Abstract: A new method of order tracking of rotating machinery based on instantaneous frequency estimation (IFE), is proposed. Compared with traditional methods of order tracking, this method takes some outstanding advantages, for example, hardware simplified, which required by order analysis and only software depended for order tracking. The simulations and actual test testify the validity of the method. The algorithms of the tracking and estimation about the instantaneous speed of reference shaft are programmed. This method is an effective supplement to traditional order tracking methods and specially satisfied the requirement of virtual instruments.

Key words: Instantaneous frequency estimation, Order analysis, Order tracking, Virtual instruments