Abstract: The present invention provides a three-level inverter including first and second direct voltage generators connected in series, each between a common center point and first and second end points, and first and second switching arms. Each of the first and second switching arms are connected between a respective one of the first and second end points and an output point and include at least one IGBT transistor. The IGBT transistors of the first and second switching arms are in series between the first and second end points. Each of the IGBT transistors includes an antiparallel-connected diode. The three-level inverter also includes a third switching arm which includes two IGBT transistors connected head-to-tail. Each head to tail transistor includes an antiparallel-connected diode.