The AC-AC converter called the matrix converter is vel-v simple in str
ucture and has powerful controllability. However, to date there have b
een few practical applications, especially in power electronics fields
. One of the major reasons is the commutation problem. The paper propo
ses a novel commutation technique which is very simple to implement. T
his commutation scheme allows the dead time to avoid current spikes of
nonideal switches and at the same time establishes a current path of
the inductive load to avoid voltage spikes. Experimental results obtai
ned on a 5 kW prototype are discussed.