In this paper, a simple control strategy for an optimal extraction of output power from grid connected variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) is presented. The system consists of a variable speed wind turbine coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) through a gear box, a diode bridge rectifier, a dc-to-dc boost converter and a current controlled voltage source inverter. The maximum power point tracker (MPPT) extracts maximum power from the wind turbine from cut-in to rated wind velocity by sensing only dc link power. The MPPT step and search algorithm in addition to the DC-DC and DC-AC converters PWM controllers are simulated using MATLAB-SIMULINK software. The obtained simulation results show that the objectives of extracting maximum power from the wind and delivering it correctly to the grid are reached. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.