Power semiconductors

What is the purpose of providing a short period in which both switches are off (dead time) when switching the upper and lower switches of an inverter?

  1. ATo maximize efficiency
  2. BTo prevent the upper and lower switches from turning on at the same time and short-circuiting the supply
  3. CTo make the switches emit light
Show answer and explanation

Answer: B. To prevent the upper and lower switches from turning on at the same time and short-circuiting the supply

Switches take time to turn off, so turning one on at the same moment the other is turned off could briefly leave both on, short-circuiting the supply. Dead time prevents this. Too long a dead time distorts the output waveform, so it is set to an appropriate length.

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