An active boost converter for a single phase SRM using series-parallel connected capacitors is proposed in this paper. The proposed active boost converter has two diodes and one power switch with an anti-parallel diode and one additional boost capacitor. The additional boost capacitor could be series or parallel connected to the dc-link capacitor to produce proper excitation and demagnetization voltage. The proposed active boost converter can easily achieve a fast excitation and demagnetization from the capacitor connection. In this paper, series and parallel connected converters are reviewed, and the detailed operating modes as well as the voltage characteristics of the proposed converter are analyzed. The simulation and experimental results shows the effectiveness of the proposed active boost converter.