Tomy Sebastian

Biography

Tomy Sebastian’s pioneering work on permanent magnet (PM) machine technology has paved the way for electric power steering (EPS) systems that are making automobiles more efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe. His brushless motor-controlled EPS unit introduced in 1998 addressed the challenges of torque ripple, noise, and cost issues in PM machines to meet the automotive industry’s demanding requirements for an alternative to hydraulic-based steering. EPS-based vehicles provide better fuel economy, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and provide cost savings through reduced assembly time. Sebastian has also improved vehicle safety with digital control strategies that address motor and controller failures. His work also addressed cogging torque issues associated with the manufacturing tolerances and variations as well as induced voltage harmonics and electromagnetic torque ripple in interior PM synchronous machines.

An IEEE Fellow, Sebastian is the director of motor drive systems with Halla Mechatronics, Bay City, MI, USA.