In the machine tool industry, direct drive linear motor technology is an interesting means to achieve high acceleration, and to increase reliability. This paper analyzes and compares the characteristics of a tubular linear motor with Halbach and radial magnet array, respectively. First, the governing equations are established analytically in terms of the magnetic vector potential and two dimensional cylindrical coordinate systems. Then, we derive magnetic field solutions due to the PMs and the currents. Motor thrust, flux linkage and back emf are also derived. The results are shown to be in good conformity with those obtained from the commonly used finite element method. Finally, control parameters are obtained from analytical solutions.