Abstract: A motor drive system using a current source inverter (CSI) for providing the main power and an active filter for providing the reactive power and harmonics is disclosed. The CSI can be a load-commutated inverter (LCI) build using silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), while the active filter can be based on a voltage-controlled inverter. An LCI circuit comprising of SCRs, wherein CSI is autosequentially turned off is provided. In other words, the negative voltage for turning the SCR off is not load dependent. A control scheme for operating the motor drive system through proper control of the SCRs in the LCI circuit is also provided. As presented, the motor drive system is able to feed medium to high voltage motors using a simple circuit, such that low-frequency torque pulsations are eliminated.