Three-Phase Pulse-Width Modulation, Space Vector Modulation, Zero-Sequence Voltage, and That Darned Hexagon

Last modified by Microchip on 2024/01/15 19:43

If you have ever read any articles on Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of motors, chances are you've seen the following three things before. They are all aspects of three-phase Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM).

  • This phrase:
    • SPACE VECTOR MODULATION (SVM)
  • These double-humped waveforms:

double humped wave forms

  • This hexagon:

The hex diagram

Unfortunately, many articles on FOC and three-phase PWM rush through an explanation of these basic concepts, and some even present incorrect or misleading information. If you want to improve your understanding of three-phase PWM, this section is for you.