Inductive position sensor

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining increased performance and differentiation for inductive position sensors through improvements to the sensing element and target design. In particular embodiments, the sensing element includes a transmit coil, a first receive coil, and a second receive coil, the first receive coil including a first plurality of arrayed loops, wherein two or more of the first plurality of arrayed loops are at least one of a phase hybrid and an amplitude array; the second receive coil including a second plurality of arrayed loops, wherein two or more of the second plurality of arrayed loops are at least one of a phase hybrid and an amplitude array, wherein the first receive coil and the second receive coil are phase shifted. The sensing element coils are arrayed in several geometries and layouts, and the coil and target geometries are manipulated to compensate for inherent errors in the basic design of the inductive position sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to an inductive position sensor, a sensing element, and a method for sensing a position sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Inductive position sensors provide feedback to the motor's control system. For synchronous motors, this feedback is required to calculate the phase current necessary to obtain the desired torque and achieve maximum motor efficiency.

[0003] Inductive position sensors operate on two core principles: sensing the electromotive force (EMF) in a wire loop and sensing eddy currents in a conductive material. EMF is sensed by changing the magnetic flux passing through the wire loop. This can be achieved by changing the area of ​​the loop within the magnetic field or by changing the field strength. Eddy currents are sensed by placing a conductor in a changing magnetic field or by the relative motion between the conductor and the magnetic field.

[0004] Inductive position sensors can produce inaccurate readings when the signal strength in the sensing coil is weak or has a low signal-to-noise ratio. While multiple receiving coils can be combined to generate a stronger signal, this typically results in a large form factor. Furthermore, dead zones may occur in areas where signal traces intersect. Therefore, these drawbacks need to be compensated for. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an inductive position sensor having a phase-mixed, arranged, multi-loop inductive coil with a layout-compensated geometry. The phase-mixed, arranged, multi-loop inductive coil with a layout-compensated geometry increases the signal strength on the receiving coil of the inductive position sensor, reduces the number of printed circuit boards or printed film layers, provides the purest expected sinusoidal response signal for optimal sensor performance, functions across a wide range of form factors and application requirements while maintaining signal quality, and reduces sensitivity to tolerance ranges and stacking of sensor and system variables. By increasing the signal strength in the receiving coil, the signal-to-noise ratio is increased, thresholds for appropriate signal conditioning are met, and the sensor's sensitivity to target position is improved across all application conditions (e.g., air gap and temperature ranges).

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure improve the performance and differentiation of inductive position sensors (such as those used in motor applications) through improvements in the design of the sensing element and the target. The sensing element coils are arranged in several ways as described herein. Furthermore, the geometry of the coils and the target is manipulated to compensate for inherent errors in the basic concept.

[0007] For inductive position sensing, the basic operating principle is used by pairing a sensing element with a conductive target. When used in combination, the rotation of the target on the sensing element provides an output signal, which can be captured by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and provided to, for example, a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU).

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an inductive position sensor comprising a sensing element having at least one transmitting coil, a first receiving coil, and a second receiving coil; the first receiving coil comprising a first plurality of arranged loops, wherein two or more of the first plurality of arranged loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-arranged, or both; the second receiving coil comprising a second plurality of arranged loops, wherein two or more of the second plurality of arranged loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-arranged, or both; wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted. The sensor also includes a conductive target and an integrated circuit configured to provide a transmitting signal to the at least one transmitting coil, a first reference signal to the first receiving coil, a second reference signal to the second receiving coil, and to detect the position of the target based on changes in the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, a particular circuit in the first plurality of arranged circuits includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer, a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer, and a plurality of vias connecting the first trace pattern and the second trace pattern, wherein the via pads corresponding to the vias are located outside the intended sensing region of the particular circuit. In some embodiments, the layout of the trace patterns of the particular circuit is biased such that the edges of the trace patterns adjacent to the intended sensing region are used as signal references. In some embodiments, the geometry of the trace patterns of the first plurality of arranged circuits and the second plurality of particular circuits compensates for dead zones at the intersection of the two circuits.

[0010] In some embodiments, a particular loop in the first plurality of arranged loops includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer and a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer, wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer include conductive ink on a printed film. In some embodiments, the intersection between trace segments in the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil occurs at a natural transition point where the conductor traces intersect. In some embodiments, at least the first plurality of arranged loops are asymmetrical.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are arranged in a suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a grouped suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a separately spaced suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a discrete suspended coil layout. In some embodiments, the target is selected to be less than half the electrical cycle of the sensor.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a sensing element for an inductive position sensor is disclosed, the sensing element including at least one transmitting coil, a first receiving coil, and a second receiving coil; the first receiving coil includes a first plurality of arrangement loops, wherein two or more of the first plurality of arrangement loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-mixed, or both, and the second receiving coil includes a second plurality of arrangement loops, wherein two or more of the second plurality of arrangement loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-mixed, or both, wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted.

[0013] In some embodiments, a particular circuit in the first plurality of arranged circuits includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer, a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer, and a plurality of vias connecting the first trace pattern and the second trace pattern, wherein the via pads corresponding to the vias are located outside the intended sensing region of the particular circuit. In some embodiments, the layout of the trace patterns of the particular circuit is biased such that the edges of the trace patterns adjacent to the intended sensing region are used as signal references. In some embodiments, the geometry of the trace patterns of the first plurality of arranged circuits and the second plurality of particular circuits compensates for dead zones at the intersection of the two circuits.

[0014] In some embodiments, a specific loop in the first plurality of arranged loops includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer and a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer, and the first and second conductive layers include conductive ink on a printed film. In some embodiments, the intersection between trace segments in the first and second receiving coils occurs at a natural transition point where the conductor traces intersect. In some embodiments, at least the first plurality of arranged loops are asymmetrical.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second receiving coils are arranged in a suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a grouped suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a separately spaced suspended coil layout. In these embodiments, the suspended coil layout may be a discrete suspended coil layout.

