A system to reduce eddy currents and the resulting losses in a synchronous motor includes at least one pick-up coil mounted to the rotor. Each pick-up coil may be located proximate a pole on the rotor. A voltage applied to the stator to control the synchronous motor includes both a fundamental component and harmonic components. The fundamental component interacts with a magnetically salient structure in each pole on the rotor to cause rotation of the rotor. The harmonic components induce a voltage in the pick-up coil. The portion of the harmonic components that induce a voltage in the pick-up coil no longer generate eddy currents within the motor. The energy harvested by the pick-up coil may also be utilized in a function other than driving the motor, such as powering a sensor mounted on the rotor.