Book excerpt: Detailed explanations suitable for self-instruction are given for the design and operation of a large variety of power supplies and converters. Provides a sound basis of theoretical knowledge while stressing practical methods, allowing the reader to apply the ideas in the text to all types of circuits. Discusses transient circuit analysis, Fourier analysis, electric machine theory, and elementary control system theory, and goes on to discuss various types of systems and their physical appearance, circuits including thyristors and the method of rating and classifying them. Individual classes of converter are examined in succeeding chapters. Numerical examples based on practical experience are included.