The current time is characterized by the rapid development of modern production methods.  These modern production methods are in many cases closely linked to progressive production methods, including EDM. The required high productivity and product quality is the reason for using such production methods. In addition to flawless production processes and highly sophisticated production equipment, these requirements can only be met using high-quality production tools. This paper, therefore, aims to describe the results of the analysis of current approaches in the field of modern trends in the development of electrical discharge machining, closely focusing on the development of control systems for generating electrical impulses in connection with the development of advanced tool electrodes. The performed analysis is also supplemented by the definition of mutual relations between selected properties of wire tool electrodes, their cutting power, and the achieved quality of the machined surface after electrical discharge machining.