A method and system for driving a magnetizing fixture. A driving circuit
produces in the conductor of a magnetizing fixture a first current whose
magnitude increases substantially linearly with time, then produces a
substantially constant current in the same direction, then produces a
current in the same direction whose magnitude decreases substantially
linearly with time, thereby forming a substantially trapezoidal
magnetization current waveform having symmetrical sides. The circuit
comprises a first energy storage device for supplying electrical energy to
the magnetizing fixture, a second energy storage device for receiving
electrical energy from the magnetizing fixture, and a commutator
interconnecting the first energy storage device, the second energy storage
device and the magnetizing fixture for stopping the flow of electrical
energy into the magnetizing fixture from the first energy storage device
and starting the flow of energy from the magnetizing fixture into the
second energy storage device.