Influence Analysis of a Magnetic Field Focusing Device for Long Range Position Detection Measurement

To overcome the issue of the fast decay of the magnetic fields of a magnet over distance, a device constructed of a highly permeable material was developed, aiming to focus the magnetic fields at a sensing point, hence named "field focuser". This device allows designers to increase distances between magnet and sensor, chose weaker and cheaper magnets and work with simpler 1D magnetic sensors instead of more expensive 2 or 3D ones. This work focuses on the analysis of the influences and signal distortions that such a focusing device imposes in the system, aiming to highlight its performance. The findings were accomplished making use of FEM simulations and experimental validation, where the magnetic field on the presence and absence of the field focuser was analyzed. This paper aims to extend the knowledge on magnetic systems and help developers to understand limits and advantages of such setups.