Abstract: The present invention features a system for optimizing control of separately excited shunt-wound dc motors, where optimization is achieved through microprocessor-based independent PWM control of a chopper (armature) and an H-bridge (field). Connected to the armature is an armature voltage amplifier for varying the applied armature voltage. A field voltage amplifier is also provided for determining the direction of motor rotation and varying the voltage applied to the field winding. A first sensor is connected to the driven wheel(s) of the vehicle in order to determine the wheel rotational speed. A second sensor is connected to the armature circuit in order to determine the armature current. A third sensor is connected to the field circuit in order to determine the field current. A decoupling controller uses the wheel speed and armature current information, and adjusts the armature voltage and the field voltage.