IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 30, NO.

2, FEBRUARY 2015

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Impedance-Source Networks for Electric Power

Conversion Part I: A Topological Review
Yam P. Siwakoti, Student Member, IEEE, Fang Zheng Peng, Fellow, IEEE, Frede Blaabjerg, Fellow, IEEE,
Poh Chiang Loh, and Graham E. Town, Senior Member, IEEE

AbstractImpedance networks cover the entire of electric power

conversion from dc (converter, rectifier), ac (inverter), to phase
and frequency conversion (acac) in a wide range of applications.
Various converter topologies have been reported in the literature
to overcome the limitations and problems of the traditional voltage source, current source as well as various classical buckboost,
unidirectional, and bidirectional converter topologies. Proper implementation of the impedance-source network with appropriate
switching configurations and topologies reduces the number of
power conversion stages in the system power chain, which may
improve the reliability and performance of the power system. The
first part of this paper provides a comprehensive review of the
various impedance-source-networks-based power converters and
discusses the main topologies from an application point of view.
This review paper is the first of its kind with the aim of providing a
one-stop information source and a selection guide on impedancesource networks for power conversion for researchers, designers,
and application engineers. A comprehensive review of various modeling, control, and modulation techniques for the impedance-source
converters/inverters will be presented in Part II.
Index TermsACAC power conversion, acdc power conversion, dcac power conversion, dcdc power conversion, impedancesource network.

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Overview
MPEDANCE networks provide an efficient means of power
conversion between source and load in a wide range of electric power conversion applications (dcdc, dcac, acdc, ac
ac) [1], [2]. Various topologies and control methods using different impedance-source networks have been presented in the
literature, e.g., for adjustable-speed drives [3], [4], uninterruptible power supply (UPS) [5], [6], distributed generation (fuel
cell, photovoltaic (PV), wind, etc.) [7][14], battery or supercapacitor energy storage [15], [16], electric vehicles [17][19],

Manuscript received November 22, 2013; revised February 12, 2014; accepted March 13, 2014. Date of publication March 25, 2014; date of current
version October 7, 2014. Recommended for publication by Associate Editor
T.-F. Wu.
Y. P. Siwakoti and G. E. Town are with the Department of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, N.S.W. 2109, Australia (e-mail:
yam.siwakoti@mq.edu.au; graham.town@mq.edu.au).
F. Z. Peng is with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA (e-mail:
fzpeng@egr.msu.edu).
F. Blaabjerg and P. C. Loh are with the Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark (e-mail: fbl@et.aau.dk;
pcl@et.aau.dk).
Color versions of one or more of the figures in this paper are available online
at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TPEL.2014.2313746

Fig. 1. General circuit configuration of impedance-source network for power

conversion with different switching cells.

distributed dc power systems [8], avionics [20], flywheel energy storage systems [21], electronic loads [22], dc circuit
breaker [23] and others. A variety of converter topologies with
buck, boost, buckboost, unidirectional, bidirectional, isolated
as well as nonisolated converters are possible by proper implementation of the impedance-source network with various
switching devices, topologies, and configurations [44][141].
Fig. 1 shows the general configuration of an impedance-source
network for electric power conversion, with possible switching
configurations depending on application requirements.
The basic impedance-source network can be generalized as a
two-port network with a combination of two basic linear energy
storage elements, i.e., L and C (dissipative components (R)
are generally omitted). However, different configurations of the
network are possible to improve the performance of the circuit by adding different nonlinear elements into the impedance
network, e.g., diodes, switches, and/or a combination of both.
The impedance-source network was originally invented to
overcome the limitations of the voltage-source inverter (VSI)
and current-source inverter (CSI) topologies which are commonly used in electric power conversion [1][5]. The ac output
voltage of the VSI is limited below the input voltage, i.e., the
VSI is a buck type inverter which cannot serve the need of
distributed generation and ac drives alone. It requires an additional dcdc boost converter to obtain a desired ac output,
which increases system cost and lowers efficiency. In addition, the switching devices are vulnerable to electromagnetic
interference as misgating-on causes short-circuit across the inverter bridge and destroys the switching devices. The dead time
introduced in such cases causes waveform distortion at the output. On the other hand, in the case of the CSI, the output voltage
cannot be less than the input voltage. For applications where a
wide voltage range is desirable, an additional dcdc buck converter is needed. In addition, the upper and lower switches of

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Fig. 2.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 30, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2015

Basic Z -Source impedance network.

the inverter have to be gated on and maintained on at any time.

