Method and apparatus for identifying an operational phase of a motor phase winding and controlling energization of the phase winding

A method for identifying an operational phase of a motor, the method comprising:

• obtaining a first value of a signal that is indicative of the operational phase of the motor;
• obtaining a second value of the signal after a first time period has expired;
• obtaining a third value of the signal after a second time period has expired;
• obtaining a fourth value of the signal after a third time period has expired;
• determining a first change identifying a change between the first and third values with time;
• determining a second change identifying a change between the second and fourth values with time;
• identifying a first operational phase of the motor for the first change exceeding a first threshold value by more than a non-negative first predetermined value and the second change exceeding a second threshold value by more than a non-negative second predetermined value;
• identifying a second operational phase of the motor for the first change not exceeding the first threshold value, the second change not exceeding the second threshold value, the first change not exceeding a non-positive third predetermined value, and the second change not exceeding a non-positive fourth predetermined value;
• and
• operating the motor in accordance with the identified operational phase.