This paper proposes an optimization scheme for friction disc-based electromagnetic (EM) brakes, which can achieve higher braking torque at constant volume by maximizing the magnetic circuit utilization. Firstly, the magnetic equivalent circuit is calculated, then the initial dimensions are designed for the EM brakes according to the torque requirement. Secondly, the EM field results are analyzed in the two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element method (FEM) environment, respectively. Thirdly, to generate higher braking torque for the EM brakes, the area ratio of inner suction annulus and the outer suction annulus is optimized to make full use of the magnetic circuit characteristics. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed braking torque increasing scheme, FEA simulations are carried out in ANSYS/Maxwell.