Angular position sensor

Abstract

An angular position sensor (24) and method that relies on a stationary- circular array of Hall sensors (18) and a rotatable circular array of magnets (16) arranged about a common axis (22). A periodic and simultaneous reading of all of the Hall sensor outputs is used to determine angular velocity.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 933,340, filed June 6, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to angular position sensors and, more particularly, to sensors capable of very precise angular position determination in very harsh environments. Background technique [0004] Precisely determining the angular position of one component relative to another is critical in many applications. Furthermore, precise determination of angular position allows precise calculation of angular velocity and acceleration, which is crucial for efficient operation of high performance antilock or antiskid braking systems, for example. Components of brake systems can be exposed to quite extreme conditions, including high temperatures, vibration and shock loads, as well as water and dust contamination. Such conditions ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The use of Hall sensors has also been proposed before, but the configuration considered makes the sensor particularly susceptible to thermal damage and requires an excessive number of magnets and sensors to achieve the required accuracy

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