[0016] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for an inductive position sensor is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a sensing element including at least one transmitting coil, a first receiving coil, and a second receiving coil; the first receiving coil including a first plurality of arranged loops, wherein two or more of the first plurality of arranged loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-mixed, or both; the second receiving coil including a second plurality of arranged loops, wherein two or more of the second plurality of arranged loops are phase-mixed, amplitude-mixed, or both; wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted. The method further comprises driving a transmitting signal to at least one transmitting coil; detecting a first reference signal in the first receiving coil; detecting a second reference signal in the second receiving coil; placing a conductive target near the sensing element; and detecting the position of the target based on changes in the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally denote like parts of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 An example layout of receiver coils arranged at an angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 An example radially arranged receiving coil layout across the full coil width is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 An example of a receiving coil layout in which two signals are arranged at an angle and radially according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 An example X-arrangement linear receiving coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 An example X and Y arrangement of linear receiving coils according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 6A An example conductor layout for a first coil layer for receiving a coil, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown;

[0024] Figure 6B An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for use with Figure 6B An example conductor layout of the second coil layer of the receiving coil;

[0025] Figure 7A Another example conductor layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 7B An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 7A The first layer of the coil layout;

[0027] Figure 7C A second layer of coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 8 An example conductor layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 9 An example of an ideal sine curve is shown;

[0030] Figure 10 An example conductor trace using the midline of an ideal sine curve is shown;

[0031] Figure 11A An example compensation geometry for conductor trace crossings according to this disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 11B An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 11A The offset trace;

[0033] Figure 12 An example trace intersection for eliminating dead zones according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 13 An example coil layout and target starting position of a single coil sensing element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0035] Figure 14 An example coil layout and target starting position of a dual coil with a 45° phase shift sensing element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0036] Figure 15 A graph showing the width of the receiving coil cross-section relative to a mechanical angle is shown;

[0037] Figure 16 A graph showing the error range (electric angle) of an example inductive position sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is presented as a function of the coil width.

[0038] Figure 17 A graph showing the error range (electric angle) of an example inductive position sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is presented as a function of the trace width.

[0039] Figure 18 The cross-width variation relative to the coil width of an example inductive position sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 19 A graph showing the electrical angle versus mechanical position of an example inductive position sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 20 An example trace pattern for a receiving coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 21A An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 20 Example trace pattern of the first signal in the example;

[0043] Figure 21B An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 20 Example trace pattern of the second signal in the example;

[0044] Figure 22 An example suspension coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 23 An example grouping of suspended coil layouts according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 24 An example of separately spaced suspension coil layouts according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 25 A suspension coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is a grouped and separated suspension coil layout;

[0048] Figure 26 A suspension coil layout according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the suspension coil layout is a separate suspension coil layout that is spaced apart individually;

[0049] Figure 27A It shows Figure 26 A pattern of suspended coil layout;

[0050] Figure 27B It shows Figure 26 Another pattern of the suspension coil layout;

[0051] Figure 28A An example symmetrical coil pattern according to this disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 28B It shows Figure 28A Example loop shapes of symmetrical coil patterns;

[0053] Figure 29A An example asymmetric coil pattern according to this disclosure is shown;

[0054] Figure 29B It shows Figure 29A Example loop shapes of asymmetric coil patterns;

[0055] Figure 30 The symmetrical and asymmetrical loop shapes according to this disclosure are shown on a linear scale; and

[0056] Figure 31 A flowchart illustrating an example method for an inductive position sensor according to the present disclosure is provided. Detailed Implementation

[0057] For the purpose of describing specific examples, the terminology used herein is not intended to limit other examples. Wherever the use of singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the,” and the use of only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, further examples may use plural elements to achieve the same functionality. Similarly, when a function is subsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements, further examples may use a single element or processing entity to achieve the same functionality. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify, when used, the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, process, action, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements, components, and / or any group thereof.

[0058] What will be understood is that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, these elements can be directly connected or coupled via one or more intermediate elements. If "or" is used to combine two elements A and B, this should be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. An alternative wording for the same combination is "at least one of A and B." The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0059] Therefore, although further examples can have various modifications and alternative forms, certain specific examples are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail thereafter. However, this detailed description does not limit the further examples to the specific forms described. Further examples may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements that, when compared with each other, may be implemented identically or in modified form while providing the same or similar function.

[0060] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the inductive position sensor in the sensing element has an output signal that is two phase-shifted sinusoidal signals that allow for proportional measurements to track angular position by taking the arctangent. The sensing element, directly connected to an integrated circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), includes a transmitting coil and two receiving coils. The transmitting coil generates a magnetic field that is received by the receiving coils. Driven by the integrated circuit and connected in parallel with a capacitor, the transmitting coil acts as an LC oscillator circuit. The LC oscillator generates a magnetic field that is the signal transmitted to the receiving coils. The polarity of the magnetic field is determined by the direction of the current in the loop. The two receiving coils are wire loops connected to the integrated circuit, existing within the oscillating magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil. This field induces a current in the coil and an EMF proportional to the area of ​​the magnetic field within each wire loop.

[0061] In some embodiments, each receiving coil is designed to generate multiple wire loops with opposite EMF generation within the coil. In the absence of a target, the sum of the EMF of a given receiving coil is designed to be zero volts. This voltage signal is the input to an integrated circuit. Each coil is designed with a specified target to provide a sinusoidal change in voltage as the target moves from one point above the position sensor to another. In some embodiments, the target is a conductive material that interacts with the magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil. When placed above the coil, the field induces eddy currents within the conductive target. These eddy currents then generate a second magnetic field, which, according to Lenz's law, is opposite to the initial magnetic field interacting with the target. The result is a decaying magnetic field in the region below (or near) the target. The sensing element and the conductive target together generate a position signal. In the presence of a target on a given wire loop, the decaying magnetic field causes a change in the EMF generation of the effective loop. This increment is used to track the target's position. To achieve this, the two receiving coils are identical and phase-shifted by 90°. This results in sine and cosine outputs, whose arctangents can be taken to calculate the target's position.

