Pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters convert a direct current (DC) power supply to an alternating current (AC) supply by means of high frequency switching between two DC sources. Undesirable high-frequency components are generated in the frequency spectra of the voltages and currents of PWM inverters. The high-frequency components are ultimately removed from the input and output waveforms by filters. PWM inverters are used in a wide variety of electrical devices, ranging from microwave ovens to the electrical parts of aircraft. In many of these devices, minimising the size and weight of the electrical parts is important, and, consequently, it is desirable to design efficient filters for PWM inverters. Identification of the unwanted high-frequency components allows for optimal filter design. In this thesis we use alternative methods to calculate the voltages and currents of PWM inverters. Mathematical models are developed for several PWM inverter designs, and Fourier analysis of the mathematical expressions for the currents and voltages allow us to determine frequency spectra. The methods used in this thesis are shown to be more suitable to the calculation of spectra for complex inverter designs, compared to conventional techniques. In particular, input current spectra are calculated for PWM inverters that incorporate dead time and space vector modulation (SVM) inverters for the first time here.