Synchronization mechanisms for internal monitoring and control in power electronics converter

Power Electronics Building Block (PEBB) had been proposed for complex power electronics converters design. A complex converter, such as Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), may employ up to hundred units of PEBB. Therefore high speed internal ring network is suggested to simplify the wiring system. However, data transmission delay will cause asynchronous operation in PEBBs. This paper will review data transmission delay concept and effects on internal converter control. Three synchronization methods will be reviewed. The most accurate synchronization method will be further tested experimentally. Its achievable maximum latency will be evaluated when different section cable length is used to form the ring and during cable redundancy is activated.