Otherwise, an open circuit of the dc inductor would occur and
destroy the devices.
To utilize the properties of the impedance-source network,
different switching configurations are being adopted and modulated with different pulse width modulation (PWM) and control
techniques to match various application requirements. Possible
switch configurations range from simple-single switch topologies to very complex controlled multilevel and matrix configurations [28][43].
The impedance-source converter overcomes the aforementioned conceptual and theoretical barriers and limitations of the
classical VSI and CSI and provides a novel power-conversion
concept. The major advantage of this topology is that it can operate as V -source or an I-source depending on the application and
needs, and the output voltage can be varied from 0 to . Since
the publication of the first impedance-source network, called a
Z-source network, in year 2002 [1], many modified topologies
with improved modulation and control strategies have been proposed and published to improve the performance in various applications [2][25]. Fig. 2 shows the basic Z-source impedance
network, which consists of inductors L1 and L2 and capacitors C1 and C2 connected at both ends (Z-shape) which acts
as a buffer between load and source (voltage source or current
source).
B. Operating Principle of the Impedance-Source Converter
The concept of the impedance-source network can be applied
to any dc-to-dc, ac-to-ac, ac-to-dc, and dc-to-ac power conversions. The dc source and/or load can be either a voltage or
current source and/or a load. A Z-source impedance network
is used as an example to briefly illustrate the operating principle and control of the impedance-source network. Fig. 3 shows
the circuit diagram of the Z-source converter and its equivalent circuit during active and shoot-through states. During the
shoot-through state, the output terminals of the impedance network A and B are short-circuited by a switch or combination
of switches which will, in turn, cause diode D in the network
to reverse-bias. Energy stored in the inductor and capacitor during this shoot-through state is transferred to the load during
the next active state, in which the diode D is returned to conduction. The switching circuit viewed from the dc side during the active state is equivalent to a current source as shown
in Fig. 3(a). Averaging of these two switching states results
in an expression to compute the peak dc-link voltage vA  ,B  ,
across terminals A and B , in terms of its input voltage Vin
as vA  ,B  , = 11d S T Vin = BVin , where dST is the fractional

shoot-through time assumed in a switching period, and 2 is

a factor determined by the impedance network chosen, e.g., for
Z-source inverter and quasi-Z-source inverter (ZSI and qZSI),
= 2. Equating the denominator of the boost factor (B) to zero
then results in the permissible range of dST as 0 dST < 1 ,
whose upper limit corresponds to an infinite gain.
A three-phase voltage-fed ZSI, as shown in Fig. 4, is used
as an example to briefly illustrate the operating principle as
described previously. The three-phase ZSI bridge has nine permissible switching states (six active states, two zero states, and
one shoot-through state), unlike the traditional three-phase VSI
which has eight (six active states, two zero states). During zero
states, the upper three or lower three switches of the inverter
bridge are turned on simultaneously, thus shorting the output
terminals of the inverter and producing zero voltage across the
load. During one of the six active states, the dc voltage is impressed across the load, positively or negatively. However, during shoot-through states, the load terminals are shorted through
both the upper and lower devices of any one-phase leg, any twophase legs, and all three-phase legs [1] producing zero voltage
across the load. This shoot-through state has the same effect,
i.e., producing zero voltage across the load as the traditional
zero states; however, these shoot-through states can boost the
output voltage. The shoot-through state is forbidden in the traditional VSI, because it would cause a short circuit across the dc
link and damage the converter. The Z-source network and the
shoot-through zero state provide a unique buckboost capability
for the inverter by varying the shoot-through time period and
modulation index M of the inverter. Theoretically, the output
voltage of the inverter (
vac = M B/2 = M [1 2dST ]1 Vin /2)
can be set to any value between 0 and . However, some practical aspects and performance of the converter need to be considered for large voltage buck or boost operation, e.g., to avoid
exceeding device limitations.
All the traditional PWM schemes can be used to control the
impedance-source converter, and their theoretical inputoutput
relationships still hold true. However, in addition to all states
in the traditional modulation techniques, a new state called a
shoot-through state is introduced and embedded in the modulation strategy for the impedance network-based power converter without violating the voltsec balance in the operating
principle. With the unique feature of these shoot-through states,
several new PWM methods modified from sine PWMs and space
vector modulation [28][43] are developed to control the output
voltage. In addition, there are various control methods applied
for various applications which will be discussed in Part II in
detail.
C. Status of Impedance-Source Topologies and Applications
Z-source-related research has grown rapidly since it was first
proposed in 2002; the numbersof modifications and new Zsource topologies have grown exponentially. Fig. 5 shows the
number of publications over the last ten years (a total of 1113
as of Sept. 2013) and a summary of the Z-source converter categories and Z-source network topologies that can be found in
the recent literature. According to the conversion functionality,

SIWAKOTI et al.: IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORKS FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION PART I: A TOPOLOGICAL REVIEW

Fig. 3.

Voltage-fed Z -source converter illustrating its equivalent circuit during (a) active state and (b) shoot-through state.

Fig. 4.

Voltage-fed ZSIan example of a ZSI.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 5.

Numbers of publications (total 1113 as of Sept. 2013).

it can be divided into four main categories: dcdc converters,

dcac inverters, acac converters, and acdc rectifiers. A further breakdown leads to two-level and multilevel [59][71],
acac and matrix converters [72][83], and nonisolated and isolated dcdc converters [44][58]. From the Z-source network
topology standpoint, it can be voltage-fed or current-fed. Further, impedance networks can be divided based on the magnetics used in the impedance-source network, i.e., nontransformer based [91][117] and transformer or coupled inductor
based [118][134].
The Z-source concept has opened up a new research area
in power electronics. The previous description only provides a
brief summary of the major Z-source network topologies. There
are many modifications and variations on the previous Z-source
topologies. Each topology has its own unique features and applications to which it is best suited. There is no one-size-fits-all
solution. It is expected that new Z-source topologies will continuously be put forth to meet and improve converter performance
in different applications. Renewable energy generation, such as
PV and wind power, and motor drives are prospective applications of Z-source converters because of the unique voltage
buckboost ability with minimum component count and potential low cost. New power electronic devices, such as silicon
carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices, will definitely
improve the performance of Z-source converters [24], [25].

