Review of Sensorless Control Techniques for Aviation Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

With the accelerated electrification of aircraft systems, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) have been increasingly deployed in critical applications such as landing gear actuation, flight-control surfaces, and fuel-pump systems. These applications impose stringent requirements on the reliability, environmental adaptability, and redundancy of the drive system. Sensorless control techniques, which enhance system reliability and simplify the overall structure, have therefore become a key research focus in aviation-grade motor drives. A comprehensive review of recent advancements in sensorless control of PMSMs is provided. Particular attention is given to high-frequency signal injection methods suitable for low-speed operation, model-based observer designs for medium- to high-speed regions, and hybrid estimation strategies that integrate multiple approaches. The influences of cross-coupling magnetic saturation, inverter nonlinearities, and parameter mismatches on rotor position estimation accuracy are examined in detail. In addition, technical approaches for improving robustness—ranging from online parameter identification to disturbance-compensation structures—are summarized, and critical engineering issues such as algorithm-switching strategies and steady-state error suppression are discussed in the context of aviation requirements. Finally, potential future research directions for sensorless PMSM drives in aerospace applications are outlined.