A method of applying a brake in a hoist system with an permanent magnet (PM) motor operably connected to a cable drum with a cable wrapped thereon, a controller operably connected the PM motor and a direct current power source, the controller executing the method comprising:
- generating control signals in the controller based on a position of the PM motor;
- applying a braking command signals to the PM motor to magnetically lock the PM motor for a selected duration;
- removing the braking command signals for a second selected duration;
- and
- repeating the generating, applying and removing until the PM motor has stopped.