge voltage-doubler and the 4-switch H-bridge, using either
bipolar or phase-adjusted unipolar PWM, Type 11: case C
distortion occurs [Fig. 4(d)].
Technically there is a third boundary corresponding to
E = J2. The output voltage would not normally be reduced
below this point.

Given the equations for the fundamental components of the

ac-line current and for the rms current (63), (64), and (69) (see
below), respectively, then the ac-line current distortion can be
obtained using:

The power factor of the ac-line current is defined as:

The total harmonic distortion is defined as:

D. Quality of the ac-Line Current Waveforms

The quality of the various current waveshapes can be
investigated using Fourier analysis. This section presents the
analysis for assessing the quality of the waveforms for the
1-switch bridge rectifier using a dc-link inductor and experiencing distortion Type I and distortion Type 111: cases A and
B. The equations associated with the remaining current waveforms are complex and their performance are best analyzed
using numerical techniques.
TypeI: Given the current equations (2) and (3), the perunit rms fundamental components of the source current can
be expressed in terms of the angle P:

I , is the total rms of the harmonic currents. Finally, the real

is the component
component of the fundamental current, isla,
of the current that produces useful power.-The current demand
IDrepresents the control requrest for Isla. The difference
between the two parameters, A, represents an error introduced
by current distortion:

tan Isla= -[n- 2

n-

Islb

+ s i n @ - PI

(73)

(63)

1
n-

= -[sin@ - P]

(64)

Subscript a designates the real component and subscript b

designates the imaginary component of Isl or in terms of the
per-unit demand current ID:

Type Ill: Case A : The equations defining the various distortion factors, (67), (70), (71), and (72) can be used to
appraise the quality of this waveform [Fig. 4(e)], once the
fundamental and total rms components of the current are
known. Equations defining the current waveshape, (33), (34),
and ( 3 9 , are needed for this analysis.
The real and imaginary components of the fundamental
component of the ac-line current can be derived:

(66)
The fundamental power factor FPF is defined by the expression:

FPF = cos41 =

Isla

(67)

JKx

+ sin 2+ +2 sin 2 a - sin(+ + a )

Jz
+ - n[l+

Substituting (63) and (64) into (67) gives:

-2

-0.5

The rms of the line current is given by (69) (see below).

(68)

cos 274

+ cos 2a

sin(a - +)

c o s ( a - +) - c o s ( +

+a)

2.E
- -[(a-+).cos++sin+-sina]
n-

(74)

517

SALMON: SINGLE-PHASE BOOST RECTIFIERS

COS2.

*+

VU

cos2. a
-

Jz

sin 2 .

- - [7r$ - a +

+ sin ( a

2.E
7r

+ cos

cos cy]

+ sin 2 . a

ov

$) - sin ($

- -[($-a)

cos(cy + $) + cos(a - 11)

+ a)

OA

.sin$

= 50V for voltage

H= 1mS

(75)

The equations defining the rms current and fundamental

power factor can be derived in a similar fashion as used above,
but the equations are unwieldy and are best examined using
numerical techniques.
Type 11: Cases A, B , C and Type Ill: Cases B . C The
quality of the current waveforms in these cases were
examined using the current equations defined above and
with numerical programming, since the equations are long
and do not give any significant insight; see (74) and (75)
as an example.

