Examines the development of a powerful AC variable speed drive technology that is reported to offer the best performance yet from an AC drive, allowing it to match and even better the performance of DC motor drives. The technology is called direct torque control [DTC] and uses motor flux and torque as primary control variables. Outlines the background of DTC research and highlights two key developments, the latest high speed, signal‐processing technology and a highly advanced Motor Model. Describes how the motor model is fed information about the motor, which is collected during a test run, and how the information is applied.