Sensor system, system and method for determining position or rotation angle

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensor systems, systems, and methods for determining a position or rotation angle. An embodiment of a sensor system (100) includes a first group of sensor elements (110) sensitive to a magnetic field (140) in a predetermined direction (102), wherein the first group of sensor elements (110) supplies a first signal (111) indicative of the magnetic field (140) in the predetermined direction (102). Furthermore, the sensor system (100) includes a second group of sensor elements (120) sensitive to the magnetic field (140) in the predetermined direction (102), wherein the second group of sensor elements (120) supplies a second signal (121) having a relative phase shift with respect to the first signal (111), and wherein a combination of the first signal (111) and the second signal (121) indicates a rotation angle of an object (101).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples relate to sensor systems, systems, and methods for determining position or rotation angle. Background Art

[0002] Angle sensors are commonly used in automotive applications such as electric power steering (EPS) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to determine the angular position of a rotating shaft. The shaft is typically coupled to a magnet. This generates an alternating magnetic field. To accurately determine the angle of rotation, the angle sensor must be placed at the end of the shaft. This allows the angle sensor to sense two magnetic field components, each of which changes significantly as the shaft rotates.

[0003] Some applications require off-axis placement of angle sensors. For example, to reduce the size of automotive systems, or when the end of the shaft is unavailable, it is preferable to position the angle sensor off the shaft axis. However, current solutions do not offer this flexible placement if the rotation angle must be accurately determined.

[0004] For safety reasons, the sensitivity of ABS systems or other angle sensing applications needs to be improved. However, this has reached its limit because the angular resolution of existing angle sensors may be limited.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for improved systems for determining the position or rotation angle of an object. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of a sensor system includes a first group of sensor elements that are sensitive to a magnetic field in a predetermined direction, wherein the first group of sensor elements supplies a first signal indicating a magnetic field in the predetermined direction. In addition, the sensor system includes a second group of sensor elements that are sensitive to a magnetic field in the predetermined direction, wherein the second group of sensor elements supplies a second signal that has a relative phase shift relative to the first signal, wherein the combination of the first signal and the second signal indicates the rotation angle of the object. The first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements are sensitive to the same component of the magnetic field. Since the sensor system measures the magnetic field in one dimension (for example, rather than two dimensions), the sensor elements can be flexibly arranged so that changes in the magnetic field components can be appropriately sensed. The first signal and the second signal indicating the same magnetic field component are different in phase from each other, for example, depending on the position of the sensor elements in the first group and the second group. The phase difference between the two signals can be used to determine the rotation angle or position of the object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Some examples of the apparatus and / or method will be described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0008] Figure 1 An embodiment of a sensor system is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 An example of a first signal and a second signal is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 A first example of an output protocol is shown;

[0011] Figure 4 A second example of an output protocol is shown;

[0012] Figure 5 A first example of an arrangement of first and second groups of sensor elements is shown;

[0013] Figure 6 A second example of an arrangement of the first and second groups of sensor elements is shown;

[0014] Figure 7 A first example of an arrangement of first and second groups of sensor elements is shown;

[0015] Figure 8 An example of a bridge circuit supplying a first signal and a bridge circuit supplying a second signal is shown;

[0016] Figure 9 An embodiment of a system for determining position or rotation angle is shown;

[0017] Figures 10a-10d An example for arranging a sensor system relative to an encoder is shown; and

[0018] Figure 11 A flow chart showing an embodiment of a method for determining a position or a rotation angle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Some examples are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications of features and equivalents and alternatives of features. In addition, the terms used in this article to describe certain examples should not limit other possible examples.

[0020] Throughout the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements and / or features, which can be implemented in the same or modified forms while providing the same or similar functions. The thickness of lines, layers and / or regions in the figures may also be exaggerated for illustration purposes.

[0021] When two elements A and B are combined using "or", this should be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B, unless expressly defined otherwise in individual cases. As alternative wording for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0022] If singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" are used, and there is no explicit or implicit definition that the use of only a single element is mandatory, alternative examples may use multiple elements to implement the same functionality. If a functionality is described below as being implemented using multiple elements, alternative examples may use a single element or a single processing entity to implement the same functionality. It should be further understood that the terms "include," "including," "comprise," and / or "comprising" when used to describe the presence of particular features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups of the foregoing, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or groups of the foregoing.

