Power electronics in electric traction applications

The paper deals with the following three topics: main drives, supply systems, and auxiliaries on vehicles. After a short review of the evolution typical examples, which represent the actual state of the art, are used to illustrate design and mode of operation of the power electronic systems. In addition it is indicated, in which direction power electronics in electric traction applications could develop in the future. Since the reliability of trains depends strongly on their low power electronic equipment, it is shown, how its mean time between failures has to be improved despite the "hostile" ambient conditions on a railway vehicle.<>