This paper presents the design and electromagnetic characteristics analysis of a permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM). The PMLSM is composed of a primary stator and a secondary mover, which are made up of three-phase copper windings and permanent magnets, respectively. The technical and economic targets of linear motor are directly related to the electromagnetic characteristics. However, the magnetic circuit structure of PMLSM is complex, and the traditional methods, such as magnetic circuit method and graphic method, can not calculate the electromagnetic field distribution accurately. In recent years, the electromagnetic numerical calculation method is increasing of peoplepsilas attention. In order to accurately calculate the magnetic field characteristics and electromagnetic parameters of the PMLSM, finite element analysis (FEA) method based on ANSYS is used to analyze the no-load characteristics and basic load characteristics of the PMLSM. Finally, the actual motor operating characteristics are tested, which proved the validity of the motor design and the analysis method. The work will be to the important basis for the optimization design of a PMLSM and development of a high temperature superconducting (HTS) LSM in the near future.