The term “inverter” is a little confusing, since we also use “drive” and “amplifier” to describe the electronic unit that controls a motor. What does “inverter” mean?
The terms used somewhat interchangeably in industry. Nowadays, the terms drive, variable-frequency drive, variable-speed drive, and inverter are generally used to describe electronic, microprocessor-based motor speed controllers. In the past, variable speed drive also referred to various mechanical means to vary speed. Amplifier is a term almost exclusively used to describe drives for servo or stepper motors.
