Variable-speed DC drives with series-excited motors are widely used in the mining industry, transport and lifting equipment. The purpose of the study is to determine the dynamic characteristics of a variable direct current (DC) drive with a series-excited motor in the dynamic braking mode. In the article, there have been developed schematic diagrams of the power section that ensure stable braking of a variable-speed electric drive with a series-excited motor. The requirements for the braking mode have been developed. The studies have been carried out for a saturated and unsaturated magnetic circuit of an electric motor. The scientific novelty of the work consists in determining the zone of stable operation of the dynamic braking mode. As a result, there has been proposed technical implementation of the power section of a variable-speed electric drive with a series-excited motor that ensures stable braking. A special place in the study is the development of two models of an electric motor with subsequent excitation taking into account the saturation of the magnetic circuit - mathematical and simulation. Thus, the article has not only theoretical but also visual and practical significance in the context of already conducted studies on the subject. Options for the technical implementation of the braking regime were also considered in the course of the sequential implementation of the planned stages of the study.