DRIVE SYSTEM FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
A drive system for a household appliance (10) incorporates an electric motor (32). A control panel (20) allows the user of the appliance to select from among various performance options which the appliance is able to perform. A microprocessor (104), functioning as a first control unit, is responsive to the selections and to various appliance sensors monitoring operational status of the appliance to control the operation of various components within the appliance by which the selected options are performed. An AC-DC converter and inverter (106) supply electrical power to the motor (32). A second control unit (122), operating at a relatively faster rate of speed than the microprocessor, controls the supplying of power to the electric motor to achieve proper operation thereof.  