Method arid apparatus for accelerating a multi-phase motor having a rotatable rotor are disclosed. The method incorporates use of a motor control circuit to predict a subsequent loss of frequency lock between the motor control circuit and a motor while the motor control circuit and the motor remain frequency locked, and based on the prediction, steps to avert a loss of frequency lock during acceleration. The apparatus includes at least a motor control circuit detecting frequency lock wit a motor when a motor signal falls within a timing window, and while frequency locked, predicting a subsequent loss of frequency lock based on a relative position of the motor signal within the timing window