This paper describes an indirect sensing method for the rotor flux position of interior permanent magnet (IPM) brushless DC motors. The phase inductances of an IPM motor vary appreciably according to the rotor position. The waveform characteristics of the terminal voltage of IPM brushless DC motors is analysed and a simple and practical method for indirect sensing of the rotor position is proposed. A compact and economical sensorless drive is implemented and tested using a 87c196mc 16-bit one-chip microprocessor. The experimental results show the validity of the proposed method. The drive is applied to drive a compressor of air-conditioner and works well from 1,200 to 6,600 [rpm].