701

Categorization of impedance-source network-based power converters.

Their high switching frequency, low loss, and high temperature

capacity will contribute to small Z-source passive components,
high efficiency of the converter, and high power density. Currently, Z-source converters are still advancing in topologies and
applications.
This paper provides a comprehensive survey on the topic
of impedance-source network-based power converters/inverters
and is organized as follows: Section II categorizes the available
impedance-source power converters/inverters based on conversion functionality and further subcategorizes them into different switching configurations. Section III describes different impedance-source network topologies segregated as transformer/coupled inductor or nontransformer. Finally, Section IV
provides a comparison of different impedance network-based
converters and a conclusion.
II. CATEGORIES OF IMPEDANCE-SOURCE CONVERTER
BASED ON CONVERSION FUNCTIONALITY
Fig. 6 shows a broad categorization of the impedance
network-based power converters using different switching configurations as shown in Fig. 7. Proper amalgamation of these
different topologies with impedance-source networks gives a
wide range of unique power converter topologies ranging from
medium voltage and power to high voltage and power. In
addition, using these switching configurations, both unidirectional/bidirectional as well as isolated/nonisolated converters,
can be implemented for dcdc, dcac, acdc, and acac systems to satisfy the needs of numerous power applications.
A. DCDC Converter Topologies
Various isolated/nonisolated dcdc converters are proposed in
the literature with different control and modulation techniques.

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Fig. 7. Possible switching configurations (a)(c) for dcdc converter; (d)(i) using multiple diodes and switches (in unidirectional and/or bidirectional configurations) for dcdc, dcac, acdc, and acac converter (Zimpedance-source network).

Fig. 8.

qZSI-based-isolated dcdc converter with (a) intermediate H-bridge switching topology and (b) pushpull topology.

For example, a dcdc converter realized using a qZSI with twoor three-leg H-bridge switching topology is proposed for distributed generation [44], [45] as shown in Fig. 8(a). A new
quasi-Z-source pushpull converter topology with a reduced
number of switching device is also proposed in [46] and [47]
as shown in Fig. 8(b). It has the same gain as in [44] and [45],
however, with reduced complexity in gate circuit design.
A dcdc converter with a trans-Z-source network is implemented in [48] as shown in Fig. 9(a), with the aim of achieving higher boost at a lower shoot-through time period of the
switch. Proper implementation could reduce the turns ratio of
the transformer as compared to other qZSI-based topologies.
This advantage is utilized to design the converter to operate in
parallel [49] to achieve higher power level and premium power
quality along with improved system efficiency.

An isolated Z-source dcdc converter is presented in [50]

and [51] using coupled inductors. The topology achieves high
voltage gain even at a small shoot-through duty cycle. In addition, the topologies have the advantage of minimum device
stress.
A new dcdc converter topology called a Z H converter
inspired from a ZSI is presented in [52] by eliminating the frontend diode as shown in Fig. 9(b). The concept of using the shootthrough duty cycle to control the output voltage is ruled out
completely by simple control of the duty cycle of the switches.
The converter can achieve two-quadrant operation modes (II and
IV quadrant) by varying the duty cycle of the complementary
switch in the 00.5 and 0.51 range, respectively. However, the
boost factor remains the same as that of a traditional ZSI in all
modes of operation.

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Fig. 9.

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Trans-Z -source converters: (a) trans-Z -source dcdc converter and (b) Z H dcdc converter.

Fig. 10. Family of four-quadrant dcdc converters using (a) Z -source and (b)
quasi-Z -source network.

Fig. 12.

General impedance-source inverter for one-phase or three-phase.

In addition to the aforementioned dcdc converter topologies,

various other dcdc converter topologies are prevalent in the
literature, e.g., a bidirectional Z-source dcdc converter [56],
an isolated bidirectional with a bivariate coordinated control
strategy [57], a resonant [58] and Z-source dcdc converter
with common ground [59]. The voltage stress and power rating
of the devices can be reduced with cascade [60] and series-inparallel-out [61] topologies. However, this increases the size
and cost of the system and requires a complex control.
Fig. 11.

Y-source boost dcdc converter.

A family of four-quadrant dcdc converters using a Z-source

or a quasi-Z-source network with a minimal number of switches
and passive devices is presented in [53]. The converter provides
four-quadrant operation using four-quadrant switches. Two basic converter topologies derived from ZSI and qZSI are shown in
Fig. 10. The converter has both buck/boost characteristics in the
01 range of the duty cycle. This feature along with changing the
polarity of the load voltage by just controlling the duty cycle of
the switch makes the converter very simple and more economical for many applications, e.g., dc-drives and other renewable
energy systems.
A new boost dcdc converter topology was proposed in [54]
with three coupled inductors and called a Y-source converter as
shown in Fig. 11. It can achieve a very high boost at a lower
shoot-through duty cycle of the switch and has one more degree
of freedom to choose the voltage boost. The converter can be
designed very compactly with integrated magnetics, and fewer
components are required to attain a high voltage boost. An isolated high-voltage boost converter using a Y-source impedancesource network is also proposed in [55] which reduced the number of switching devices and the corresponding switching complexities.

