One method for controlling a three phase motor is to use an SCR input bridge to control the dc ling. The dc link voltage is controlled using dc phase angle control. The three phase inverter is then driven using six-step commutation. The input bridge controls the voltage and the three phase inverter controls the output frequency.

This method can be used with both AC induction and Brushless DC motors. The output voltage is very good. However, the square output waveforms contain a large amount of odd harmonics. PWM control will provide lower harmonic distortion and less torque ripple.

Because the three phase bridge switches at low frequencies, MOSFETs or slow IGBTs may be used for the ouput bridge. Slow IGBTs are less expensive. MOSFETs can provide lower losses if money is no object.

This method may provide lower overall losses than using PWM. The switching losses for a PWM motor drive are considerable higher. However, the general trend is to use PWM.