[0023] Figure 1 An embodiment of a sensor system 100 is shown, which includes a first set of sensor elements 110 and a second set of sensor elements 120 that sense a magnetic field 140 of an encoder 101. The rotation of the encoder 101 can generate an alternating magnetic field 140 that can be sensed by the sensor system 100. In the given example, the sensor system 100 is further connected to an evaluation circuit arrangement 130.

[0024] The first set of sensor elements 110 is as follows Figure 1 The illustrated sensor elements are sensitive to a magnetic field 140 in a predetermined direction, exemplarily indicated by arrow 102. A first group of sensor elements 110 supplies a first signal 111 indicative of the magnetic field 140 in the predetermined direction 102. Similarly, a second group of sensor elements 120 is sensitive to the magnetic field 140 in the predetermined direction 102. The second group of sensor elements 120 supplies a second signal 121 having a relative phase shift with respect to the first signal 111. The combination of the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 indicates the rotation angle of the encoder 101 or an object connected to the encoder 101.

[0025] For example, one can consider in Cartesian coordinates Figure 1Implementation in. The first group of sensor elements 110 is arranged so as to sense a predetermined component of the magnetic field 140, for example, along the x-axis. The second group of sensor elements 120 is arranged so as to also sense the same magnetic field component. A group of sensor elements may include one, two, three, or more sensor elements.

[0026] like Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in FIG, a first group of sensor elements 110 and a second group of sensor elements 120 are arranged adjacent to each other with respect to a predetermined direction 102. Based on the displacement between the sensor elements in the first group 110 and the sensor elements in the second group 120, different magnetic field intensities with respect to the predetermined direction 102 can be sensed. Based on the sensed magnetic field 140, the sensor elements in the first group 110 and the second group 120 can be used to generate a first signal 111 and a second signal 121, respectively. For example, the sensor elements in the first group 110 and the second group 120 can directly generate the first signal 111 and the second signal 121, or the sensor elements can generate temporary signals that can be further processed to generate or output the first signal 111 and the second signal 121.

[0027] Figure 2 Shows that due to Figure 1 An example of a first signal 111 and a second signal 121 of an alternating magnetic field 140 caused by the rotation of encoder 101. First signal 111 corresponds to a sine voltage signal, and second signal 121 corresponds to a cosine voltage signal. The amplitudes of signals 111 and 121 are given by their phase. The sensors in the first group are arranged so that the first signal corresponds to a sine wave, while the sensors in the second group are arranged so that the second signal corresponds to a cosine wave. As a result, if the phase is considered in degrees, the first signal has a 90° phase shift relative to the second signal. The phase shift between the first signal and the second signal can also be used to infer the orientation of the encoder relative to the sensor by means of evaluation circuit arrangement 130 .

[0028] Typically, the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 can be analog signals or high-resolution digital representations of analog signals. Where appropriate, the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 can be of any type, such as triangular or square wave signals. The relative phase shift between the first signal and the second signal can be less than or greater than 90°, such as 5°, 10°, 11°, 15°, 20°, 45°, or more. Alternatively, the relative phase shift can be measured in radians. If desired, the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 can be further processed to generate or output a signal including a relative phase shift of approximately 90°.

[0029] according to Figure 1In the example of FIG, the evaluation circuit device 130 is configured to determine the position or rotation angle of the encoder 101 (the object connected to the encoder 101) using the first signal 111 and the second signal 121. For example, the evaluation circuit device 130 can calculate the rotation angle based on the amplitude of the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 and the known phase shift between the two signals. For example, the evaluation circuit device 130 can use a tangent relationship based on the first signal 111 and the second signal 121 to determine the rotation angle. According to another example, the evaluation circuit device 130 can use a calculation similar to that used in a conventional angle sensor (e.g., via a CORDIC algorithm) or any arbitrary calculation, operation, or transformation to infer the rotation angle of the object.

[0030] The sensor system 100 may also be used to determine the orientation, direction, or change in motion, velocity, acceleration, or position of any object that provides an alternating magnetic field.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, evaluation circuitry 130 can be arranged externally to sensor system 100. For example, sensor system 100 can be implemented on a first die, and evaluation circuitry 130 can be implemented on a second, different die. To determine, for example, the angle of rotation, the first die can be connected to the second die. Separate implementations can be beneficial, for example, to facilitate manufacturing of the sensor system or when only one implementation is required because the sensing or evaluation system is already available.

