Brushless PM motors became the 'darling' of the electric motor industry about 20 years ago. It took developments in semiconductors (power devices and microprocessors) to vault this technology into prominent status. In this first of three sessions on electric motors used in precision applications, we will examine the reasons why sub-FHP brushless motors have led to a vast increase in uses. The attendee will have a way to judge when and why brushless is best over competing technologies.