Patent ID: 8576528

Claim:
A matrix converter comprising: a plurality of semiconductor switch modules each having a semiconductor bidirectional switch; and a plurality of snubber modules each having a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of diodes for reducing surge voltage generated by switching of the semiconductor bidirectional switches, wherein each of the snubber modules has a terminal group projecting outward, a first terminal, and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal projecting from positions different from the terminal group and being connected to an external circuit provided outside the matrix converter, wherein terminals of the terminal group are connected to terminals of a corresponding semiconductor switch module among the semiconductor switch modules, wherein the first terminals of the plurality of snubber modules are connected to one another via a first bus bar, and the second terminals of the plurality of snubber modules are connected to one another via a second bus bar, wherein the first terminals are connected to a discharge circuit via the first bus bar, and wherein the second terminals are connected to the discharge circuit via the second bus bar.