B. DCAC Inverter Topologies

Different topologies inspired from the traditional converter
topologies are implemented to utilize the basic properties
of the impedance-source network, e.g., two-level H-bridge,
multilevel/neutral-point clamped (NPC), as well as the dual
bridge. The retrofitting of these different classical topologies
produces a new converter (see Fig. 7) with better performance
and expected reliability. However, all the traditional PWM
schemes and control methods are still valid with some modifications to accommodate the shoot-through state.
Topologies of different converters proposed so far with such
modifications will be discussed in detail in the following sections:
1) Two-Level H-Bridge Topologies: The impedance-source
network was originally implemented with a 3-ph H-bridge
switching topology as voltage source and a current source to
demonstrate its superiority over the traditional VSI and CSI.
Both single-phase well as three-phase inverters can be implemented with an impedance source using the H-bridge circuit.
There are numerous topologies and architectures for PV, fuel
cell, super-capacitor, battery bank as well as grid-connected
drives, and UPS systems [1][25]. Most of the topologies derived for two-level voltage inversion have the general topology
shown in Fig. 12.

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A unique topology is presented in [26] using two switches and

a one-cycle control method. It has the same voltage transfer ratio
as the full-bridge inverter. This topology is suitable for applications that need common grounding between source and load.
A two-level switched boost inverter similar to the ZSI is
presented in [27]. It also works on the principle of a shootthrough state across the inverter bridge to boost the voltage at
the output. In addition, this topology exhibits advantages similar
to the ZSI with fewer passive components; however, it requires
more active components.
2) 2) Multilevel/NPC: The concept of utilizing multiple
small voltage levels or a split capacitor bank to perform power
conversion by using a multilevel approach is prevalent in the
literature. The advantages of this multilevel approach compared
to two levels include premium power quality, excellent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), low switching losses, and high
voltage capability. However, larger numbers of switching semiconductors are required to implement it, along with a complex
control system. In addition, small voltage steps must be supplied
on the dc side, either by a capacitor bank or by isolated voltage
sources.
The concept of this multilevel approach is being adopted
with an impedance-source network to overcome some of the
disadvantages of the classical multilevel topologies. Various
impedance-source multilevel topologies with special modulation techniques are proposed to control the multilevel converter to get reduced harmonic distortion and device commutations. Fig. 13(a) shows a three-level NPC converter using two
ZSIs [62][66]. The neutral point is connected to a common
point of the two ZSIs and is grounded. There are other topologies implemented with a reduced number of passive [67][70]
and active devices [71] to reduce the size and cost of the system
[see Fig. 13(b)]. A qZSI-based NPC topology is also presented
in [72] with a modified modulation technique [see Fig. 13(c)].
Recently, a seven-level single-phase grid-tied inverter was
proposed for a PV system using a cascaded multilevel qZSI
topology [73] as shown in Fig. 13(d). The topology is effective
in tracking the maximum power point for each PV module separately. In addition, the independent dc-link voltage control loop
balances the dc-link voltage of each H-bridge module.
A three-level impedance-source inverter can also be implemented using a traditional dual H-bridge concept. A three-level
inverter for motor drives is realized using two cascaded ZS VSIs
and a three-phase transformer in [74]. The inverter can supply
to generic or Y-connected loads with a single or two isolated
dc source as shown in Fig. 14.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 30, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2015

verter [75][78] as shown in Fig. 15. A traditional matrix converter with an impedance network can buckboost the voltage
as well as frequency for the ac load requiring adjustable voltage
and frequency, e.g., motor drives. Many modulation and control
methods, e.g., simple maximum boost control, maximum boost
control, maximum gain control, and hybrid minimum stress
control have been proposed to improve the performance and reliability of the converter [79][82]. Single-phase Z-source ac
ac converters [83][86] and single-phase quasi-Z-source acac
converters sharing a common ground [87], [88] with the load
are also presented with suitable PWM techniques.
D. ACDC Converter Topologies
Rectifiers based on an impedance-source network have the capability to both buck and boost the input voltage in a single stage
compared to a traditional rectifier. In addition, they can provide
good input power factor, low line-current distortion, regeneration and improved reliability. Fig. 16 shows Z-source [89][92]
and quasi-Z-source [93]-based rectifier topologies. A new concept of a bidirectional converter based on a matrix converter
is also presented in [76]. The advantages of the acdc matrix
converter are controllable input power factor, tight dc voltage
regulation, wide bandwidth with quick response to load variations, and single-stage buck voltage acdc power conversion.
III. IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
All diverse power converter topologies with impedancesource networks are mainly derived from the Z-source network
by modifying the original impedance network, or by rearranging
the connections of inductors and capacitors [94][137]. Each Zsource network topology yields unique features for different or
particular application needs. New Z-source topologies are still
being developed, mainly for four reasons: 1) reduction of the
Z-source network component count and rating; 2) extension of
voltage gain range; 3) achieving higher power density; and 4)
application-oriented optimization and improvement.
In addition, the voltage of the network can be increased by
integrating traditional switched-inductor, switched-capacitor,
tapped inductor, diode-assisted, and capacitor-assisted extension to the Z-source/quasi-Z-source network, which however
requires more components.
The impedance-source network is broadly classified into two
categories based on magnetics: 1) nontransformer based; and 2)
coupled or transformer based as shown in Fig. 17. Each topology
has distinct features and advantages and will be discussed briefly
in the following sections.

