A model reference adaptive (MRA) pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) technique for invertor switching applications is presented and analyzed. With this technique, the near optimal inverter gating signals are determined through a closed-loop process which compares a reference signal to a feedback signal derived from a built-in reference model of the load. In addition to its simplicity of implementation, the proposed PWM technique has the advantages of inherent controlled constant volts-per-Hertz (V/f) ratio operation and jitter-free operation with free-running carrier. Such features are of importance in variable-speed AC-drive applications where V/f control increases the control-circuit complexity and where carrier frequency jumps cause harmful torque/speed transients. >