[0062] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the arrangement of coil loops (e.g., phase mixing, multi-loop) can be implemented on linear (X, Y, Z) or angular (θ, R, Z) sensors. When connected in series, the receiving coils arranged in the Y (linear) or R (radial) dimension result in phase alignment to produce a summed sine curve with a larger amplitude. Multiple coil loop groups offset in the Y (linear) or R (radial) dimension gain the benefit of greater field uniformity for each individual coil, providing a cleaner signal. A group of receiving coil loops arranged in the X (linear) or θ (angular) dimension results in a summed sine curve that is phase-mixed to the average position of each of the coils with a larger amplitude. The coils can be arranged in the X or θ dimension with a full electrical cycle; however, the phase-mixed coils are arranged with a cycle shorter than the full electrical cycle, where the optimal phase separation value depends on the number of receiving coils and the signal transformation method (i.e., two or three phase sine curves). In various embodiments, the angular sensor can be implemented as a 360° sensor or a radian sensor. As used herein, “phase-mixed” refers to an angularly arranged coil loop group in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or an X-arranged coil loop group in a linear sensor. As used herein, “amplitude-arranged” refers to a radially arranged coil loop group in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or a Y-arranged coil loop group in a linear sensor.

[0063] Refer to the attached diagram (from) Figure 1 (Beginning) This section describes exemplary apparatus and methods for inductive position sensors according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 An example coil layout of a single receiving coil (100) of a position sensor arranged at an angle (i.e., θ arrangement) according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1In the example, the receiving coil (100) includes a first set of sinusoidal loops having a first sinusoidal trace pattern (101) (e.g., a sine wave) and a second sinusoidal trace pattern (103), the second sinusoidal trace pattern (103) being a reflection of the first sinusoidal trace pattern (101). In some embodiments, the sinusoidal trace patterns (101, 103) are formed on the same plane (i.e., a conductive layer) or different planes of the sensing element (120) (e.g., a multilayer PCB or printed film structure). In some embodiments, portions of each sinusoidal trace pattern (101, 103) are formed on one plane, while other portions of each sinusoidal trace pattern (101, 103) are formed on different planes. The sinusoidal trace patterns (101, 103) define a coil loop around a desired sensing region (105) for detecting a magnetic field attenuated by a target when the target is above the desired sensing region (105). When the target is present above the intended sensing area (105), the decaying magnetic field produces a change in the EMF generation of the affected loop, which can be detected by the signal on the sinusoidal trace pattern (101, 103).

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the example, the receiving coil (100) further includes a second set of sinusoidal loops having a first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (107) and a second phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (109), the second phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (109) being a reflection of the first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (107), wherein the phase-shifted sinusoidal trace patterns (107, 109) are phase-shifted relative to the sinusoidal trace patterns (101, 103). In some embodiments, the phase-shifted sinusoidal trace patterns (107, 109) are formed on the same plane (i.e., the conductive layer) or different planes of the sensing element (120). In some embodiments, portions of each phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (107, 109) are formed on one plane, while other portions of each phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (107, 109) are formed on different planes. A sinusoidal trace pattern (107, 109) defines a coil loop around the intended sensing region (111) for detecting a magnetic field attenuated by the target when it is above the intended sensing region (111). When the target is present above the intended sensing region (111), the attenuated magnetic field produces a change in the EMF generation of the affected loop, which can be detected from the signal on the sinusoidal trace pattern (107, 109). An enhanced position signal of the target's position relative to the sensing element (120) is generated by summing the EMF generation measured in the intended sensing regions (105, 111) and correlating the summed measurements with the average position of the intended sensing region. The enhanced position signal has twice the amplitude of the signal derived from a single sensing region.

[0065] To further explain, Figure 2An example coil layout of a single receiving coil (200) of an angle sensor with phase arrangement (angular arrangement) and radial arrangement (i.e., R arrangement) according to some embodiments of this public is shown. Figure 2 In the example, the receiving coil (200) includes coils arranged at an angle, which are radially arranged three times and connected in series in a coil pattern (201, 202, 203). In this example, with Figure 1 The receiving coil (100) is similar, with each coil pattern (201, 202, 203) including a first set of sinusoidal loops and a second set of sinusoidal loops. The first set of sinusoidal loops has a first sinusoidal trace pattern (e.g., a sine wave) and a second sinusoidal trace pattern, the second sinusoidal trace pattern being a reflection of the first sinusoidal trace pattern. The second set of sinusoidal loops has a first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern and a second phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern, the second phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern being a reflection of the first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern, wherein the phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern is phase-shifted relative to the sinusoidal trace pattern. Each aligned loop of the coils (201, 202, 203) is connected by trace segments (212, 214). When the coils are connected in series, the three coils are driven by the same signal output from the integrated circuit. As a result, an enhanced position signal of the target's position relative to the sensing element (220) can be generated by summing the sinusoidal curves of the phase-aligned loops, summing the sinusoidal curves of the phase-mixed loops, and correlating the resulting sum with the average position of the phase-mixed loops.

[0066] In some embodiments, a portion of each sinusoidal trace pattern in each coil is formed on a plane, while other portions of the sinusoidal trace pattern are formed on different planes (such as the top and bottom layers of a PCB or individual layers of a multilayer PCB). In some examples, inner ring vias (215) and outer ring vias (216) allow signals to propagate between layers. Vias (217) can be used for crossings between positive and negative windings, and vias (218) can be used for crossings between phase windings.

