This paper describes sensorless high-speed control for 45,000rpm/22kw type PMSM by using iterative adaptive sliding mode observer. The proposed algorithm is based on sensorless vector control by on-line estimating the speed of rotor in the wide speed operating range between the starting operation. In addition, it shows the enhanced performance of the iterative adaptive observer by lessening its chattering and getting stable response in limited PWM period. The simulation and experiment results show the reliable performance of the proposed algorithm through starting to high speed operating range.