Development and Evaluation of an Active Magnetic Guide for Microsystems With an Integrated Air Gap Measurement System

An active magnetic levitation system based on repulsive magnetic forces was developed as a guide for a linear hybrid microstep motor. With this levitation system, the vertical force, which is typically an order of magnitude greater than the driving force, can be compensated. A capacitive measurement system provides measurement data to maintaining a constant air gap. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and first measurement results of the magnetic guide and the air gap measurement sensor