This paper deals with the damping characteristics obtained by using a distributed magnetostrictive layer, bonded to an aluminum plate for different boundary conditions and coil configurations. The magnetostrictive layer is used to induce the actuating force to control vibration in the plate, based on a negative velocity feedback control law. The control input is the current to the solenoid surrounding the plate. In several prior formulations in the literature, it has been assumed that the current through the coil is a function of axial distance. Even though this assumption is mathematically valid, a physical consideration of the problem does not allow such an assumption. In the present study, perhaps for the first time, a finite element formulation, physically consistent with the problem, has been developed. Vibration reduction in the plate by positioning the magnetostrictive layer and its current carrying actuating coil pair along the plate is investigated. Issues associated with control for different boundary condition are highlighted.