a method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of different motors used in a corresponding plurality of power tool applications requiring different operational characteristics . in one implementation a method involves the use of a single universal control module to store a generic , non - application - specific control algorithm . the generic , non - application - specific control algorithm has at least one programmable constant . the programmable constant is selected to transform the generic , non - application - specific control algorithm into an application - specific control algorithm . the programmable constant represents a function parameter relating to a specific functionality of a specific , selected motor used in a specific , selected motor application to implement a phase control over the specific , selected motor .