In this study a new configuration of magneto-rheological brake (MRB) with two coils placed on each side of the brake housing is proposed, optimally designed and evaluated. With this configuration, the MRB is expected to provide higher braking torque, more compact size than traditional MRB. After describing an introduction of the proposed configuration, braking torque of the proposed MRB is analyzed based on Bingham-plastic rheological model of magneto-rheological fluid (MRF). The optimization of the proposed MRB, the MRB with one coil placed on each side of the brake housing and the conventional MRB is then performed considering maximum braking torque and mass of the brakes. Based on the optimal results, advanced performance characteristics of the proposed MRB are figured out.