A steady-state model of a synchronous machine-line-commutated converter pair is obtained from a dynamic average-value model of the system that accurately accounts for subtransient saliency of the machine. This steady-state model is comprised exclusively of linear and nonlinear algebraic equations that relate key variables of the system. Various algorithms for solving these equations to generate characteristics that relate two or three of these variables at a time are described. Specific characteristics that are illustrated include machine torque versus firing angle for constant do current and do voltage versus do current for constant firing angle.