This question was asked inGPSC Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) Class-2 Master Paper 2026Question 77 of 195 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q77ModerateInverters

Regarding Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in inverters, consider the following:
1. Sinusoidal PWM reduces the lower-order harmonics but increases the switching losses.
2. The modulation index (ma) controls the amplitude of the fundamental output.
3. If ma>1, the inverter enters the "over-modulation" region, increasing harmonic distortion.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

In the linear region, modulation index controls the fundamental output amplitude. Raising switching frequency moves dominant harmonics upward but increases switching loss. Key relation: m_a=V_ref,peak/V_carrier,peak; linear SPWM typically m_a≤1.

Exam focus: m_a controls fundamental voltage in the linear region. Common trap: Over-modulation is not a clean linear extension of SPWM.

ma=Vref,peak/Vcarrier,peak; linear SPWM typically ma≤1.

Statement-wise Verification

  • Statement 1 - Correct.
    Sinusoidal PWM reduces the lower-order harmonics but increases the switching losses.
    Raising switching frequency moves dominant harmonics upward but increases switching loss.
  • Statement 2 - Correct.
    The modulation index (ma) controls the amplitude of the fundamental output.
    In the linear region, modulation index controls the fundamental output amplitude.
  • Statement 3 - Correct.
    If ma>1, the inverter enters the "over-modulation" region, increasing harmonic distortion.
    In the linear region, modulation index controls the fundamental output amplitude.

Core Concept

Sinusoidal PWM compares a sinusoidal reference with a high-frequency carrier. In the linear region, modulation index controls the fundamental output amplitude. Raising switching frequency moves dominant harmonics upward but increases switching loss. When modulation index exceeds the linear range, over-modulation appears and waveform distortion rises.

Formula / Key Relationship

m_a=V_ref,peak/V_carrier,peak; linear SPWM typically m_a≤1.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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

Exam Shortcut / Approach

m_a controls fundamental voltage in the linear region.

Common Mistake

Over-modulation is not a clean linear extension of SPWM.

Quick Revision

Modulation Index and Harmonics is linked with Sinusoidal PWM, Inverters and Power Electronics. m_a controls fundamental voltage in the linear region.

Exam tipm_a controls fundamental voltage in the linear region.
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