FAQs

MagHyst® technology, developed by MagTronX, enables the precise measurement of the linked magnetic flux Ψ. Both material samples and complete electromagnetic assemblies or actuator systems can be analyzed.

In addition to measuring B(H)-curves of soft magnetic materials, including permeability, coercive field strength, remanent flux density, and saturation behavior, complete magnetic systems and assemblies can also be analyzed sensorless and non-destructive.

Magnetic hysteresis describes the behavior of ferromagnetic materials when exposed to an external magnetic field. The magnetic state of a material depends not only on the currently applied magnetic field, but also on its magnetic history.

For example, when a fully demagnetized ferromagnetic object is exposed to an external magnetic field, part of the magnetization remains even after the external field is removed (remanence). To fully demagnetize the object again, an opposing magnetic field must be applied.

The B(H)-curve describes the behavior of the magnetic flux density B as a function of the magnetic field strength H inside a material.

It contains important material characteristics such as the relative permeability µ_r, the remanent flux density B_r, and the coercive field strength H_c. In addition, it characterizes nonlinear saturation behavior as well as static magnetic reversal losses.

The linked magnetic flux Ψ describes the magnetic flux Φ integrated over the total area enclosed by all windings of a coil.

In electromagnetic systems, the linked magnetic flux Ψ is directly coupled to the electrical quantities via the inductance L, especially to voltage u and current i. At the same time, the magnetic conductance of the magnetic circuit creates a direct coupling to mechanical quantities such as air gaps, movement within the system, friction, damping, and material properties.

As the central measurement quantity of MagHyst® systems, the representation of Ψ over the current i provides deep insight into the internal behavior of an electromagnet.

The Ψ(i)-curve describes the relationship between the linked magnetic flux Ψ and the electrical current i of a coil or electromagnetic system.

Due to the inherent coupling of the electrical, magnetic, and mechanical domains, the Ψ(i)-characteristic curve contains information about, for example:

• air gaps
• movement
• friction
• damping
• magnetic force
• stick-slip effects
• inductance

MagHyst® technology enables precise quasistatic analysis (QSM, “Quasi Static Measurement”) of electromagnetic systems using our patented method for direct control of Ψ, while maintaining extremely short cycle times of only seconds or less.

Thanks to our precise and robust analog control technology, even minimal changes within a magnetic system can be detected. For example, air gap variations in the micrometer range can be resolved.

Since the measurement is performed sensorless via the electrical terminal quantities, even fully encapsulated systems that cannot be inspected optically or mechanically can be analyzed without difficulty.

It does not matter whether the system is analyzed in a laboratory environment, in a test bench, or directly within the actual application. MagHyst® technology provides solutions ranging from laboratory systems and incoming goods inspection to in-line 100% production monitoring and wear analysis in endurance test benches.

In addition, comprehensive end-of-line (EoL) testing allows later verification of whether defects were already present during production or occurred afterward, for example due to external contamination.

Our measurement systems are specifically optimized for the analysis of electromagnetic actuators such as:

• solenoid valves
• injectors
• electromagnetic brakes
• relays and contactors
• as well as soft magnetic materials

We offer solutions both for actuators with high currents up to 25 A and for higher voltages up to 150 V.

Soft magnetic materials are particularly well suited for characterization using our measurement systems. Common examples include:

• free-cutting steel
• deep drawing steel
• electrical steel
• soft ferrites
• soft magnetic composites

Besides conventional toroidal core samples, cylindrical and rectangular bars are especially suitable and can be measured quickly and easily using our dedicated measurement adapters.

As is often the case: it depends on the application.

Many properties such as switching times, qualitative motion behavior (stick-slip, damping, friction), coil resistance, or changes in air gap can be analyzed directly out of the box.

The comparison of multiple actuators or the detection of changes caused by wear can also be performed using unmodified serial production components.

However, if mechanical quantities are to be determined as concrete SI values, an initial calibration or correlation measurement may be required, for example with a fixed armature position. Afterward, the system can be permanently fixed, allowing changes such as air gap variations in the micrometer range to be measured reliably.

By analyzing the Ψ(i)-characteristic curve, electromagnetic systems can be evaluated with respect to both electrical and mechanical properties.

Typical applications include:

• adjustment of the working air gap
• motion analysis
• detection of stick-slip behavior
• evaluation of damping
• measurement of switching times
• measurement of pull-in and drop-out currents
• verification of magnetic force
• determination of friction

MagHyst® measurement systems are specifically designed for the analysis of electromagnets and support three fundamental excitation modes:

• QSM (Quasi Static Measurement) for precise analysis of actuators and material samples
• SRM (Step Response Measurement) for determining switching behavior and generating voltage or current profiles
• SSRM (Snubber Step Response Measurement) for realistic analysis of switch-off behavior using snubber circuits