[0067] To further explain, Figure 3An example receiver coil layout (300) of two signals (e.g., sine and cosine) arranged at an angle and radially is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The receiver coil layout includes three radially arranged dual-coil patterns (301, 302, 303). Each dual-coil pattern (301, 302, 303) includes a first angled coil corresponding to a first signal (e.g., sine) and a second angled coil corresponding to a second signal (e.g., cosine). Each angled coil includes a first set of sine loops and a second set of sine loops phase-shifted relative to the first set of sine loops. Because the first and second angled coils are phase-shifted relative to each other (e.g., 90°), the resulting coil pattern includes two sets of phase-mixed loops. The first angled coils corresponding to the first signal in each dual-coil pattern (301, 302, 303) are connected in series to form a first receiver coil. The amplitudes of the phase-aligned loops in the first angled coils of each dual-coil pattern are summed. The phase-mixing loops in the first receiving coil are summed and correlated with the average position of the loops. In each dual-coil pattern (301, 302, 303), coils arranged at a second angle corresponding to the second signal are connected in series to form a second receiving coil. The amplitudes of the phase-aligned loops in the second angled coils of each dual-coil pattern are summed. The phase-mixing loops in the second receiving coil are summed and correlated with the average position of the loops.

[0068] In some embodiments, portions of each sinusoidal trace pattern in each receiving coil are formed on one plane, while other portions of the sinusoidal trace pattern are formed on different planes, such as the top and bottom layers of a PCB or individual layers of a multilayer PCB. In some examples, inner ring vias (315) and outer ring vias (316) allow signals to propagate between layers. Vias (317) can be used for crossings between positive and negative windings, and vias (318) can be used for crossings between phase windings.

[0069] To further explain, Figure 4A linear receiver coil layout (400) of an example X arrangement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The example receiver coil layout (400) shows a single receiver coil including a first set of sinusoidal loops having a first sinusoidal trace pattern (401) (e.g., a sine wave) and a second sinusoidal trace pattern (403) that is a reflection of the first sinusoidal trace pattern (401). The receiver coil layout (400) also includes a second set of sinusoidal loops having a first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (407) and a second phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (409) that is a reflection of the first phase-shifted sinusoidal trace pattern (407) (both are shown in dashed lines for clarity), wherein the phase-shifted sinusoidal trace patterns (407, 409) are phase-shifted relative to the sinusoidal trace patterns (401, 403).

[0070] To further explain, Figure 5 An example X and Y arrangement of linear receiving coil layout (500) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The example receiving coil layout (500) shows a single receiving coil comprising a first set of loops (501) formed by a sinusoidal trace pattern (e.g., a sine wave) and its reflections. The receiving coil layout (500) also includes a second set of loops (503) phase-shifted relative to the first set of loops (501). The receiving coil layout (500) also includes a third set of loops (505) formed by another sinusoidal trace pattern (e.g., a sine wave) and its reflections. The receiving coil layout (500) also includes a fourth set of loops (507) phase-shifted relative to the third set of loops (505). The first and second sets of sinusoidal loops are Y-arranged relative to the third and fourth sets of sinusoidal loops (shown as dashed lines for clarity).

[0071] To further explain, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 6A The coil layout (600) of the top layer of a dual-coil pattern corresponding to two receiving coils for different signal patterns (e.g., sine and cosine) is shown, and Figure 6B The bottom layer coil layout (650) of a dual-coil pattern corresponding to two receiving coils with different signal patterns is shown. For example, the coil layout (600) may be disposed on the top layer of the PCB, and the coil layout (650) may be disposed on the bottom layer of the PCB. The coil layout (600) includes a transmit signal input line (681) and a transmit coil (680) surrounding the dual-receive coil layout described below.

[0072] exist Figure 6AIn this configuration, the coil layout (600) includes a first receiving signal coil pattern arranged at an angle and a second receiving coil also arranged at an angle, wherein the first and second receiving signal coil patterns are themselves arranged at an angle relative to each other. The coil layout (600) includes groups of trace segments corresponding to portions of a sinusoidal pattern. Figure 6A In the example, trace segment (601) corresponds to a portion of a first sinusoidal pattern (e.g., sine) of a first signal, trace segment (603) corresponds to a portion of a first sinusoidal pattern (e.g., cosine) of a second signal, trace segment (602) corresponds to a portion of a second sinusoidal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted sine) of a first signal phase-shifted relative to the first sinusoidal pattern of the first signal, and trace segment (604) corresponds to a portion of a second sinusoidal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted cosine) of a second signal phase-shifted relative to the first sinusoidal pattern of the second signal. Adjacent trace segment groups (605, 606, 607, 608) follow opposite directions of the signal patterns corresponding to trace segments (601, 602, 603, 604), respectively. The positive trace segment groups (601, 602, 603, 604) alternate around the sensor with the reverse trace segment groups (605, 606, 607, 608) in such a way that each sinusoidal pattern surrounds the sensor before reversing its direction to form a reflection of the positive pattern. Each sine wave reverses its direction at a point of natural connection (e.g., where the current in the signal reverses). Figure 6A In the example, the sinusoidal pattern (e.g., sine, cosine, phase-shifted sine, phase-shifted cosine) is reversed at the via pair (630). Similarly, the initial signal pattern (e.g., sine and cosine) transitions to the phase-shifted signal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted sine and phase-shifted cosine) at the via pair (640).

[0073] Figure 6A The trace segments in the coil layout (600) pass through Figure 6A The top layer and Figure 6B The through-hole (610) between the bottom layers is connected to Figure 6B The trace segments in the coil layout (650). To minimize the crossover between signal and signal phase, trace segments corresponding to the portion of the sinusoidal pattern with increasing amplitude are arranged on one layer, and trace segments corresponding to the portion of the sinusoidal pattern with decreasing amplitude are arranged on different layers, wherein the increasing portion is connected to the decreasing portion through vias. For example, Figure 6A The trace segments (601, 602, 603, 604) are connected to Figure 6B The trace segments (611, 612, 613, 614) and Figure 6A The trace segments (605, 606, 607, 608) are connected to Figure 6B The trace segments (615, 616, 617, 618) in the text.