[0032] According to another example, first group 110 and second group 120 of sensor elements and evaluation circuitry 130 are implemented on the same die. Implementation on the same die may be advantageous for cost savings due to lower material consumption or for reducing the size of the sensor system for determining a rotation angle.

[0033] The evaluation circuit arrangement 130 may further be configured to generate an output protocol indicative of the rotation angle based on the first signal and the second signal. Figure 3-4 Examples of output protocols 331, 431 are shown, each based on a typical magnetic encoder wheel, according to B x The reading indicates the angle of rotation. Local maxima and minima may depend on, for example, the spacing between the magnetic or toothed segments of the encoder.

[0034] For example, the output protocol 331 indicates the angle of the encoder, for example between 0° and 360° (full rotation), by means of the sensor system 100 , which senses the magnetic field, for example in the x-direction. Figure 4An output protocol 431 based on electrical and mechanical levels is shown. According to other examples, the output protocol can include other variables indicating the angular position of the encoder. By sampling the analog output signal based on the first and second (analog) signals, the output protocol can include an amplified signal or a (e.g., high-resolution) digital signal. This analog / digital post-processing and digital protocol generation can be implemented directly in an integrated circuit (IC) of the sensor system 100 or in an evaluation circuit device 130 connected to the sensor system 100. The digital protocol can refer to A / B / Index, SPI, or any other type of protocol, such as is commonly used for angle sensors.

[0035] In the following, reference Figure 5-7 Some examples of sensor arrangements are shown. The examples are given only to provide a better understanding of the sensor system and are not to be understood in a limiting manner.

[0036] Figure 5 An embodiment of a sensor system is shown in which a first group of sensor elements 510a-b is displaced from a second group of sensor elements 520a-b in a predetermined direction, as indicated by arrow 502. Additionally, as shown, a first portion of sensor elements 510a and a second portion of sensor elements 510b in the first group 510a-b may be displaced from one another in the predetermined direction 502. Similarly, a first portion of sensor elements 520a and a second portion of sensor elements 520b in the second group 520a-b may be displaced from one another in the predetermined direction 502. The second portion of sensor elements 510b in the first group and the first portion of sensor elements 520a in the second group may be arranged directly adjacent to one another.

[0037] The displacement between sensor elements can be different Figure 5 . In general, the displacement between the sensor elements may refer to a characteristic of the object providing the alternating magnetic field. For example, the distance between the first portion of sensor elements 510a in the first group and the second portion of sensor elements 520b in the second group is based on the spacing of the (e.g., magnetic or toothed) segments of the encoder. By arranging the sensors relative to the segment characteristics, the sensor elements may be able to sense different magnetic field intensities in a predetermined direction. Sensing at different positions taking into account the characteristics of the magnetic field may generate a first signal and a second signal with a relative phase shift. As described above, the relative phase shift may be used to infer the (angular) position of the object.

[0038] Figure 6An embodiment of a sensor system 600 is shown in which a first portion 620a of a second group of sensor elements 620a-b is arranged between a first portion 610a and a second portion 610b of a first group of sensor elements 610a-b along a predetermined direction 602. Similarly, a second portion 610b of a first group of sensor elements 610a-b is arranged between a first portion 620a and a second portion 620b of a second group of sensor elements 620a-b along a predetermined direction 602. Figure 5 Instead, portions of different groups of sensor elements are arranged alternately. As exemplarily shown, a first portion of the second group of sensor elements 620a and a second portion of the first group of sensor elements 610b are not arranged directly adjacent to each other. As shown, the portions of the sensor elements may comprise the same distance from each other.

