Abstract: This invention includes the method of calibrating an inductance position encoder for a variable reluctance motor including the steps of selectively positioning the motor to predetermined positions, detecting the readings from position encoder and averaging the readings to define encoder position and to produce a calibration for the motor.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for positioning a gasoline engine throttle in response to an angular position input command signal. A multi-phase variable reluctance motor positions the throttle in response to motor current commands from a micro-controller. The micro-controller receives and processes the position input command and throttle position feedback signals from a multi-phase variable inductance position encoder rotatably coupled with the motor shaft. The motor current command are obtained from look-up tables that are derived from empirical data of the motor. The motor current command tables are a mapping from motor rotor position and desired motor torque to desired motor currents in the appropriate phases of the motor to hold the load.