Controlling the relative orientation between the two magnetic fields of a synchronous motor

A simple and reliable method for controlling the relative orientation between the two magnetic fields of a permanent magnet synchronous motor is presented. Finding the initial (at motor powering-up time) value of this relative location is essential for the proper operation of the motor. The feedback control loop used finds this initial relative orientation quickly. Further, using the proposed method allows considerable cost saving, as a transducer that is usually used for this purpose can be eliminated. The cost saving is most obvious in the case of linear motors and angle motors with large diameters. The way the problem is posed is an essential part of this work and it is the reason behind the apparent simplicity of the solution. The method relied upon a single sensor, and it has been tested when a relative encoder was used.