There has been a renewed interest in the application of HVDC transmission schemes over the last decade for applications ranging from back-to-back converters, bulk power transfer, off-shore wind applications and proposals for HVDC grids. This panel will introduce fundamental concepts of HVDC transmission systems. The presentations are tutorial in nature and do not presume familiarity with power electronics. It is intended that these sessions will provide the background material that enables attendees to proceed to the more technically advanced conference presentations.