Abstract: A high phase order induction machine drive system is disclosed. This has an inverter system for the synthesis of a plurality of phases of alternating current output, and a N-phase induction motor (N is greater than 3). The inverter system has N terminals, numbered from 1 to N. Each motor phase is electrically connected to a pair of inverter terminals. One connection is made to a first inverter terminal and the other connection is made to a second inverter terminal. The number of inverter terminals (in order of electrical phase angle) between the first terminal and the second terminal is S+1, where S is the skip number). The phase angle difference between the pair of inverter terminals to which each motor phase is connected is identical for each motor phase.

Abstract: Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the electrodes is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.

Abstract: A high phase order induction machine drive system is disclosed. This has an inverter system for the synthesis of a plurality of phases of alternating current output, and a N-phase induction motor (N is greater than 3). The motor is connected to the inverter terminals so that each motor phase is electrically connected to a first inverter terminal and a second inverter terminal S+1 inverter terminals distant from the first inverter terminal in order of electrical phase angle (S is the skip number). The phase angle difference between the pair of inverter terminals to which each motor phase is connected is identical for each motor phase.