This paper analyses harmonic distortion caused by the narrow pulse problem in matrix converters

and presents an improved switching pattern that is based on the basic five vector switching pattern. With limited switching frequencies

the improved pattern solves the narrow pulse problem by applying an additional zero vector and adjusting the sequence of the four active vectors at the same time to minimize the switching times. Simulation results show that in the six vector switching pattern

a) the low-frequency harmonics caused by the narrow pulse problem are greatly reduced; b) the average switching frequency is reduced compared with the five vector pattern; c) the sampling frequency harmonics are apparently attenuated though a little 1/2 and 3/2 sampling frequency harmonics are produced; d) the THD of the output current is improved to the same level of the three zero vector switching pattern (TZVSP); e) the proposed switching pattern has benefits in both normal and unbalance input voltage conditions. Experimental results on a matrix converter platform

verify the benefits of the six vector switching pattern. Faster dynamic

lower harmonics and lower losses can be achieved by using the proposed six vector switching pattern.