In this paper, a U-type permanent magnet salient pole linear motor (UT-PMSPLM) is proposed, the structure can improve the utilization rate of PMs. Analysis of air gap flux density by establishing equivalent magnetic circuit model. The finite element method is used to analyze the electromagnetic characteristics including magnetic field, air gap magnetic density, no-load back EMF, thrust force and so on. It is proved that UT-PMSPLM structure has high efficiency of magnetic field gathering,compare with the non-salient permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (NS-PMLSM) under the same amount of permanent magnet.