The operation of a  direct linear drive is based on the principle of magnetism. When two permanent magnets are placed in oposition, they will apply a force to each other. Depnding on the poles , they attract or repel each other. Equal poles are repellent and opposite poles are attracting.

In a linear drive several  coils are mounted in a coil unit (motor). The motor is movable over a bottom plate. On the entire distance the plate is covered with permanent magnets. The lenght of the magnet plate determines the reach of the linear drive. The coils have an iron core. These cores act like magnets when they are supplied with an electric current.

The coil unit is propelled by changing the current phase of each coil. The speed of change allows control of the speed of the coil unit. In addition the amperage of the current is linked to the moving force.