Efficiency Analysis of a Ladder Multilevel Converter with the Use of the Equivalent Continuous Model

This study analyzes a ladder multilevel converter (double ladder topology) with the use of a new averaging modeling technique. This technique introduces an analytical method to compute for the switching losses and is used to conduct an in-depth analysis of the influence of the switching frequency and parasitic resistance of components on converter efficiency. The obtained results enable the selection of switches and switching frequency to minimize losses. Moreover, simulation results and experimental measurements validate the analytical calculations.