Abstract-The application of flux-observer-based sensorless control to permanent-magnet brushless ac motor drives is described. Current methods of speed estimation are assessed, both theoretically and experimentally, and an improved method, which combines the best features of methods in which speed is derived from the differential of rotor position and from the ratio of the electromotive force to excitation flux linkage, is proposed. Its performance is verified experimentally.Index Terms-Brushless ac drives, flux observer, permanent-magnet machines, sensorless control, speed estimation.