Overview - IEC TR 62331:2005 - Pulsed field magnetometry
IEC TR 62331:2005 is a Technical Report from the IEC that reviews methods for measuring magnetically hard (permanent) materials using pulsed field magnetometers (PFMs). The report describes the principles, instrumentation and practical implications of pulsed field magnetometry to enable rapid, production‑rate measurements - including application to small and large magnets of varying geometries, magnetic field strengths and frequencies. The document also outlines dynamic measurement effects and corrections needed for accurate magnetic characterization.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Reviews pulsed field techniques as a rapid alternative to slow static or superconducting magnet methods for full magnet characterization.
- PFM system components:
- Field generator: magnetizing solenoid and power supply (typically capacitive discharge systems) to generate short, intense field pulses (pulsed systems can reach very high fields - the report notes pulsed approaches can generate fields up to tens of tesla).
- Sensors (pick‑up coils): J coil (dΦ/dt coil used to derive sample polarization) and H coil (magnetic field strength sensor).
- Transient instrumentation & digitizing hardware: analogue integration, high‑rate digitization, numerical integration and filtering.
- Data processing: zero‑signal removal, M(H) loop positioning, self‑demagnetization correction, low‑pass filtering, calibration and eddy current correction.
- Measurement considerations: specimen size and geometry, temperature effects, magnetic viscosity and eddy current influences on transient signals.
- Practical recommendations: signal integration and calibration techniques, pulse waveform options, and comparison with other measurement methods.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Permanent magnet manufacturers and production engineers for 100% quality control at high throughput.
- Materials testing laboratories and calibration facilities requiring rapid magnetic characterization.
- R&D teams and magnet designers evaluating magnetic properties across geometries and temperatures.
- Standards bodies and test-house engineers integrating pulsed magnetometry into measurement protocols.
PFMs are especially valuable where fast, repeatable measurement of coercivity, remanence and full M(H) loops is required without the complexity or cost of superconducting magnets.
Related standards
- IEC 60404‑5 - Permanent magnet materials: methods of measurement (closed circuits)
- IEC 60404‑7 - Coercivity measurement in open circuits
- IEC 61807 - Magnetic properties at elevated temperatures
- IEC 60404‑14 - Magnetic moment measurement by withdrawal/rotation methods
Keywords: pulsed field magnetometry, pulsed field magnetometer, magnetically hard materials, permanent magnets, IEC TR 62331, J coil, H coil, eddy current correction, magnetizing solenoid, capacitive discharge, magnetic measurement, quality control.