This paper presents a uniform analytical model by energy method and Fourier series expansion to analyze detent force in uneven magnetic field for permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM). The model reveals that detent force in long-primary type is mainly influenced by non-ideal distribution of permanent magnet magnetic motive force, while nounified air-gap permeance makes a great impact on detent force of short-primary type. Hence, magnetic field similarity of motor design techniques referring rotary counterpart are adopted. For long-primary type novel method of splitting edge magnets is proposed to reduce end effects force, and optimal widths of edge tooth in short-primary type also verify the effectiveness of magnetic field similarity. The experimental results validate finite element analysis results.