Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) are receiving significant attention from industries in the last decade. They are extremely inexpensive, reliable and weigh less than other machines of comparable power outputs. Although the design principles of the machine are available as a concatenation of many different sources, the need for a unified, step-by-step design procedure from first principles of electromagnetics is an absolute requirement. This dissertation discusses a procedure that can be applied by engineers with a basic background in electromagnetics. Subsequent to the design of the machine, existing finite element software can do the analysis of the machine. However, this is a laborious process and the need for an analytical method is preferable to verify the design procedure before the final verification by finite elements. The analytical procedure as well as a procedure to calculate iron losses is also developed in this dissertation. A prototype machine has been developed as an example of the design process and an existing prototype is analyzed to verify the analysis procedure. The similarities between the SRM and the Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Machine (PMDBC) beg the consideration of the development of a converter that can be used to drive either machine. One such converter has been developed in this dissertation. The design of the drive for both the machines is seen to be very similar. As a consequence, a universal controller that can be used to operate both machines has been developed and implemented with a DSP. Simulations and experimental correlation for both drives have been presented. / Ph. D.