in an electromagnetic balance based on the principle of the eletromagnetic compensation of force a weight - proportional counterforce is generated by a current - carrying coil in a permanent magnet system . an arrangement with annular coil with vertical axis and with a permanent magnetic system constructed symmetrically to the central plane of the coil has proven to be advantageous . however , this arrangement results in a relatively great construction height of the balance . in order to decrease this height , the invention suggests that the soft iron pole plate which is usually present between the like poles of the plates of active magnetic material be reduced in its diameter or entirely eliminated and that the coil be allowed to extend into this area between the plates of active magnetic material . this in conjunction with the use of materials having high coercivity makes a very low constructional height possible .