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the range of tens of percentage points in some applications—especially those involving fluid control devices such as compressors, blowers, pumps, and fans. Along with overall system efficiency improvements, the adoption of motor drives with advanced control schemes, such as FOC/vector control, has also enabled more efficient motors. These control schemes regulate the motor's magnetic field, allowing the system to generate the required torque with minimum possible power consumption. They also minimize losses from operating a motor at speeds too high or too low for its optimal performance range. Furthermore, modern motor drives incorporate intelligent control logic to manage multiple motors in complex systems. For example, in multi-axis robots or conveyor systems applications, drives can synchronize the motors' operation, minimizing energy waste by optimizing the system holistically rather than treating each motor as an isolated component. One of the most significant technological advancements in motor control and drivers is the use of wide-bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). These materials have properties far superior to those of traditional silicon-based power electronics, including higher switching frequencies, better thermal performance, and reduced losses during operation. Both SiC and GaN enable more compact, efficient motor drives by allowing faster switching and less heat generation, directly reducing energy losses. In particular, SiC is suitable for applications that require high power over extended periods, such as EV motors, in which efficiency directly impacts battery life and vehicle range. On the other hand, GaN is well-suited for high-speed applications. The material's faster switching speeds C h a p t e r 2 | E n e r g y E f f i c i e n c y a n d M o t o r D r i v e S y s t e m s Advanced electronics enable more complex and precise control algorithms, like FOC (Field-Oriented Control) and DTC (Direct Torque Control), which optimize the motor's performance based on load demand. By dynamically adjusting voltage and current to match the load, these techniques reduce wasted energy, especially during variable load conditions." Jaya Bhat Engineering Manager, Philips 16 14 Experts Discuss Motor Control in Modern Applications