[0074] exist Figure 6B In the example coil layout (650), with Figure 6A Similar to the example coil layout (600), trace segment (611) corresponds to a portion of a first sinusoidal pattern (e.g., sine) of a first signal, trace segment (613) corresponds to a portion of a first sinusoidal pattern (e.g., cosine) of a second signal, trace segment (612) corresponds to a portion of a second sinusoidal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted sine) of a first signal phase-shifted relative to the first sinusoidal pattern of the first signal, and trace segment (614) corresponds to a portion of a second sinusoidal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted cosine) of a second signal phase-shifted relative to the first sinusoidal pattern of the second signal. Adjacent trace segment groups (615, 616, 617, 618) follow opposite directions to the signal patterns corresponding to trace segments (611, 612, 613, 614), respectively. The positive trace segment groups (611, 612, 613, 614) alternate around the sensor with the reverse trace segment groups (615, 616, 617, 618) in such a way that each sinusoidal pattern wraps around the sensor before reversing its direction to form a reflection of the positive pattern. Each sinusoidal pattern reverses its direction at a natural junction (e.g., zero amplitude). Figure 6B In the example, the sinusoidal pattern (e.g., sine, cosine, phase-shifted sine, phase-shifted cosine) is reversed at the via pair (631). Similarly, the initial signal pattern (e.g., sine and cosine) transitions to the phase-shifted signal pattern (e.g., phase-shifted sine and phase-shifted cosine) at the via pair (641).

[0075] exist Figure 6B In the example, the coil layout (650) also includes input and output lines (685, 686) for a first receiving coil, input and output lines (687, 688) for a second receiving coil, and an output line for a transmitting coil (680). When superimposed, Figure 6A The trace segments in the coil layout (600) and Figure 6B The trace segments in the coil layout (650) form four sinusoidal patterns that surround the sensor for the two signal sensing elements. In this configuration, the two phases of each signal are mixed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The arctangents of the sine and cosine received signals can be calculated to determine the position of the target above the sensing elements.

[0076] To further explain, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 7A An example coil layout (700) for a radian sensor is shown. Figure 7B The first layer (710) of the coil layout (700) is shown. Figure 7CA second layer (720) of the coil layout (700) is shown. In some examples, the first layer (710) is formed on the top layer of the sensing element PCB, and the second layer is formed on the bottom layer of the PCB. The coil layout (700) includes three radially arranged coil patterns (701, 702, 703) connected in series. Each coil pattern includes two signal patterns (704, 705) corresponding to two signals (e.g., sine and cosine). Each signal pattern has three repeating signal patterns arranged at an angle. Trace segments (706) for the signal patterns on one layer (710) transmit signals in opposite directions (i.e., outwards relative to inwards or increasing relative to decreasing) on ​​the other layer (720). Vias (707) are used to pass signals from the first layer (710) to the second layer (720), thereby forming a reflection of the signal pattern on the first layer (710) and on the second layer (720) to create a sine signal pattern.

[0077] In some embodiments according to this disclosure, the coil loops may also be arranged on a Z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the transmitting coil. If the conductive segments are isolated from each other by an insulating layer, the coil loops can be arranged on the Z-axis by stacking dielectric layers for placing the conductors. By way of example and not limitation, stacking coil loops can be achieved using a multilayer PCB with offset via positioning, a multilayer PCB with hidden vias on alternating layers, or by using conductive ink on a printed film with printed insulating layers between the crossing segments. Minimizing the thickness of the entire coil stack ensures a more uniform magnetic field across its entire thickness. In some embodiments, using conductive ink on a printed film minimizes the thickness of the stack and thus provides an optimal magnetic field.

[0078] To further explain, Figure 8 Detailed views of an example layer of a coil layout (800) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The coil layout (800) is biased such that the edge (rather than the center line) of a conductive trace (809) adjacent to the intended sensing region (805) is a reference for generating a signal output. In other words, the edge of the conductive trace is aligned with a sinusoidal signal defining the sensing region, rather than with the center of the conductive trace aligned with the sinusoidal signal.

[0079] like Figure 9 The example of the ideal sinusoidal geometry (900) depicted in the figure shows that, disregarding the trace width of the conductor material, using the ideal sinusoidal geometry to generate PCB traces will result in the best sinusoidal response when the target travels from the positive loop to the negative loop on the coil loop. Figure 9In the example, it is assumed that current flowing clockwise creates a positive loop, and current flowing counterclockwise creates a negative loop. When the sinusoidal signal in the first loop crosses the neutral line and enters the adjacent second loop, the current in the second loop flows in the opposite direction to that in the first loop. Figure 10 As shown in the depicted conductor trace layout (1001), the positive and negative loops are non-intersecting when the PCB conductor trace width is included. This creates a dead zone at the transition point between the loops, which disrupts the desired sinusoidal output from the target traveling through the coil, resulting in residual errors in the signal. In some embodiments, the trace is offset outward by the trace width to reduce the amount of error caused by the dead zone, such as... Figure 11A The compensation geometry (1100) is shown. Figure 11B It shows Figure 11A The offset traces, wherein the first portion (1102) of the geometry (1100) is implemented on one layer of the PCB, while the second portion (1104) of the geometry (1100) is implemented on another layer of the PCB. In other embodiments, the offset traces can be used. Figure 12 The depicted cross geometry (1200) is used to essentially eliminate dead zones. Furthermore, as previously discussed, the crossovers between the loops and coil groups occur at natural transition points where conductor trace segments intersect, so as not to introduce any unintended changes to the sensing area and the resulting output signal.

[0080] The geometry of the target is also selected to improve the expected signal output. Figure 13 An exemplary coil layout (1301) and target (1303) starting position of a single receiving coil sensing element according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figure 14 An exemplary coil layout (1401) and target (1403) starting position of a dual receiving coil with a 45° phase shift sensing element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, ensuring that the targets (1303, 1403) are suspended over the receiving coils (1311, 1411, 1412) and transmitting coils (1307, 1407) improves the sensor output. Furthermore, the width of the target is conventionally equal to the width of half an electrical cycle. However, in embodiments according to this disclosure, the target width is chosen to be slightly less than half an electrical cycle to improve robustness against positional shifts. However, when considering the previously described minimization or elimination of dead zones and phase-shifting coil groups, the target width can be chosen in a way that minimizes the number of dead zones that will be interacted with at any given time. For a single-coil design, this would be at least less than half an electrical cycle by the distance covered by the dead zone, preventing the target from being above two dead zones simultaneously.

