In this paper, a nonlinear controller based on adaptive back-stepping method is proposed for high performance operation of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM). First, in order to improve the performance of speed tracking, a nonlinear back-stepping controller is designed. In addition, since it is difficult to achieve the high quality control performance without considering parameter variation, a parameter estimator is included to adapt to the variation of load torque in real time. Finally, for the efficiency of power consumption of the motor, controller is designed to operate motor with the minimum current for the required maximum torque. The proposed controller is tested through experiment with a 1-hp Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) for the angular velocity reference tracking performance and load torque volatility estimation, and to test the Maximum Torque per Ampere (MTPA) operation. The result verifies the efficacy of the proposed controller.