Over-current protection method and device

The present invention relates to a current control method and associated device for an electric motor, and more particularly to a method and device for protecting a drive circuit of an electric power assist steering motor from over-current conditions. A method and device to protect a drive circuit of a power assist motor from an over-current condition. A sensor takes instantaneous measurements of the current provided to the motor. A charge accumulation determining function determines charge accumulation from the instantaneous current samples. When the current provided to the motor exceeds a threshold value and the determined charge accumulation exceeds a threshold charge accumulation, the current provided to the motor is decreased. When the current provided to the motor is less than the threshold current value for more than a predetermined period, the determined charge accumulation is reduced by a predetermined factor. After the charge accumulation has been reduced below a predetermined threshold, the current provided to the motor is increased.