1. A compact field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based digital motor controller ( 102 ) comprising: a sensor interface ( 206 ) implemented in hardware circuitry configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors ( 104 ) and generate conditioned sensor data, the one or more sensors ( 104 ) to provide position information for a direct current (DC) brushless motor ( 108 ); a commutation control ( 210 ) implemented in hardware circuitry configured to create switching commands to control commutation for the DC brushless motor ( 108 ), the commutation control ( 210 ) generating commutation pulses from the conditioned sensor data of the sensor interface ( 206 ); and a time inverter ( 208 ) implemented in hardware circuitry configured to receive the commutation pulses from the commutation control ( 210 ) and convert the commutation pulses into a rotational speed of the DC brushless motor ( 108 ) to provide a linear feedback control parameter.