C. ACAC Converter Topologies (Matrix Converter)

The matrix converter consists of nine bidirectional switches
that allow any output phase to be connected to any input phase.
It is a direct acac converter with sinusoidal input/output waveforms and a controllable input power factor.
The maximum voltage gain of a traditional matrix converter
does not exceed 0.866. In addition, the switches are more vulnerable to shoot-through on the same output phase leg. These
limitations are overcome by the impedance-source matrix con-

A. Non-Transformer Based
1) Z-Source/ Quasi-Z-Source: Z-source converters are
broadly classified into two types: voltage-fed and current-fed.
However, unlike the traditional voltage-fed/current-fed inverter,
the impedance-source network provides a buffer between the
source and the inverter bridge and facilitates a short- and an
open-circuit at any time depending on the mode of operation. Traditional voltage-fed/current-fed Z-source impedance

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705

Fig. 13. Various impedance-network-source multilevel converter topologies: (a) two source NPC, (b) single-source NPC, (c) single-source quasi-Z -source, and
(d) cascaded multilevel qZSI topology.

Fig. 14.

Dual ZSI with three-level reduced common mode switching: (a) with single source and (b) with two isolated sources.

networks suffer from problems like discontinuous input current

in the boost mode for the voltage-fed ZSI [see Fig. 18(a)] and
high current stress on the inductor in the current-fed ZSI [see
Fig. 19(a)]. Various voltage- and current-fed topologies derived
from ZSI and qZSI [see Fig. 18(b) and (c) and Fig. 19(b) and

(c)] with improved performance were proposed in [96][99]

to solve the problem of ZSIs [98], [99]. It should be noted
that all three current-fed ZSIs, Fig. 19(a)(c), are capable of
bidirectional power flow and buckboost operation, although
the switches have to be reverse-blocking devices. These new

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Fig. 15. Impedance-source network-based matrix converter: (a) general topology and (b) various voltage and current-source impedance-source networks for the
matrix converter.

Fig. 16.

ACDC rectifier topologies based on (a) ZSI and (b) qZSI impedance network.

benefits extend this topology to applications of renewable energy generation and motor drives [1][26], [94][97].
2) Enhanced/Improved Z-Source: In the race to improve
the boost capability of impedance-source networks, various
modifications are proposed within the Z-source and quasi-Z-

source networks. In the same context, an enhanced-boost ZSI is

proposed in [100] and [101] with alternate-cascaded switched
and tapped-inductor cells using some lower rated components.
Similarly, an improved Z-source [102], [103] and an improved
trans-Z-source [128] are proposed, respectively, to reduce the

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Fig. 17.

Impedance-source network topologies (as of Sept. 2013).

capacitor voltage stress. These topologies are found to be effective in solving some of the problems faced by traditional ZSI
and qZSI. However, additional components are required to implement the circuit. This makes the system more costly and also
decreases the power density of the converter.
3) Semi-Z-Source/Semi-Quasi-Z-Source: Semi-ZSIs were
proposed (see Fig. 20) to achieve low cost and high efficiency
in applications such as single-phase grid-tie PV power systems. A semi-ZSI with only two active switches has a voltage boost function and a double-ground feature (both PV panel
and ac output can be grounded) that eliminates the need to
float/isolate PV panels without leakage current and which improves safety [104], [105]. Unlike the traditional ZSI/qZSI, a
shoot-through state is not applicable to a semi-ZSI. An improved nonlinear sinusoidal PWM method is used to get the
desired duty cycle to generate a sinusoidal output.
The advantage of the semi-Z-source and semi-qZSIs [106] is
that they can be implemented using fewer switches compared
to a traditional ZSI and qZSI, but unfortunately the voltage
stress on the switching devices is high. This topology is suitable
for a grid-connected micro-PV inverter with high-voltage SiC
devices.
4) Embedded Z-Source: The embedded Z-source was proposed to achieve continuous input current and lower capacitor
voltage rating, and its multisource feature is especially suitable
for PV power generation [107][109]. Fig. 21 shows the circuit
topology of a two-level-embedded ZSI. There are other similar
embedded topologies with one or two dc sources suitable for
battery storage systems.
5) Z H Converter: A new converter topology is presented
in [110] with an impedance source similar to the Z-source;
however, it has different connections as shown in Fig. 9(b).
The proposed topology eliminates the input-side diode and the
shoot-through state of the switch. The gain of the converter is
similar to that of the Z-source network but it has two modes of