VU

QV

I v . EXPERIMENTAL
RESULTSAND PERFORMANCE CURVES
This section examines the quality of the current waveforms
produced in all the distortion types described in Section 111.
Per-unit current demand magnitudes from 0 up to 1 per-unit
were examined. Current hysteresis magnitudes were chosen to
minimize the effect of high-frequency distortion, although this
was difficult to achieve at low per-unit current demands for the
experimental results. Spice was also used to obtain simulated
results. Fig. 2 shows typical simulated circuit waveforms using
a large hysteresis band.
The 1-switch bridge using a dc-link inductor was used to
confirm the distortion Types I, 111: cases A and B.Distortion
Types I, 111: cases A and C were examined using the 2-switch
half-bridge. Note that the 1-switch bridge using an ac-link
inductor obtains the same distortion patterns as the 2-switch
H-bridge. Distortion Types 11: cases A and B were examined
using the 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge. Distortion Types
11: cases A and C were examined using the 4-switch H-bridge.
Fig. 7 shows some typical experimental waveforms for ' U ,
and is using the following circuits and PWM waveform types:
1) Unipolar PWM: 1-switch bridge with an ac-link inductor
[Fig. 7(a)].
2) Bipolar PWM: 4-switch H-bridge [Fig. 7(b)].
3) Phase-adjusted unipolar PWM: 4-switch H-bridge [Fig.
7(4.
Reference [9] can be consulted for the detailed comparisons
between experimental, simulated, and theoretical predictions
of the current waveforms derived in Section 111.

Type I
The theoretical power factor and distortion factors CDF,
FPF, PF, THD, and error in the fundamental ( A ) are plotted

= 1 A for current
= lOOV for voltage
I l u l = l m P

VU

ov

(c)

Fig. 7. Experimental waveforms. (a) Unipolar PWM-1-switch bridge with

an ac-link inductor; (b) bipolar P W M 4 - s w i t c h H-bridge; (c) phase-adjusted
unipolar P W M 4 - s w i t c h H-bridge.

in Fig. 8. The largest contributor to the power factor at low

current demands is the CDF, but at high current demands
FPF is the largest contributor. For an appreciation of the
results shown in Fig. 8, consider the case of an overall
acceptable current distortion of 5%. Assume that control
circuit nonlinearity accounts for 1% distortion; the supply
voltage waveshape accounts for 1% distortion; high switching
frequency distortion accounts for another 1%. This leaves a
maximum of 2% distortion allowable by the Type I distortion.

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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

(a)

(b)

Fig. 8. Performance curves associated with Type I distortion. (a) CDF, FPF,
PF; (b) THD, A.

0.2

0.6

0.4

0.8

Id [ P.U.

(a)
THD(%)

2o

(c )

(d)

Fig. 9. Performance curves for Type III distortion and the 1-switch rectifier
using a dc-link inductor. (a) THD; (b) P F (c) C D F (d) FF'F.

The maximum permissible current magnitude [Fig. 8(b)] under

these conditions would be 0.14 p.u. This represents an actual
current of 21.4 amps if a 115 V ac voltage is used with an
inductance of 2 mH.

Type 111: Cases A and B :

The three-dimensional plots of the THD, PF, CDF, and FPF
are shown in Fig. 9 as a function of the per-unit demand current
and the per-unit output voltage.
Rectifier Distortion Curves: Fig. 10 shows the theoretical
total harmonic distortion (THD) for all the rectifiers. The
curves have been separated into two figures to illustrate
the effect of using either a dc-link or an ac-link inductor.
For instance, both the 4-switch H-bridge and the 2-switch
asymmetrical half-bridge implement phase-adjusted unipolar
PWM. The former uses an ac-link inductor and the latter uses
a dc-link inductor. At high current magnitudes., the distortion
of the rectifier using the dc-link inductor is greater than one
using an ac-link inductor. This difference reduces at higher
output voltages and at low current magnitudes.
The two plots in Fig. 10 show that phase-adjusted unipolar
PWM can eliminate the low frequency distortion at low current
magnitudes by using high output voltages. Unipolar PWM,
however, is always prone to the low-frequency distortion
unless very low current demands are used.

';

0.2

0.6

0.4

Id [ p.u. )

'

(b)

Fig. 10. Theoretical THD using unipolar PWM and phase-adjusted unipolar
PWM. (a) Phase-adjusted unipolar PWM, (b) unipolar PWM.

