System and method for increasing braking performance under multi-phase shorting

A system for braking an electric motor. For each motor winding, a first switch is connected between the winding and electrical ground and in series with a resistor and is closeable to connect the winding to ground through the resistor, and a second switch is connected between the winding and ground and is closeable to bypass the resistor. A controller receives feedback regarding the speed and sends to the second switch a pulse width modulated signal which selectively opens and closes the second switch to connect and disconnect the resistor to achieve an optimal equivalent average stator resistance for the motor speed which results in a power transfer to the resistor and increases a braking torque as the motor slows. The pulse width modulated signal opens the second switch for a longer time when the motor speed is higher and for a shorter time when the motor speed is lower.