Abstract: A system and method for controlling a compressor (1) is provided that prevents the piston (5) of the compressor from colliding against the valve system (8, 9) provided therein. The system and method of the present invention control the stroke of the piston (5), allowing the piston (5) to advance as far as the end of its mechanical stroke in extreme conditions of load, without allowing the piston (5) to collide with the valve system (8,9). The present invention controls the compressor (1) by measuring a movement time of the piston (5); comparing the movement time with a foreseen movement time; and altering the voltage (Vm) if the first movement time is different from the foreseen movement time, the foreseen movement time being such that the movement of the piston (5) will reach a maximum point (M).