Experimental results were obtained using either 115 V, or

a 60 V ac supply, with a 67 mH inductor. This produced
a base current of just over 5 A for the 115 V 60 Hz
supply. The inductor is very large for the power level under
consideration (x575 W), but the circuit parameters permit a
wide range of per-unit currents and operating conditions to be
tested. Distortion of the ac-supply voltage (2-5%), nonlinear
magnetic components, ac-line inductance, and measurement
errors (Spectrum Analyzer) affected the accuracy of these
results. However, general trends can be observed from the
results (Figs. 11 and 12).
Simulation results were obtained using a very small hysteresis band of peak-to-peak value 0.004 per-unit, (Figs. 11 and
12). This allowed the low-frequency distortion to be separated
from the high-frequency distortion associated with the rectifier
switching frequency.
The simulation results compared very favorably with the
theoretical results and no significant differences can be observed (Figs. 11 and 12). The experimental results follow the
general trends predicted from the theory and simulation results.
The experimental distortion factors associated with using a dclink inductor and high per-unit current demands [Figs. ll(a)
and 12(a)] are lower than the predicted distortion figures. The
differences can be attributed to measurement errors using a
spectrum analyzer and to smoothing effects associated with
the ac-line inductance. Tests, undertaken to decouple the ac-

519

SALMON: SINGLE-PHASE BOOST RECTIFIERS

THD { % 1

THD(%)

E = 1.042

20

E = 1.042

15

15

,P

54

Id { p.u. 1

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.8

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

0.8

(a)

2ot

E = l.l*lj2

15i

Jt

lot
5

+--

0
0

02

0.6

0.4

Id { p.u. )

Id ( p.u. )

0.8

(b)

(b)

2ot

E = 1.242

20 *

E = 1.2*d2

154

101

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

0.2

20

0.4

0.6

(C)

(C)

E = 1.4*42

E = 1.4*d2

2 4
15t

101

5t
0 1 .
~

:0

0.2

------8

0.4

2-swirch asymmcuicical bridge

theoruical
rimdared
ex-enlal

----

o0.6

I d 0

0.d pJ )l

4-switch H-bridge

-thdcal
A

rimulared
expmmmlal

.-

I simIlI
0

0.4

:0

1-switch with a &-I&

indW
thcnctical

----

:.6

Id { p.u. )

0.8

1,

2-switch H-bridge
-t h d d
A rimdared
u;paimcnul

expcYilal

(d)

(d)

Fig. 11. Comparison of THD for 2-switch asymmetrical half-bridge and

4-switch H-bridge.

Fig. 12. Comparison of THD for I-switch and 2-switch H-bridge.

line inductance using high-frequency capacitors, increased the

distortion of the current drawn into the rectifier terminals.
Thus when using a dc-link inductor, ac-line inductance will
lower the current distortion levels below the predictions and
will approach the predictions based upon using an ac-link
inductance.

V. CONCLUSION
Time-averaged waveforms were used to identify the linecurrent waveforms associated with single-phase boost rectifier
circuits. Three useful PWM switching pattems can be used in
single-phase PWM rectifiers: positive unipolar PWM; bipolar
PWM; and phase-adjusted unipolar PWM. This paper related
three line current distortion types with these PWM switching
pattems and the associated circuit topologies.

Unipolar PWM, commonly associated with the 1-switch and

2-switch bridge rectifiers, is susceptible to Type I and Type I11
distortion types. The paper presented analysis that permits the
rectifier current waveforms and performance to be predicted.
With the performance curves derived, limits can be set on the
minimum output dc voltage, boost inductor magnitude, and
maximum per-unit demand current.
Bipolar PWM, typically associated with the 2-switch halfbridge voltage-doubler, can avoid generating Type I and Type
I11 distortion. The paper identified a minimum output voltage
that can be specified for any given per-unit current demand to
guarantee that distortion Type I1 does not occur [see boundary
1 in Fig. 5 and (59)].
Phase-adjusted unipolar PWM switching pattems, associated with the 4-switch H-bridge and the 2-switch asymmetrical
half-bridge, permit the generation of optimal rectifier switching

