Harmonic Optimization Vs. Component Complexity: A Comparative Study of Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverters Across 3,5, and 7-Level Configurations

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have emerged as a critical solution for high-power and medium-voltage applications, addressing limitations of conventional inverters such as high switching losses, harmonic distortion, and voltage stress. This study focuses on cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters (CHB-MLIs), evaluating their performance across three-, five-, and seven-level configurations. Through MATLAB/Simulink simulations, the relationship between output voltage levels and total harmonic distortion (THD) is analyzed, demonstrating a significant reduction in THD as levels increase—from 34.16% in a three-level design to 16.83% in a seven-level system. The comparison highlights trade-offs between component count, complexity, and harmonic performance, emphasizing the cascaded H-bridge topology’s modularity and scalability. Key advantages include reduced voltage stress on switches, lower electromagnetic interference (EMI), and improved waveform quality. The findings underscore the suitability of CHB-MLIs for renewable energy integration, grid-tied systems, and industrial drives, where precise voltage control and efficiency are paramount