[0081] Figure 15A graph showing the cross-sectional width of the receiving coil of an example inductive position sensor according to this disclosure relative to a mechanical angle is shown. The graph plotting the cross-sectional width of the coil loop relative to angular positions shows four extended regions with zero coil width per electrical cycle. These dead zones are aligned with the positions where the coil transitions from the positive loop to the negative loop due to the overlap of trace widths. When the target transitions at these positions, the effective area in one of the receiving coils will have zero change, while the other receiving coil will change at its peak rate of change.

[0082] Figure 16 A graph showing the error range (electric angle) of an example inductive position sensor according to this disclosure relative to the coil width is shown. Figure 17 A graph showing the error range (electrical angle) versus trace width of a quadrupole pair 360-degree design of an example inductive position sensor according to this disclosure is presented. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As can be seen, the dead zone depends on the trace and the width of the receiving coil. Figure 18 The 15mm coil (1801) width results in a 0.88mm crossover area (1807), while the 5mm coil (1803) width results in a 0.32mm crossover area (1805).

[0083] like Figure 19 As shown, the two-pole pair dual-coil design (according to an embodiment of this disclosure) reduces the amplitude of the periodic error. Figure 19 The graphs showing the electrical angles relative to the mechanical positions of a single receiving coil (evaluation area only (1901)), a single receiving coil (evaluation area and B-field gradient with 1 transmitting coil loop (1907)), a dual receiving coil (evaluation area only (1903)), and a dual receiving coil (evaluation area and B-field gradient with 1 transmitting coil loop (1905)) are shown.

[0084] To increase the balance between the receiving coils and maintain equal inductance, the coil pattern should terminate at natural connection points to link and close the receiving loop without requiring unnatural trace segments within the sinusoidal pattern. For example... Figure 20 As shown in the coil layout (2100), this cannot be fully achieved in a standard coil. With more than one receiving coil, only one coil can remain closed at the natural connection point. Additional receiving coils would require extra trace segments to bridge the endpoints in the coil pattern. Figure 20 The receiving coils (2101, 2103) are separated to illustrate the difference between a naturally closed coil loop and a bridging loop, which requires additional trace segments to connect and close the coil loop.

[0085] In some embodiments according to this disclosure, a suspended coil design is employed to facilitate the use of closed coils with only natural termination. In these embodiments, the suspended coils have different received signals that are physically offset from each other, thus occupying slightly different angular ranges within a given sensor region. For example, a 12-pole pair sensor requires 30° angular space to exist for the entire electrical cycle. Figure 20 As shown, in a typical inductive position sensor, all the receiving coils (2101, 2103) will only exist within 30°.

[0086] To further explain, Figure 22 An example suspended coil layout (2200) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the suspended coil layout, the termination point and reflection point of one receiving coil are offset from the termination point and reflection point of the other receiving coil. That is, the termination point of one receiving coil is suspended at one end of the area occupied by the two receiving coils, and the termination point of the other receiving coil is suspended at the other end of the area occupied by the two receiving coils. For example, in Figure 22 In this configuration, one receiving coil (2201) occupies a range of 0° to 30°, and another coil (2203) occupies a range of 7.5° to 37.5°. The suspended coil method provides additional utility for multi-loop phase-mixing coils with high trace density on a PCB. In some form factors, phase-mixing coils may be difficult to use due to a lack of available space for vias for traces between interconnect layers. Suspended coils allow a via in one of the receiving coils to be located outside the physical space where another receiving coil exists, thus allowing for lower trace density and more space for via placement. In some variations, the suspended coil layout can be a grouped suspended coil layout such that the termination points (and reflection points) of angled signals in a particular receiving coil are aligned at the same angle (i.e., grouped), with the grouping angle of one receiving coil offset by a certain degree relative to the grouping angle of the other receiving coil. In some variations, the suspended coil layout can be a individually spaced suspended coil layout such that the termination points (and reflection points) of angled signals in a particular receiving coil are individually spaced by a certain degree. In these variations, the area occupied by a separately spaced termination point (and reflection point) of a first receiving coil is offset from the area occupied by a spaced-apart termination point of another receiving coil. In some variations, the suspension coil arrangement may be a separate suspension coil arrangement, wherein the termination point of a first angularly arranged signal is separated from a second angularly arranged signal by intervening in the termination point of another receiving coil.

[0087] To further explain, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 23 The example group's suspension coil layout (2300) is shown. Figure 24Another example of a separately spaced suspended coil layout (2400) is shown. For multi-loop coils with mixed phases, there are different ways to employ a suspended coil layout. In some examples, such as... Figure 23 As shown, all loops of a specific receiving coil (2301, 2303) are grouped and terminated together. Figure 23 In the example, each receiving coil (2301, 2303) occupies a 30° angular range. The termination points of each loop of the receiving coil (2301) are grouped such that the loops terminate at the same angle offset by 7.5° from the angle of the termination point of the group of receiving coils (2303). Therefore, the receiving coil (2301) is "suspended" on the left side of the coil layout (2300) above the receiving coil (2303), and the receiving coil (2303) is suspended on the right side of the coil layout (2300) above the receiving coil (2301). In other examples, such as Figure 24 As shown, each individual loop of each receiving coil (2401, 2403) is spaced out from each other. Figure 24 In the example, the termination points of each loop in the receiving coil (2401) are spaced 1.88° apart, and the termination points of each loop in the receiving coil (2403) are also spaced 1.88° apart. Each loop of each coil occupies a 30° angular range, and each coil (2401, 2403) occupies a 37.5° angular range. The receiving coil (2401) is suspended 7.5° above the left receiving coil (2403), and the receiving coil (2403) is suspended 7.5° above the right receiving coil (2401), resulting in a total angular range of 43.14°. Depending on the sensor size, the number of PCB layers, manufacturing capabilities, etc., different spacing options are offered for different applications, which may be better or worse. Grouped suspended coils can occupy a smaller angular range than individually spaced suspended coils, which generally makes grouped suspended coils a more cost-effective solution. For example, in a 12-pole, four-loop sensor, a grouped suspension coil layout (2300) will occupy a total angular range of 37.5°, while a separately spaced suspension coil layout (2400) will occupy 43.14°. The separately spaced suspension coils can provide better mixing of signals from each loop for each signal and make it more robust to positional shifts.

