A generalized single-phase multilevel current source inverter (MCSI) topology with self-balancing current is proposed

which uses the duality transformation from the generalized multilevel voltage source inverter (MVSI) topology. The existing single-phase 8- and 6-switch 5-level current source inverters (CSIs) can be derived from this generalized MCSI topology. In the proposed topology

each intermediate DC-link current level can be balanced automatically without adding any external circuits; thus

a true multilevel structure is provided. Moreover

owing to the dual relationship

many research results relating to the operation

modulation

and control strategies of MVSIs can be applied directly to the MCSIs. Some simulation results are presented to verify the proposed MCSI topology.