This document discusses voltage source converters (VSCs) and their use in HVDC and FACTS systems. It provides background on VSCs and how they allow independent control of real and reactive power. The first HVDC transmission using VSC converters took place in 1997 in Sweden. VSCs generate AC voltage from DC and can control output voltage magnitude, phase, and frequency. When used for HVDC, multiple VSCs can be connected in series to reduce harmonics. FACTS devices using VSCs, such as STATCOMs, can control power flow and provide voltage regulation on transmission lines.