This paper describes the design and implementation of the split AC converter topology for a low-cost, high-efficiency switched reluctance motor (hereafter abbreviated as SRM drive. The considered converter employs a low-cost, single-switch-per-phase configuration. as well as a single phase-leg rectifier circuit realizing the fewest component count to achieve highly cost effective solution for two-phase SRM drive. The design of the prototype converter as well as comparative study with the conventioal asymmetric converter is discussed. The converter is validated by both simulation and experimental results.