Position sensor utilizing a linear hall-effect sensor

A magnetic field assembly for use in a position sensor device of the type which includes a magnetic field sensor and having a stroke direction, the field assembly comprising

• first and second magnets positioned on a surface of and concentric with a component providing a magnetic return path having a cylindrical cross section and separated from one another by a separation distance, wherein the first magnet has a magnetic axis substantially transverse to the surface of the component providing the magnetic return path, and the first magnet has a polarity orientation opposite a polarity orientation of the second magnet;
• and
• further wherein cross sectional thicknesses of each of the first and second magnets are selectively varied along the stroke direction, and the separation distance is selected, so that a predetermined flux density versus stroke characteristic can be provided for the position sensor.