Both regeneration and dynamic braking (DB) slow down a rotating DC motor and its load, but when should one method be chosen over another, or when possibly should both be used? There are significant differences in stopping time, controllability during stopping, and safety issues depending how one defines what should happen under emergency conditions. Many application requirements may dictate that a regenerative drive be selected for an application. This comparison however deals only with regeneration with respect to stopping performance. First let's review exactly what regeneration and DB are in a DC phase controlled drive. Regeneration in a phase controlled DC drive involves a second (antiparellel connected) rectifier bridge. During regeneration, mechanical energy from the rotating load and armature (now acting as a generator), is inverted from DC directly back onto the AC power line. The reversal of current in the DC motor causes a braking action to slow the rotating load. It is a controlled process.