[0039] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a sensor system 700 is shown. Similar to Figure 6 In sensor system 600 of the second group of sensor elements 720a-b, first portion 720a is arranged between first portion 710a and second portion 710b of first group of sensor elements 710a-c along predetermined direction 702. In addition to the previous example, second portion 720b of second group of sensor elements 720a-b is arranged between second portion 710b and first portion 710c of first group of sensor elements 710a-c along predetermined direction 702. In the given example, first portion 720a of second group of sensor elements 720a-b is arranged directly adjacent to first portion 710a and second portion 710b of first group of sensor elements 710a-c. Second portion 720b of second group of sensor elements 720a-b is arranged directly adjacent to second portion 710b and third portion 710c of first group of sensor elements 710a-c. As shown, the sensor elements of the first portion 720a of the second group, the second portion 710b of the first group and / or the second portion 720b of the second group can be subdivided into further portions of sensor elements. The further portions relating to the second portion 710b of the first group of sensor elements can be displaced relative to each other, such as Figure 7 As shown by way of example, the several (additional) sections of the sensor element can be grouped into left, center, and right groups, depending on the relative positions of the (additional) sections. The effective pitch of sensor system 700 can be defined as the distance between the left and right sensor elements. For example, the effective pitch of sensor system 700 is approximately 1.6 mm to 1.7 mm.

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sensor systems 500, 600 presented in FIG. 5 can provide first and second signals having nominally the same or similar amplitudes. Figure 7In contrast to the sensor system 700 in FIG. 7 , the ratio between the amplitudes of the first signal and the second signal may be dependent on the wheelbase.

[0041] In general, the sensor elements, (additional) portions of the sensor elements, or groups of sensor elements can be arranged arbitrarily, such as adjacent to each other, close to each other, directly adjacent to each other, parallel to each other, perpendicular to each other, above each other, symmetrically, asymmetrically, further displaced from each other, not displaced from each other, etc. The sensor elements can be arranged according to two or more directions so that the sensor elements can sense magnetic fields (same magnetic components) in the same predetermined direction or axis. For example, the sensor elements of the main group are arranged adjacent to each other in the x-direction, while the sensor elements of the subgroup are arranged above the sensor elements of the main group in the y-direction. For this implementation, all sensor elements can be capable of sensing magnetic fields, for example, in the x-direction.

[0042] In general, the sensor element arrangement of the described sensor system may refer to a typical sensor element configuration of a speed sensor that is sensitive to magnetic fields of the same direction. Figure 7 , the sensor elements in the first group 710a-c are bridge resistors used to determine speed, while the sensor elements in the second group 720a-b are bridge resistors used to determine the orientation of an object (eg, an encoder).

[0043] The sensor element may be arranged in a circuit such that two signals (eg, sine and cosine) having a relative phase difference may be provided.

[0044] For a better understanding, refer to the example Figure 8 , the discussion is based on Figure 7 Circuit topology of the sensor element.

[0045] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , a first group of sensor elements is arranged in a bridge circuit 850a that supplies a first signal 811, and a second group of sensor elements is arranged in a bridge circuit 850b that supplies a second signal 821. The bridge circuit 850a includes bridge resistors R1-R4 (see FIG. 8 ) of the first group of sensor elements. Figure 7 According to an example, the first signal 811 is based on the differential signal of R3 and R4 and the differential signal of R1 and R2. The bridge circuit 850b includes bridge resistors R1-R6 (refer to Figure 7 720a-c in FIG. ). According to an example, the second signal 821 is based on the differential signal of R1, R2, and R3, and the differential signal of R4, R5, and R6. For example, using a bridge arrangement and differential signaling to provide the first and second signals can be beneficial for providing robustness over lifetime, amplifying sensor signals, reducing temperature drift, providing noise cancellation, or compensating for external interference such as homogeneous stray fields.

[0046] According to an example, the sensor element is a magnetoresistive sensor element, such as an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR), giant magnetoresistive (GMR), or tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor element. The magnetoresistive (e.g., GMR or TMR) sensor element may include a pinned layer. The orientation of the pinned layer of the sensor element may determine the sensitivity of the sensor system with respect to a magnetic field sensed in a predetermined direction.

[0047] According to one example, the magnetoresistive sensor elements in the first and second groups include pinned layers, wherein the pinned layers of all magnetoresistive sensor elements are parallel or antiparallel to one another. For example, the pinned layers of all magnetoresistive sensor elements may have at least a sufficiently parallel or antiparallel orientation relative to one another, or the sensor elements may be magnetized in the same or opposite directions. In this manner, the sensor elements can be sensitive to the same magnetic field component.

