This paper presents a comparative analysis of the fault tolerance of polyphase motors. Since each phase generates a smaller part of the total torque than in the case of a three-phase machine, it is easier to improve the fault tolerance with a polyphase motor. An open phase, a short-circuited phase and an inverter transistor fault are the typical faults which are considered. The current compensation of the torque ripple under fault condition for a five and seven phase machine are determined. The design of the machine must be also adapted to improve the fault tolerance. Different suitable 7-phase and 5-phase machine designs with concentrated windings are presented. A simplified control system using only one Hall effect sensor per phase is described. An 7-phase experimental setup validates the results obtained in the case of open and short-circuited phase faults.