Systems and methods, for controlling an output torque of a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) machine includes a PMDC motor that includes a plurality of winding sets and a controller. The PMDC motor is configured to generate the output torque. The controller is configured to: determine, for a first winding set of the PMDC motor, a first voltage command based on a first input torque command signal and a back-EMF drop voltage of the first winding set; determine, for a second winding set of the PMDC motor, a second voltage command based on a second input torque command signal; and selectively control the PMDC motor according to the first voltage command and the second voltage command.