The key element in any simulation is the permanent magnet input source. The strength of any magnet varies based on the material of the magnet and the particular grade, size, and shape of the magnet, and the ambient temperature. A list of magnet materials and grades can be found in Section A.2.

Figure 4-1 Magnet Specification Entry

Changing the magnet shape from the initially selected design when first created is possible. Additionally, increasing the number of poles the magnet is subdivided into is possible if the selected magnet shape allows (Figure 4-1). Invalid pole counts display with a warning and the 3D view automatically updates to show the results of this setting.

A library of common industry standardized materials is built in and automatically loads. The tool relies primarily on the remanence value (B_R), which describes the closed loop magnetic field that remains after an external magnetizing field is applied.

The input parameters are manually entered to create a custom material in the event that the desired magnet grade is not available.

All magnetic materials typically exhibit a negative temperature coefficient. For example, as the temperature of the material increases the magnetization strength reduces. This behavior is mostly a linear characteristic near standard operating temperatures. Typical values are shown in Table 4-1. The temperature value provided in the magnet properties also applies to the Hall-effect sensor when the device includes temperature compensation.