Abstract: Active magnetic bearing (AMB) is as an application example of using magnetic levitates theory in mechanical domain. Its working principle involves contactless support of the shaft by the bearings through electrical magnetic force. So, AMB has some good features, such as no touch friction and wear, small motion resistance, lower power supply and long utility time. Overseas, AMB technology has reached mature level and increasingly products, which set up with AMB, can be found. The ways of design and process AMB rotor system are described. Here a number of design methods of AMB are dealt with, which mainly include the features in the systematic design, methods of design for the system controller, rigid shaft system and flexible shaft system.Some numeric results are presented also.

Key words: Active magnetic bearing, Rotor dynamics, Stability, System design method