Magnetic linear position sensor

A method of optimizing a magnetic linear position sensor, the method comprising:

• setting initial values of an array of N number of magnets, the initial values including each magnets length, width, height and position, the array of N number of magnets being distributed along a line to form a magnetic field relay along the line, the array of magnets including a first set of N1 magnets and a second set of N2 magnets, where N=N1+N2, the first set of N1 magnets being positioned on one side of a center of the array of magnets and the second set of N2 magnets being positioned on the other side of the center of the array of magnets;
• simulating the performance of the magnetic linear position sensor, the simulation including a magnetic field sensor spaced apart and positioned above the array of magnets, a magnetic field sensor spaced apart and positioned above the array of magnets, the magnetic field sensor moving back and forth over the array of magnets to sense the magnetic field of the array of magnets;
• comparing results of the simulation of the performance of the magnetic linear position sensor with sensor design objectives;
• setting an optimal configuration of the array of magnets if the simulation results meet the sensor design objectives;
• and
• optimizing the array of magnets with a new set of length, width, height, and position for each magnet and resetting the initial valves of the array of magnets with the new set of length, width, height, and position for each magnet.