[0048] Both parallel and antiparallel orientations of the pinned layers of the sensor elements can be beneficial for signal amplification. For example, consider a sensor system comprising parallel and antiparallel sensor elements arranged in a half-bridge circuit. For a given magnetic field, the resistance of one sensor element increases, while the resistance of the other (antiparallel) sensor element decreases in the sensitive direction. If the magnetic field is in opposite directions, the resistance of the parallel sensor element decreases, while the resistance of the other (antiparallel) sensor element increases. Therefore, the opposing magnetic fields generate opposite signs. Therefore, signals including opposite signs can be used to amplify the signal by means of differential signaling. Therefore, the parallel and antiparallel configurations can increase the sensitivity of the sensor system.

[0049] Typically, the sensor system may include sensor elements arranged according to another bridge circuit (such as in a Wheatstone bridge or half-bridge). Where appropriate, the sensor elements may be arranged in any circuit other than a bridge circuit. For example, the signals of the sensor elements may be used to generate other signals besides the differential signal, for example, by summing or multiplying the sensor signals. According to another example, the calculation may be based on the digitized sensor signals. The sensor signals may be used directly or may be further processed to generate the first signal and the second signal for determining the (angular) position.

[0050] According to another example, other sensor elements such as Hall elements that are sensitive to the same direction may be used in the sensor system where appropriate.

[0051] Next, the sensor system will be considered in conjunction with the encoder.

[0052] Figure 9A system 960 for determining the position or rotation angle of a shaft 980 is shown. The system 960 includes a sensor system 900, for example, according to one of the above examples. The system 960 also includes an encoder 970 configured to provide a magnetic field that periodically alternates in a predetermined direction. Figure 9 , the encoder 970 is connected to the shaft 980 and the sensor system 900 is an integrated circuit (IC) arranged outside the shaft below the encoder 970. By means of the sensor system 900 and the encoder 970a, the (angular) position of the shaft can be determined with high resolution.

[0053] High-resolution angular position determination can be achieved by encoder 970 providing a characteristic alternating magnetic field.

[0054] according to Figure 9 , the encoder comprises a magnetized material having periodically alternating magnetic poles in a predetermined (rotational) direction. The encoder is an encoder wheel having segments of magnetized material on its outer circumference. Figure 9 This figure shows a 360-degree automotive-grade rotary angle sensing IC. This IC can be used to measure the angular position of a rotating (motor) shaft in underground environments. Position measurements can be made offset from the shaft's axis of rotation. An encoder (or any magnetic target) for the IC can be mounted and secured to the shaft.

[0055] According to another example, the encoder is an encoder wheel having toothed segments on its outer circumference or segments with cavities within the encoder. For example, the encoder wheel may have toothed segments made of a metal that influences an external magnetic field, such as a ferromagnetic object connected to the sensor system or system. Rotating the encoder wheel can change the strength and / or orientation of the external magnetic field relative to the position or orientation of the toothed segments or cavities of the encoder.

[0056] Sensor systems can be used in conjunction with ferrite pole wheels, for example, where TMR-based sensor elements may not require strong magnetic fields. TMR sensor elements can operate in the linear range rather than in the saturation region. From a sensor perspective, this can result in cost savings, for example due to simpler processes or because all sensor elements can be magnetized in the same direction (e.g., for TMR sensor elements). From a system perspective, this can result in cost savings, for example, because rare earth magnets are not required and the (sensing) components of the (sensor) system can be easily positioned.

[0057] As described above, the first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements can be arranged according to the spacing between the segments. For example, the distance between the first group and the second group of sensor elements is approximately equal to or similar to the distance between adjacent segments of the encoder. According to another example, the distance between the first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements is similar to a distance defined by a multiple of the distance between adjacent segments. Typically, the relationship between the distance between the two (groups of) sensor elements and the spacing of the segments of the encoder can be such that the first signal and the second signal can have a minimum relative phase difference, a minimum signal quality, a minimum amplitude, or another predetermined signal characteristic that is conducive to determining the (angular) position of the encoder. Therefore, the (angular) position of the shaft can be determined as needed, for example, by means of calibration.

[0058] Figures 10a-10d 1080 is connected to the shaft 1080. The sensor system 1000 can be flexibly arranged so that the magnetic field of the encoder can be appropriately sensed in a predetermined (rotational) direction. Since the sensor system 1000 is based on sensing the magnetic field in one direction, the sensor system 1000 can be arranged, for example, above the encoder ( Figure 10c 、 10d ) or below the encoder, unless the sensor system can adequately sense the alternating magnetic field in the intended (e.g., rotational) direction. Figure 10a -b. Unless the sensor system 1000 may be able to adequately sense an alternating magnetic field in a predetermined (eg, rotational) direction, the sensor system 1000 may be arranged next to the encoder.

