A microprocessor control scheme for variable speed switched reluctance motor(SRM) drives is discussed. A particular implementation derived from first principles of the SRM is presented. The Intel 8088 microprocessor is used for the design implementation. It is shown that given the control requirements of the SRM like firing different phases according to rotor position and phase currents, a microprocessor controller is a good choice. The controller is economical since it uses standard TTL chips. The slow response at low speeds is also discussed. Experimental results performed on a static inductive load using a simulated position feedback are presented, showing how the current control available at lower speeds is lost at higher speeds, due to limited dc bus voltage. A listing of the controller software with adequate comments and the circuit diagrams are appended. / Master of Science