A model is developed for predicting power losses for a hard-switching threephase IGBT inverter drive for synchronous motor applications. For a given set of motor parameters, semiconductor device parameters and motor operating conditions, the various losses and the temperature rises of semiconductor junction can be predicted. All parameter values, semiconductor or motor, required to predict the losses are readily available from manufacturer's data sheet. Using this model, a number of IGBTs were evaluated for the suitability of synchronous motor applications. Conclusions of this evaluation are presented in the thesis. The model has been verified experimentally using both electrical power measurement and thermal measurement.