707

operation, i.e., boost mode in D = [0, 0.5] with positive output

voltage and boost mode in D = [0.5, 1] with negative output
voltage. This converter topology can be applied to dcdc, dcac,
acdc, or acac power conversion.
6) Z-Source B4 Converter: Inspired by the traditional B4
VSI, a Z-source B4 topology is proposed in [111] with a reduced
number of active components, enhanced reliability, and lower
cost. Fig. 22 shows the Z-source B4 converter topology for a
three-phase power conversion.
7) Switched Inductor/Capacitor: Extra inductors and capacitors have been added in the Z-source and quasi-Z-source
impedance network, aim of improving the boost capability of
the circuit. Many topologies are presented in the literature to
reduce the stress on the passive components and also to eliminate the start-up inrush current. A switched inductor/capacitor
ZSI/qZSI provides continuous input current and reduced voltage stress on the capacitor [112][115]. An embedded Zsource with a switched inductor combines the advantages of
both topologies, e.g., high boost ratio, reduced capacitor voltage stress, and low input ripple current [116]. However, this
switched inductor/capacitor topology needs a large number of
passive devices, which increases the cost and volume of the
converter.
8) Capacitor/Diode Assisted: The voltage-boost capability
of the Z-source and quasi-Z-source is extended with the aid of
capacitors and diodes in order to meet the needs of applications
requiring very high voltage boost [117], [118]. The impedance
network can be extended by using a diodes and/or capacitors
as shown in Fig. 23. The advantages of this topology are high
voltage gain and reduced capacitor stress; however, this is at the
cost of extra passive components.
9) Three-Switch Three-State (TSTS) Z-Source: Threeswitch three-state single-phase ZSIs (TSTS-ZSIs) were proposed recently in [119], and are classified into two groups: boostTSTS-ZSI and buckboost-TSTS-ZSI as shown in Fig. 24.
This topology can be assembled using fewer switches compared to the traditional impedance-source topologies, so higher
power density can be achieved. In addition, it has a lower voltage stress and dual grounding which makes it suitable for PV
power generation.
10) Distributed Z-Source: Distributed impedance networks
such as transmission lines and hybrid LC components can be
used for a Z-source network [135][137] as shown in Fig. 25.
These distributed Z-source networks are difficult to implement,
but a distributed ZSI does not need any extra diode or switch
to achieve the voltage boost function, thus having the minimum component count. This topology could open a door for an
impedance-source network to radio-frequency power converter
design by utilizing the distributed inductance and capacitance
prominent at higher frequencies.
B. With Transformer or Magnetic Coupling
Magnetically coupled inductors and transformers find a niche
in impedance networks to improve the voltage boost capability
as well as the modulation index. In addition, they reduce the
number of passive components needed in the network, which

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Fig. 18. Various voltage-fed ZSI topologies: (a) ZSI with discontinuous input current, (b) qZSI with continuous input current, and (c) qZSI with discontinuous
input current.

Fig. 19. Various current-fed ZSI topologies (switches have to be reverse-blocking devices): (a) ZSI with continuous input current, (b) qZSI with discontinuous
input current, and (c) qZSI with continuous input current.

Fig. 20.

Semi-Z -source topologies: (a) semi-ZSI and (b) semi-qZSI.

Fig. 21.

Two-level-embedded ZSI.

Fig. 22.

B4 ZSI topology.

improves the power density and reducing the cost of the system.
A generic method is presented in [120] to illustrate the derivation
of some of the magnetically coupled network topologies. The
following sections describe the impedance network topologies
based on transformer or coupled inductor.
1) Y-Source: A unique impedance-source network called the
Y-source network topology was proposed in [54] using coupled inductors with three windings (N1 , N2 , and N3 ) having
versatile characteristics and features. The gain of the converter
is presently not matched with existing networks operated at the
same duty ratio. The proposed converter has one more degree of
freedom (three windings and shoot-through duty cycle of switch
(dS T )) to choose the voltage boost, as compared to a classical
impedance network-based boost converter. Theoretically, any
magnitude of voltage boost can be obtained by adjusting the
turns ratio and shoot-through duty cycle of the switch.

SIWAKOTI et al.: IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORKS FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION PART I: A TOPOLOGICAL REVIEW

Fig. 23.

Assisted qZSI topologies: (a) diode assisted and (b) capacitor assisted.

Fig. 24.

TSTS-ZSIs: (a) boost topology and (b) buckboost topology.

Fig. 25.

General topology of a distributed Z -source converter.

Fig. 26.

Basic Y-source impedance network for power conversion.

Fig. 26 shows the basic Y-source impedance network for

power conversion. The incommensurate properties of this network open a new horizon to researchers and engineers to explore, expand, and modify the circuit for a wide range of powerconversion applications.
2) -Z-Source: A unique -shape two-winding coupled
transformer is also implemented in an impedance network
[121][123] to increase the gain and modulation ratio simultaneously, while reducing the component count. Unlike other
transformer-based impedance networks whose gains increases
with an increased turns ratio, e.g., T-source, trans-Z-source, TZsource or inductorcapacitorcapacitortransformer Z-source
inverters (LCCT Z-source), the -Z-source gain increases with
a decrease in the turns ratio. Fig. 27 shows the -Z-source
network topology for an inverter.

Fig. 27.

-Z -source network topology.

Fig. 28.

T-source network topology.

709

3) T-Source: The T-source inverter also utilizes a twowinding coupled inductor and one capacitor [124], [125] as
shown in Fig. 28. The gain of the converter can be set higher
than the traditional ZSI and qZSI using a transformer turns ratio
greater than 1. This topology is suitable for an NPC converter
as it shares a common voltage source for both the passive arrangement and the converter circuit.
4) Trans-Z-Source: Theoretically, the original Z-source,
quasi-Z-source, and embedded Z-source all have unlimited
voltage gain. Practically, however, a high voltage gain (>2 or
3), will result in a high voltage stress imposed on the switches.
Trans-Z-source (two voltage-fed and two current-fed) inverters were proposed to have higher voltage gains while keeping
voltage stress low and reducing the Z-source network to one

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IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 30, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2015

Fig. 29.