[0059] In general, the sensor system can be used in combination with any object, such as the different types of encoders described above, or any other object that provides a characteristic alternating magnetic field in a predetermined direction. For example, a rotating object (e.g., a magnet) can generate an alternating magnetic field, or a rotating object (e.g., metal) can affect an external magnetic field.

[0060] Alternatively, the sensor system or systems can be used in a linear motion configuration. For example, the object is an encoder that includes magnetic segments along a predetermined direction (e.g., the x-axis). If the encoder moves along the x-axis, the sensor system can sense the periodic alternating magnetic field. The sensor system can generate a first signal and a second signal to determine, for example, the position, direction, or speed of the encoder.

[0061] Figure 11A flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1100 for determining a position or rotation angle is shown. The method includes supplying 1101 a first signal indicating a magnetic field in a predetermined direction by means of a first set of sensor elements sensitive to magnetic fields in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the method 1100 includes supplying 1102 a second signal having a relative phase shift relative to the first signal by means of a second set of sensor elements sensitive to magnetic fields in the predetermined direction, wherein a combination of the first and second signals indicates the rotation angle of the object.

[0062] The method can allow for the provision of a suitable first signal and a suitable second signal, each signal indicating a magnetic field in the same predetermined direction. For example, the method can provide the first signal and the second signal based on a sensor signal of a conventional (e.g., velocity) sensor sensitive in a predetermined direction. The method can be capable of determining the position or rotation angle of an object, for example, by providing a typical output protocol of a conventional (e.g., angle) sensor.

[0063] The sensor system, system and method can be used in any application where an alternating magnetic field is used to determine the angle, position, speed, direction or orientation of an object.The concept of the sensor system can be used in any application that includes a rotating axis and where measurement of angular motion is required.

[0064] For example, the concepts described can be applied to advanced automotive systems, such as those requiring high angular resolution, such as advanced EPS systems and advanced ABS systems for autonomous driving, asynchronous motor control, etc. The concepts described may not be at the system level, but can interact with customer systems. The sensor system can be connected to the ECU.

[0065] Some other examples may involve chip architectures or combinations of concepts generally involving angle sensors (e.g., output protocols of angle sensors) and speed sensors (e.g., sensor element configurations), thereby combining multi-pole magnetic encoder wheels to achieve off-axis high-resolution angle sensing.

[0066] For example, the implementation can be performed according to the sensor element configuration described above as an example or according to any other sensor element configuration that allows a systematic phase shift between the first signal and the second signal. If appropriate, the sensor element configuration of a velocity sensor can be used. Compared to other angle sensors, the sensor elements of the sensor system are sensitive in the same direction or along the same axis (e.g., the x-direction). In contrast to a velocity sensor, the (sensor) system can enable the determination of the rotation angle and can generate a typical angle sensor output protocol (with a higher resolution than the velocity sensor output protocol).

[0067] For example, alternative or additional analog / digital processing can be performed as is customary in angle sensors.

[0068] For example, data from xMR-based speed sensor products such as the TLE5555, TLE5549, and TLE55e1 feasibility studies can be used. TMR technology characterization results can also be used to evaluate the linearity, resolution, and error of the (sensor) system.

[0069] For example, the concept of a (sensor) system can be detected via reverse engineering.

[0070] Aspects and features described in relation to a particular example in the previous examples may also be combined with one or more further examples to replace the same or similar features of the further examples or to additionally introduce these features into the further examples.

[0071] It should also be understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations, or functions in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as implying that these operations necessarily depend on the order described, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or required for technical reasons. Therefore, the above description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. In addition, in other examples, a single step, function, process, or operation may include and / or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0072] If certain aspects have been described with respect to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding methods. For example, aspects of a block, device, or function of a device or system may correspond to features of a corresponding method, such as method steps. Thus, aspects described with respect to a method should also be understood as descriptions of properties or functional characteristics of the corresponding block, element, device, or system.

[0073] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that although in the claims, dependent claims refer to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are expressly provided herein, unless it is stated in individual cases that a specific combination is not intended. In addition, any other independent claim should also include the features of the claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on the other independent claim.