[0088] To further explain, Figure 25 Another example suspension coil layout (2500) according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown, which is a grouped and separated suspension coil layout. The suspension coils may become unbalanced due to sensor and / or target position offsets. To improve performance under these conditions, the suspension coils can be separated so that a portion of the received signal is suspended at both ends of the arc sensor. Figure 25In the example, the first receiving coil (shown in solid line) is separated such that a portion (2501) of the receiving coil occupying a 41.26° angular range hangs 5.63° over the second receiving coil (2503) (shown in dashed line) occupying a 30° angular range. The second receiving coil (2503) hangs 4.69° over a second portion (2505) of the first receiving coil. That is, in Figure 25 In the example, one receiving coil (dashed line) has all four loops occupying a 30° range, while another receiving coil (solid line) has two loops suspended from -5.63° to 25.3° and two additional loops suspended from 4.69° to 35.63°. This arrangement significantly reduces trace density in areas requiring vias and also provides additional coil balancing by separating the receiving coils at either end of the sensing area. This simultaneously provides engagement with more target wings and a degree of balancing for positional offsets. The grouped, separated suspended coil arrangement is suitable for coil designs with a positive number of coil loops in phase mixing.

[0089] To further explain, Figure 26 An example suspension coil layout (2700) is shown, which is a separate suspension coil layout with individual spaces between each other, wherein... Figure 27A and Figure 27B Each receiving coil (2701, 2703) is shown separately. In these examples, the loops of the receiving coil (2701) are separated such that two loops of the receiving coil (2701) hang over the left receiving coil (2703), and two loops of the receiving coil (2701) hang over the right receiving coil (2703). The loops of the receiving coil (2701) are individually spaced apart, and the loops of the receiving coil (2703) are individually spaced apart. This results in four negative loops and four positive loops of the coil (2703) defined by the two negative loops of the coil (2701), and four positive loops of the coil (2701). These examples use a single-cycle sensor; however, the practicality of this layout is not limited to a single-cycle coil. A suspended coil layout can be used on any arc sensor, regardless of the number of cycles or electrodes.

[0090] In the example above, the via is located at the natural transition point of the line segment, and therefore will typically be located at the midline of the curve. In some applications, there are spatial constraints that will not allow for optimization of coil width and via placement. However, due to the size of the via, the location of the transition point must be at a minimum radial position on the board. To maintain this position and still optimize the coil loop area, an asymmetrical coil is used.

[0091] Figure 28A An example symmetrical coil pattern (2801) according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 28B It shows Figure 28A Example loop shapes for symmetrical coil patterns (2803). In applications with high trace density, coil area and via arrangement can be optimized by having asymmetrical coil widths. Inductive position sensors can employ sinusoidal trace layouts to generate a sinusoidal response from a target. These layouts can be created by having a sinusoidal trace geometry and its reflection about the centerline of the sensing area. This produces a sinusoidal response with an amplitude twice that of the base coil trace geometry. In designs that utilize natural transition points for trace routing, the coil geometry defines the radial position of the via arrangement. The larger the radial position, the more area is available for the via arrangement. In the case of high trace density, it is important to make the vias as far radially outward as possible, but this is limited if the ID is too small and the resulting transition point shifts inward.

[0092] To further explain, Figure 29A An example asymmetric coil pattern (2901) according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 29B It shows Figure 29A An example loop shape for an asymmetric coil pattern (2903). To further emphasize the transition point, the coil design can use two different amplitudes to produce the coil geometry. The resulting sine curve then has an amplitude A = A1 + A2. By having A2 greater than A1, this allows for a larger overall coil width, but keeps the vias located where they would otherwise have a smaller coil width and a larger centerline radius. The resulting larger coil sensing area increases the sensor's signal amplitude. Figure 30 The symmetrical loop shape (3003) and the asymmetrical loop shape (3001) according to this disclosure are shown on a linear scale.

[0093] To further explain, Figure 31 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for an inductive position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 31 The method includes providing a (3110) sensing element comprising at least one transmitting coil, a first receiving coil, and a second receiving coil; the first receiving coil comprising a first plurality of arrangement loops, wherein two or more of the first plurality of arrangement loops are at least one of phase mixing and amplitude arrangement; the second receiving coil comprising a second plurality of arrangement loops, wherein two or more of the second plurality of arrangement loops are at least one of phase mixing and amplitude arrangement, wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted. In some examples, the (3110) sensing element is provided by providing a layout of receiving coils having arrangement (see, for example, see...). Figures 1-5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 8 , Figure 13 , Figure 14, Figure 18 , Figures 22-26 , Figure 27A , Figure 28A and Figure 29A This is achieved using an inductive position sensor (described by the receiver coil layout).

[0094] Figure 31 Example methods also include driving (3120) at least one transmitting coil. In some examples, driving (3120) at least one transmitting coil includes driving at least one transmitting coil with a signal connected in parallel with a capacitor to generate a magnetic field, which is the transmitting signal to the receiving coil.

[0095] Figure 31 The example method also includes detecting (3130) a first reference signal in a first receiving coil and detecting (3140) a second reference signal in a second receiving coil. In some examples, the detection of the first reference signal in the first receiving coil (3130) and the detection of the second reference signal in the second receiving coil (3140) are implemented by an integrated circuit that detects the voltages in the first and second receiving coils induced by the magnetic field generated by the signal emitted by the transmitting coil.

[0096] Figure 31 Example methods also include determining the position of a conductive target near the sensing element (3150) based on changes in a first reference signal and a second reference signal. In some examples, determining the position of a conductive target near the sensing element based on changes in the first and second reference signals is implemented by an integrated circuit that determines the action of the first and second reference signals. When the sensing element comprises an angularly or linearly arranged (X-arrangement) coil layout, a phase-mixed first reference signal is summed and correlated with the average position of the coil loop, and a phase-mixed second reference signal is summed and correlated with the average position of the coil loop. When the sensing element comprises a radially or linearly arranged (Y-arrangement) coil layout, the phase alignment signals are amplitude-summed.

