Polrichtung

Polrichtung, literally “pole direction,” is a term used in physics and engineering to describe the spatial orientation of magnetic or electric poles in a device or field. It denotes the direction in which a magnet’s north-seeking pole points, or the direction of the device’s polarity along a defined axis. In permanent magnets and electromagnets, there are two opposite poles; the Polrichtung is the axis joining the north and south poles. In electromagnets, the Polrichtung is determined by the direction of current through the coil; reversing current reverses the Polrichtung. The concept is important for design and operation of magnetic circuits, electric machines, sensors, and actuators, because the relative orientation of poles determines torque, flux paths, and sensing signals.

Measurement and notation: Polrichtung can be indicated with arrow symbols along the device or with N/S marks. In many contexts, Polung is used to refer to polarity (which pole is positive or negative), while Polrichtung emphasizes the spatial direction of the poles.

Examples: In a DC motor, the Polrichtung of the rotor’s magnets defines the direction of rotation for a given current; flipping current changes the Polrichtung and reverses rotation. In a Hall sensor, knowledge of the Polrichtung is needed to interpret readings correctly.

Relation to related terms: Polrichtung is closely related to the broader concept of polarity (Polung). While Polung describes the sign or orientation of polarity in a system, Polrichtung focuses on the physical direction along which the poles are arranged.