Claims

1. A sensor system (100), comprising: a first set of sensor elements (110) sensitive to a magnetic field (140) in a predetermined direction (102), the first set of sensor elements (110) supplying a first signal (111) indicative of the magnetic field (140) in the predetermined direction (102); as well as a second set of sensor elements (120) sensitive to the magnetic field (140) in the predetermined direction (102), the second set of sensor elements (120) supplying a second signal (121) having a relative phase shift with respect to the first signal (111), the combination of the first signal (111) and the second signal (121) being indicative of the rotation angle of the object (101), wherein the first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements are arranged in a linear manner, wherein the first portion of the second set of sensor elements is arranged between the first portion and the second portion of the first set of sensor elements in a predetermined displacement direction, and The second portion of the second group of sensor elements is arranged outside the first portion and the second portion of the first group of sensor elements in the predetermined displacement direction.

2. The sensor system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising An evaluation circuit arrangement (130) is configured to use the first signal (111) and the second signal (121) to determine the position of the object (101) or the rotation angle.

3. The sensor system (100) according to claim 2, wherein The first and second groups of sensor elements (110, 120) and the evaluation circuit arrangement (130) are implemented on the same die.

4. The sensor system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The first group of sensor elements (110) is arranged in a bridge circuit (850a) that supplies the first signal (811), and the second group of sensor elements (120) is arranged in a bridge circuit (850b) that supplies the second signal (821).

5. The sensor system (500) of claim 1, wherein The first set of sensor elements (510a-b) are displaced from the second set of sensor elements (520a-b) in the predetermined direction (502).

6. The sensor system (700) of claim 1, wherein The second portion (720b) of the second group of sensor elements (720a-b) is arranged between the second portion (710b) and the third portion (710c) of the first group of sensor elements (710a-c) in the predetermined direction (702).

7. The sensor system (100) according to claim 2, wherein The evaluation circuit arrangement (130) is further configured to generate an output protocol (331, 431) indicative of the rotation angle based on the first signal (111) and the second signal (121).

8. The sensor system (100) of claim 1, wherein The sensor element is a magnetoresistive sensor element.

9. The sensor system (100) according to claim 8, wherein The magnetoresistive sensor elements in the first and second groups (110, 120) include pinned layers, wherein the pinned layers of all magnetoresistive sensor elements are parallel or antiparallel to each other.

10. A system (960) for determining a position or rotation angle, comprising The sensor system (900) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and An encoder (970) is configured to provide a magnetic field that periodically alternates in the predetermined direction.

11. The system (960) of claim 10, wherein the encoder (970) comprises: A magnetized material having periodically alternating magnetic poles in the predetermined direction.

12. The system (960) of claim 11, wherein The encoder (970) is an encoder wheel having segments of the magnetized material on its outer circumference.

13. The system (960) according to claim 10, wherein The encoder (970) is an encoder wheel having toothed segments on its outer circumference or segments having cavities within the encoder (970).

14. The system (960) of claim 12 or 13, wherein The first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements are arranged according to the spacing between the segments.

15. A method (1100) for determining a position or rotation angle, comprising: supplying a first signal (1101) indicative of a magnetic field in a predetermined direction by means of a first set of sensor elements sensitive to a magnetic field in a predetermined direction; as well as supplying, by means of a second set of sensor elements sensitive to the magnetic field in the predetermined direction, a second signal having a relative phase shift with respect to the first signal (1102), the combination of the first signal and the second signal being indicative of the rotation angle of the object, wherein the first group of sensor elements and the second group of sensor elements are arranged in a linear manner, wherein the first portion of the second set of sensor elements is arranged between the first portion and the second portion of the first set of sensor elements in a predetermined displacement direction, and The second portion of the second group of sensor elements is arranged outside the first portion and the second portion of the first group of sensor elements in the predetermined displacement direction.

16. The method (1100) of claim 15, further comprising: The position or the rotation angle of the object is determined using the first signal and the second signal.

17. The method (1100) according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: An output protocol indicative of the rotation angle is generated based on the first signal and the second signal.

18. The method (1100) of claim 15, wherein The sensor element is a magnetoresistive sensor element.

19. The method (1100) of claim 18, wherein The magnetoresistive sensor elements in the first group and the second group include pinned layers, wherein the pinned layers of all magnetoresistive sensor elements are parallel or antiparallel to each other.

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