AbstractIn this paper, firstly a fractional order (FO) model is proposed for the speed control of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) servo system. To identify the parameters of the FO model, a practical modeling algorithm is presented. The algorithm is based on a pattern search method and its effectiveness is verified by real experimental results. Second, a new fractional order proportional integral type controller, that is, (PIμ)λ or FO[FOPI], is introduced. Then a tuning methodology is presented for the FO[FOPI] controller. In this tuning method, the controller is designed to satisfy four design specifications: stability requirement, specified gain crossover frequency, specified phase margin, flat phase constraint, and minimum integral absolute error. Both set point tracking and load disturbance rejection cases are considered. The advantages of the tuning method are that it fully considers the stability requirement and avoids solving a complex nonlinear optimization problem. Simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed FO[FOPI] controller over classical FOPI and FO[PI] controllers.