Trans-ZSI: (a) voltage-fed trans-Z -source, (b) current-fed trans-Z -source, (c) current-fed trans-quasi-Z -source, and (d) voltage-fed trans-quasi-Z -source.

Fig. 30.

TZ-source network topology.

transformer (or one coupled inductor) and one capacitor

[126][130] as shown in Fig. 29.
5) TZ-Source: The TZ-source also achieves high voltage
gain by setting the turns ratio of the transformer to greater than
1 [131]. Comparatively, it requires a lower transformer turns
ratio than the trans-ZSI; however, it requires four coupled inductors as well as the same number of other passive components
as the traditional ZSIs. So, this topology is not very effective
in reducing the number of components and size. Fig. 30 shows
the circuit topology of the TZ-source network for a three-phase
inverter.
6) LCCT Z-Source: With the inductor and a transformer integrated into a common core, the LCCT Z-source as shown
in Fig. 31 achieve higher voltage gains and modulation index [132], [133]. This topology maintains a continuous input
current even at a light load, and also filters out high-frequency
ripples from the input current.
7) HF Transformer-Isolated Z-Source/Quasi-Z-Source/
Trans-Z-Source: A family of impedance-source networks
with intermediate HF isolation is presented with differ-

Fig. 31.

LCCT network topology.

Fig. 32.

HF transformer-isolated ZSI.

ent topologies for applications requiring isolation for safety

reasons [134]. These topologies inherit all the benefits of the
Z-source networks along with a higher boost ratio and lower
device stress. However, this topology increases the number of
active and passive components. In addition, the coupled transformer must be designed properly to minimize the leakage
inductance. One example of a voltage-fed HF-isolated ZSI is
shown in Fig. 32.

SIWAKOTI et al.: IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORKS FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION PART I: A TOPOLOGICAL REVIEW

TABLE I
SUMMARY OF IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

711

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TABLE I
SUMMARY OF IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORK TOPOLOGIES (Continued)

IV. COMPARISON, CONTRAST, AND CONCLUSION

Impedance-source networks have added a new chapter in the
field of power electronics with their unique features and properties that overcome most of the problems faced by traditional converter topologies. Since the publication of the first Z-source network, there have been numerous contributions in the literature
modifying the basic topology to suit the needs of many applications. The impedance-source network overcomes the conceptual
and theoretical barriers and limitations of the traditional VSI and
CSI and provides a novel power conversion concept [1][3].
The superior performance of the impedance-source network to
design more robust and versatile converter topologies for various applications attracts researchers and designers from both
academia and industry to explore it in depth. Various comparisons of impedance-source networks are available in the literature based on various specific applications [138][144]. Many
topologies were developed to overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the traditional impedance-source network. Table I
summarizes the different impedance-source network topologies
predominant in the literature. A close study of all the relevant
topologies reveals that the modifications are motivated by one
or more of the following reasons: 1) to increase the boost; 2) to
reduce the number and size of both active and passive devices;
3) to reduce the voltage stress on the active and passive devices;
4) better input voltage (dc-link) utilization; 5) to improve the

EMC of the system; and 6) to increase the reliability of the

system, etc.
In general, each individual topology may have a niche with
targeted application(s), and it would not be possible to single
out any particular circuit for general purposes. However, one
may identify niche applications for particular networks that can
improve the efficiency, reliability, and power density of the system and can fully utilize the potentials of new devices such as
SiC and GaN. New application areas such as satellite, avionics,
and medical are of special interest.
The original Z-source network has been advanced to quasi-Zsource network, trans-Z-source network, distributed Z-source
network, and many other types of Z-source network topologies.
The original ZSI has been expanded to dcdc, dcac, acdc,
and acac converters, respectively, in both two-level and multilevel structures with voltage- and current-fed from the power
source. Over one thousand papers have been published and hundreds of Z-source converters have been proposed. In addition,
each type (dcdc, dcac, acdc, or acac) of converter could
potentially be implemented with the original Z-source network,
quasi-Z-source network, trans-Z-source, embedded Z-source,
semi-Z-source, distributed Z-network, switched inductor Zsource, tapped-inductor Z-source, diode-assisted Z-source, or
capacitor-assisted Z-source. The number of combinations is
large and the topologies are confusing. In this paper, in order

SIWAKOTI et al.: IMPEDANCE-SOURCE NETWORKS FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION PART I: A TOPOLOGICAL REVIEW

to provide researchers with a global picture of the impedancesource networks proposed in the literature, major Z-source network topologies have been surveyed and categorized based on
conversion functionality and switching configurations. This survey and categorization help researchers to comprehend all these
Z-source network topologies and to identify their pros and cons.
In Part II, PWM control schemes and targeted applications presented in the literature will be surveyed.