[0097] Based on the explanations above, the reader will recognize that the benefits of phase-mixed, arranged, multi-loop inductive coils with layout-compensated geometry include increased signal strength on the receiving coil of the inductive position sensor, providing the purest expected sinusoidal response signal for optimal sensor performance, functionality across a wide range of form factors and application requirements while maintaining signal quality, and reduced sensitivity to tolerance ranges and stacking of sensor and system variables. Increasing the signal strength in the receiving coil increases the signal-to-noise ratio, meets thresholds for proper signal conditioning, and improves the sensor's sensitivity to target position under all application conditions (e.g., air gap and temperature ranges).

[0098] It will be understood from the foregoing description that modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the true spirit of this disclosure. The descriptions in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An inductive position sensor, comprising: Sensing element, the sensing element comprising: At least one transmitting coil; A first receiving coil, the first receiving coil forming a first plurality of loop groups, the first plurality of loop groups including both a phase-arranged loop group and an amplitude-arranged loop group; and A second receiving coil forms a second plurality of loop groups, the second plurality of loop groups including both a phase-arranged loop group and an amplitude-arranged loop group, wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted relative to each other; The receiving coil with phase-arranged loop groups includes two or more loop groups that are offset relative to each other in the angular direction in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset relative to each other in the x-axis direction in a linear sensor. Furthermore, the receiving coil with amplitude-arranged loop groups includes two or more loop groups that are radially offset from each other in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset from each other along the y-axis in a linear sensor; Conductive targets; and Integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured to: A transmission signal is provided to the at least one transmitting coil; Detect the first reference signal in the first receiving coil; Detecting the second reference signal in the second receiving coil; and The position of the conductive target is detected based on the changes in the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, Each loop includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer, a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer, and a plurality of vias connecting the first trace pattern and the second trace pattern.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The layout of the trace pattern for a specific loop is biased such that the edges of the trace pattern adjacent to the intended sensing area are used as signal references.

4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The trace pattern geometry of the first plurality of arrangement loops and the second plurality of arrangement loops compensates for the dead zone at the intersection of the two loops.

5. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, Each circuit includes a first trace pattern in a first conductive layer and a second trace pattern in a second conductive layer; wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer include conductive ink on a printed film.

6. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The intersection between the trace segments in the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil occurs at the natural transition point where the conductor traces intersect.

7. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first receiving coil arrangement circuit group and the second receiving coil arrangement circuit group both include a first circuit group, a third circuit group and a fourth circuit group. The first circuit group is arranged in phase with respect to the second circuit group, the third circuit group is arranged in amplitude with respect to the first circuit group, and the fourth circuit group is arranged in amplitude with respect to the second circuit group.

8. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are included in the arc position sensor and are arranged in a suspended coil layout, wherein the loop group in the first receiving coil spans a different angle range than the loop group in the second receiving coil.

9. The sensor according to claim 8, wherein, The suspension coil layout is a grouped suspension coil layout, wherein the termination points of the loop groups of the first receiving coil are radially aligned, and the termination points of the loop groups of the second receiving coil are radially aligned.

10. The sensor according to claim 8, wherein, The suspension coil layout is a separately spaced suspension coil layout, wherein the termination points of the first receiving coil loop group are spaced apart from each other, and the termination points of the second receiving coil loop group are spaced apart from each other.

11. The sensor according to claim 8, wherein, The suspension coil layout is a separate suspension coil layout, wherein, in the arc position sensor, the first portion of the loop group of the first receiving coil spans a larger angle range than the loop group of the second receiving coil, and the second portion of the loop group of the first receiving coil spans a smaller angle range than the loop group of the second receiving coil.

12. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The target was selected to be less than half the electrical cycle of the sensor.

13. A sensing element for an inductive position sensor, the sensing element comprising: At least one transmitting coil; A first receiving coil, the first receiving coil including a first plurality of arranged circuits, the first plurality of arranged circuits having two or more groups of arranged circuits, wherein the two or more groups of arranged circuits include both a phase arranged circuit group and an amplitude arranged circuit group; and The second receiving coil includes a second plurality of arrangement loops, the second plurality of arrangement loops having two or more arrangement loop groups, wherein the two or more arrangement loop groups include both a phase arrangement loop group and an amplitude arrangement loop group, wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted relative to each other; The receiving coil having a phase-arranged loop group comprises two or more loop groups that are offset relative to each other in the angular direction in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset relative to each other in the x-axis direction in a linear sensor; and the receiving coil having an amplitude-arranged loop group comprises two or more loop groups that are offset relative to each other radially in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset relative to each other in the y-axis direction in a linear sensor.

14. A method for an inductive position sensor, the method comprising: A sensing element is provided, the sensing element comprising: At least one transmitting coil; A first receiving coil, the first receiving coil comprising a first plurality of circuit groups, the first plurality of circuit groups comprising both a phase-arranged circuit group and an amplitude-arranged circuit group; and The second receiving coil includes a second plurality of loop groups, which includes both a phase-arranged loop group and an amplitude-arranged loop group, wherein the first receiving coil and the second receiving coil are phase-shifted relative to each other. The receiving coil with phase-arranged loop groups includes two or more loop groups that are offset relative to each other in the angular direction in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset relative to each other in the x-axis direction in a linear sensor. Furthermore, the receiving coil with amplitude-arranged loop groups includes two or more loop groups that are radially offset from each other in a 360° sensor or an arc sensor, or offset from each other along the y-axis in a linear sensor; The integrated circuit drives the transmission signal to the at least one transmitting coil; The integrated circuit detects the first reference signal in the first receiving coil; The integrated circuit detects the second reference signal in the second receiving coil; and The integrated circuit determines the location of the conductive target near the sensing element based on the changes in the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

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