Apart from power switching devices, the power-converter technology has also gone through significant developments in the recent past. Resonant converters specially the multi resonant converters are critical examples. High-phase-number converters is another area of development. (where the motors are no longer restricted to 3 phases).
Motor technology also went through a similar phase of developments, mainly after 1980. In 1985, the development of high energy permanent magnet, known as Nd-Fe-B (Nyoaliminium Iron Boron) resulted in a set of new motors such as brussless DC motors, switch reluctant motors, hybrid stepper motor, permanent magnet linear motor ...etc. The brussless DC motor is a good alternative to conventional (brushed) DC motors, it delivers the same performance without problems associated with a mechanical commutator.
Note: High energy permanent magnet materials especially Sm-Co (Samarian Cobolt) was in use prior to developing Nd-Fe-B but the high cost of Sm-Co and not allow its usage in industrial grade motors. It was used expensively in aerospace applications.
Motor technology also went through a similar phase of developments, mainly after 1980. In 1985, the development of high energy permanent magnet, known as Nd-Fe-B (Nyoaliminium Iron Boron) resulted in a set of new motors such as brussless DC motors, switch reluctant motors, hybrid stepper motor, permanent magnet linear motor ...etc. The brussless DC motor is a good alternative to conventional (brushed) DC motors, it delivers the same performance without problems associated with a mechanical commutator.
Note: High energy permanent magnet materials especially Sm-Co (Samarian Cobolt) was in use prior to developing Nd-Fe-B but the high cost of Sm-Co and not allow its usage in industrial grade motors. It was used expensively in aerospace applications.
