A Novel Asymmetric Cascaded H‐Bridge Concept Using Switched Rectifier

ABSTRACT In this paper, a new concept is proposed for classical cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter (MLI) configurations. The proposed structure includes a DC‐DC converter circuit (switching rectifier) that generates multiple asymmetric voltages at the input of the H‐bridges. This SR circuit can generate different voltages (1 V DC and 2 V DC ) at the same terminals, thus providing a compact solution to existing topologies. Multiple DC bus voltages are generated using HFL and SR, resulting in higher levels at the output compared to traditional asymmetric source configurations. Three H‐bridge circuits that generate a 27‐level in trinary configuration and a 15‐level in binary configuration are combined with two SRs to produce a 35‐level output. With an output efficiency of over 96%, the topology offers low power losses and sustainable performance, making it an energy‐efficient and cost‐effective alternative. The high output level and stable performance characteristics make this hybrid CHB structure suitable for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and general power electronics applications. A comprehensive comparison with other MLI designs in the literature is made, and the simulation results are validated with a low‐power prototype.