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Yam P. Siwakoti (S10) received the B.Tech. degree in electrical engineering from NIT Hamirpur,
Hamirpur, India, in 2005, the M.E. degree in electrical
power engineering (magna cum laude) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, and Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal, under NOMA fellowship programme
(20082010), and is currently working toward the
Ph.D. degree in electronic engineering at Macquarie
University, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia (December
2010May 2014) under International Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship.
During the summer of 2013, he was a Visiting Scholar with the Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark, where he worked
on magnetically-coupled impedance-source network for power converter and
designed a novel Y-source impedance network for various power converter applications which demand higher voltage conversion ratio. He has published more
than 20 research papers in refereed journals and conferences proceedings in the
area of power electronics. His research interest includes modeling and design
of high-power converter, implementation of digital control (field-programmable
gate array, DSP, microcontroller) in power electronics, wireless power transfer
and application of new wide-band-gap semiconductor devices (GaN/SiC) for
very high frequency power converter to improve reliability, power density and
efficiency.
Mr. Siwakoti is also a frequent Reviewer of APEC2013, IECON2013, and
APEC2014 conferences and the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS, the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATION, and the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL INFORMATICS.

Fang Zheng Peng (M92SM96F05) received the

B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Wuhan
University, Wuhan, China, in 1983, and the M.S. and
Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan, in
1987 and 1990, respectively.
From 1990 to 1992, he was a Research Scientist
with Toyo Electric Manufacturing Company, Ltd.,
Tokyo, Japan, where he was involved with the research and development of active power filters, flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) applications,
and motor drives. From 1992 to 1994, he was with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, as a Research Assistant Professor, where he initiated a multilevel
inverter program for FACTS applications and a speed-sensorless vector control
project. From 1994 to 1997, he was a Research Assistant Professor with the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. From 1994 to 2000, he was
with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where from 1997 to 2000, he was the
Lead (Principal) Scientist with the Power Electronics and Electric Machinery
Research Center. Since 2000, he has been with Michigan State University, East
Lansing, MI, USA, where he is currently a University Distinguished Professor
in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is the holder of
more than 15 patents.

Dr. Peng received many awards including the 2009 Best Paper Award in the
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS, the 2011, 2010, 1996 and 1995
Prize Paper Award of Industrial Power Converter Committee in IEEE/IAS; the
1996 Advanced Technology Award of the Inventors Clubs of America, Inc., the
International Hall of Fame; the 1991 First Prize Paper Award in IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS; and the 1990 Best Paper Award in the
Transactions of the IEE of Japan, the Promotion Award of Electrical Academy.
He is currently an IEEE TAB Awards and Recognition Committee (TABARC)
member and has served the IEEE Power Electronics Society in many capacities: Chair of Technical Committee for Rectifiers and Inverters, an Associate
Editor for the IEEE POWER ELECTRONICS TRANSACTIONS, Region 16 Liaison,
Member-at-Large, Awards Chair, and Fellow Evaluation Committee member.
Frede Blaabjerg (S86M88SM97F03) was
with ABB-Scandia, Randers, Denmark, from 1987
to 1988. From 1988 to 1992, he worked toward
the Ph.D. degree in Aalborg University, Aalborg,
Denmark.
He became an Assistant Professor in 1992, an
Associate Professor in 1996, and a Full Professor
of power electronics and drives in 1998. His current
research interests include power electronics and its
applications such as in wind turbines, photovoltaic
systems, reliability, harmonics and adjustable speed
drives.
Dr. Blaabjerg has received 15 IEEE Prize Paper Awards, the IEEE PELS
Distinguished Service Award in 2009, the EPE-PEMC Council Award in 2010,
and the IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award 2014. He was an
Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS from 2006
to 2012. He has been Distinguished Lecturer for the IEEE Power Electronics
Society from 2005 to 2007 and for the IEEE Industry Applications Society from
2010 to 2011.
Poh Chiang Loh received the B.Eng. (Hons.) and
M.Eng. degrees from the National University of Singapore, Singapore, in 1998 and 2000, respectively,
and the Ph.D. degree from Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia, in 2002, all in electrical
engineering.
During the summer of 2001, he was a Visiting Scholar with the Wisconsin Electric Machine
and Power Electronics Consortium, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, USA. From 2002 to 2003, he
was a Project Engineer with the Defence Science and
Technology Agency, Singapore. From 2003 to 2009, he was an Assistant Professor with the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and from 2009
to 2013, he was a tenured Associate Professor at the same university. From
2013 onwards, he is a tenured Full Professor at Aalborg University, Aalborg,
Denmark.
Graham E. Town (S87M89SM06) received the
B.E. degree with first class honors from the New
South Wales Institute of Technology, Sydney, Australia, in 1984 and the Ph.D. degree from the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, in 1992.
From 1978 to 1985, he was with Amalgamated
Wireless Australasia, where he was a Trainee Engineer, and subsequently Engineer, and worked on a
variety of projects including the Interscan microwave
landing system and the development of first generation optical fiber communication systems. In 1985,
he joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Sydney to undertake research in the area of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging,
and was appointed Lecturer in 1991. He was also an academic member of the
Australian Photonics Cooperative Research Centre from 1992 to 2002. In 2002
he joined the Department of Electronics at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, where he established that Universitys undergraduate engineering degree
program. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Engineering. He is
author or coauthor of more than 200 refereed journal and conference papers
and several patents. His research contributions have been diverse, including
nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, guided-wave optics and
photonics, broadband and multi-wavelength fiber lasers, telecommunications
regulation, radio-overfibre systems, terahertz technology, power electronics and
systems, and engineering education.
Prof. Town is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, and is currently
founding Chairperson of the IEEE NSW Joint Chapter of Photonics/ Solid State
Circuits/ Circuits and Systems/Electron Devices.