Physics of processes and principles of modes control in modern electric drive of wide application are briefly described, main functional and power characteristics of DC and AC electric drives in steady and transient modes, elements of electric drive design are considered. The presentation of the foundations of the theory is accompanied by numerous simple practical tasks that are useful in the independent study of the subject. The first edition of the manual was published in 2000. For full-time and part-time students starting to study electric drive, and specialists in related fields who want to get acquainted with the basics of modern electric drive.