What are fault-tolerant machine designs and where are they applied?

Fault-tolerant machines continue operating (possibly at reduced capacity) after failures. Design features include: physical and electrical isolation between phases, independent phase drives, high phase number (5, 6, or more phases), modular construction, and redundant components. Multi-phase machines can lose one or more phases while maintaining operation. Dual-winding machines provide independent paths. Applications include aerospace (flight-critical actuators), EVs, and industrial processes where shutdown is costly. Design trade-offs include complexity, cost, and reduced power density.