This question was asked inGPSC Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) Class-2 Master Paper 2026Question 80 of 195 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q80ModerateInverters

In a 3-phase VSI in 120° conduction mode,
1. Each switch conducts for 120° in a cycle.
2. Only two switches conduct at any given time.
3. The phase voltage is zero for 60° in every half-cycle.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only
Quick explanation

Three-phase voltage-source inverters can be operated with 120° or 180° conduction sequences. In 120° conduction, each switch is on for 120° and only two devices conduct at a time, leaving one phase disconnected for intervals. Key relation: Conduction duration: 120°→two switches at a time; 180°→three switches at a time.

Exam focus: Track pole voltage and load-neutral voltage separately. Common trap: Balanced load does not force the floating neutral to the DC midpoint at every switching state.

Conduction duration: 120°→two switches at a time; 180°→three switches at a time.

Statement-wise Verification

  • Statement 1 - Correct.
    Each switch conducts for 120° in a cycle.
    In 120° conduction, each switch is on for 120° and only two devices conduct at a time, leaving one phase disconnected for intervals.
  • Statement 2 - Correct.
    Only two switches conduct at any given time.
    Conduction duration: 120°→two switches at a time; 180°→three switches at a time.
  • Statement 3 - Correct.
    The phase voltage is zero for 60° in every half-cycle.
    Three-phase voltage-source inverters can be operated with 120° or 180° conduction sequences.

Core Concept

Three-phase voltage-source inverters can be operated with 120° or 180° conduction sequences. In 120° conduction, each switch is on for 120° and only two devices conduct at a time, leaving one phase disconnected for intervals. In 180° conduction, three devices conduct at a time and the fundamental output is higher; the floating star neutral can shift relative to the DC midpoint.

Formula / Key Relationship

Conduction duration: 120°→two switches at a time; 180°→three switches at a time.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 3. Option C is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 2. Option D is incorrect because it omits correct statement(s) 1.

Exam Shortcut / Approach

Track pole voltage and load-neutral voltage separately.

Common Mistake

Balanced load does not force the floating neutral to the DC midpoint at every switching state.

Quick Revision

120-Degree Conduction Mode is linked with Three-Phase VSI, Inverters and Power Electronics. Track pole voltage and load-neutral voltage separately.

Exam tipTrack pole voltage and load-neutral voltage separately.
Verified · SRO editorial desk Report
Try it before reading the solution — tap an option.0/1✓ 0✗ 0

More Inverters questions