A method for estimating the rotor position of a permanent magnet synchronous motor driven by a matrix converter is described.In this method，the space vector pulse width modulation waveforms of matrix converter itself are used as the excitation.The position of the rotor is estimated by measuring the motor current variation.The position detection at low-speed or zero-speed can be realized without injecting high frequency signals.Like the position detecting method based on the fundamental wave model，this method is also applicable to high-speed operation.Hence sensorless operation within a wide speed range can be performed.Experimental results have validated the principles of this method.