After the classification and a short review of the evolution, the different drive systems which became important in industrial applications are described. It is shown how motor, converter, and controls form a drive system. The specific characteristics of each system are emphasized in order to show which system is best suited for which kind of applications. Based on the development potential the paper also gives a projection for the future. The systems discussed include synchronous motors fed by externally commutated current source converters, induction motors fed by current source converters, cycloconverter fed synchronous motors, voltage source inverters, and slip power controlled drives. >