520

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 8, NO. 4, OCTOBER 1993

pattems. These switching pattems can be used to eliminate

Type I distortion. Equation (59) identifies a minimum output
voltage that should be used for any given per-unit current
demand to guarantee that distortion Type I1 does not occur.
When using low current demand magnitudes, a desirable
design choice for many reasons, the 2-switch asymmetrical
half-bridge produces a similar high performance to that of the
4-switch H-bridge using only two switches rather than four.
Using a high current demand, the 4-switch H-bridges produces
a lower current distortion than the asymmetrical half-bridge.
Finally, this paper showed that when using a high per-unit
current demand, an ac-link inductor should be used rather
than a dc-link inductor to minimize the line current harmonic
distortion. However, the natural inductance of the ac-supply
can lower the differences between using a dc-link or an ac-link
inductance.

R. Itoh and K. Ishizaka, Single-phase sinusoidal converter using

MOSFETS, Proc. Inst. Elec. Eng., vol. 136, Part B, no. 5 , pp. 521-530,
Sept. 1989, pp. 237-242.
P. T. Krein, J. Bentsman, R. M. Bass, and B. L. Lesieutre, On the use
of averaging for the analysis of power electronic systems, IEEE Trans.
Power Elecrron., vol. 5 , pp. 182-190, Apr. 1990.
A. W. Green and J. T. Boys, Hysteresis current-forced three-phase
voltage-sourced reversible rectifier, Proc. Inst. Elec. Eng., vol. 136,
Part B, no. 3, pp. 113-120, May 1989.
-,
Current forced single-phase reversible rectifier, Proc. Inst. Elec.
Eng., vol. 136, Part B, no. 5 , pp. 205-212, Sept. 1989.
L. Borle and J. C. Salmon, A single-phase unity power factor soft
switching resonant tank boost rectifier, Proc. IEEE-IAS Annu. Meet.,
Oct. 1991, pp. 904-910.
J. C. Salmon, Performance of a single-phase pwm boost rectifier using
hysteresis current control, Euro. Power Electron. Conf., Sept. 1991,
pp. 4-3844-389.
-,
Circuit topologies for single-phase voltage-doubler boost rectifiers, IEEE PESC 92 Conf. Proc., 1992, pp. 549-556.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author wishes to thank the University of Alberta for
providing facilities used in this work. Particular recognition is
given to A. Huizinga for his patience and help in obtaining
the experimental results in this paper.

REFERENCES
I11 M. F. Schlecht and B. A. Miwa, Active power factor correction for
switching power supplies, IEEE Trans. Power Electron., vol. 2, pp.
273-281, Oct. 1987.
P I M. Kazerani, P. D. Ziogas, and G. Joose, A novel active current
waveshaping technique for solid-state input power factor conditioners,
IEEE Trans. Indusr. Electron., vol. 38, pp. 72-78, Feb. 1991.
[31 A. R. Prasad, P. D. Ziogas, and S. Manias, A novel passive waveshaping method for single-phase diode rectifiers, IEEE Trans. Indusr.
EleCtr&, vol. 37, Decr 1990.

John C. Salmon (M86) was born in Whitehaven,

England, in 1960. He received the B.Sc.(Eng.) and
Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Imperial College, London, England, in 1982 and 1987,
respectively. He received the M.Eng. degree at
McGill University, Montreal, PQ, Canada, in 1984.
Since 1987, he has been at the University of
Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, where he now holds the
position of Associate Professor. His present research
interests include power electronic circuit topologies,
variable speed electric drives, PWh4 and resonantmode inverters and rectifiers.
Dr. Salmon received the Willis Jackson Medal as an undergraduate student
at Imperial College, in 1982. He was a Commonwealth Scholar from 1982 to
1984. He is a member of the IEEE Industry Applications Society, IEEE Power
Electronics Societv. IEEE Industrial Electronics Societv. IEEE-IAS Industrial
Power Converter Committee, and the IEEE-IAS IndusGal Drives Committee.