Rensselaer researchers have designed a convenient and inexpensive linear permanent magnet machine solution for transportation, conveyance, and other applications. When designed for short-strokes, the machine is very robust and rugged, and exhibits excellent performance characteristics such as very high thrust density, low ripples, and normal forces. Traditionally, linear PM machines had the armature windings in the translator and the PMs in the stator or vice-versa. This novel design allows both the field and armature excitations in the same part of the machine.