POWER CONVERTER

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a power converter in which stray impedance can be reduced, and the size of the power converter can be reduced while facilitating maintenance by optimizing the structure. SOLUTION: The power converter comprises first and second capacitor groups 3a and 3b, first through fourth switching elements SD connected in series between its positive and negative electrode potential portions, a diode D1 connected in parallel with each switching element, a diode D2 having anode side connected with the intermediate potential portion and the cathode side connected with the joint of the first and second switching elements, and a diode D3 having anode side connected with the joint of the third and fourth switching elements and the cathode side connected with the intermediate potential portion wherein three level voltage switching is performed by connecting an AC terminal with the joint of the second and third switching elements, and a first intermediate potential conductor connecting the anode of the diode D2 with the negative electrode side of the first capacitor group is connected with a second intermediate potential conductor connecting the cathode of the diode D3 with the positive electrode side of the second capacitor group at an end on the side opposite to the end connected with the D2 and D3. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT