Abstract: A monitor circuit for a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) that is adapted to detect erroneous stator phase sequences and generate a visible and audible alarm. The monitor circuit has particular application for use in connection with the control element assembly of a nuclear reactor. The monitor circuit includes an interface circuit for each stator phase winding of the drive motor, a plurality of logic gates to detect the predetermined erroneous phase sequences, a plurality of flip-flops to maintain the fault condition signal, visible and audible alarm circuits, and circuitry for resetting the monitor circuit after a fault condition. The monitor circuit also includes a ratchet trip circuit for disengaging the clutch mechanism from the control rods when the rods are in motion in the time a fault condition is detected.