Magnetic Sensor With Angled Surfaces For Three-Axis Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic sensing technologies require multiple sensor units and complex algebraic decomposition to sense three orthogonal components of a magnetic field, which increases cost and die area usage.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor system utilizing a full-Wheatstone bridge configuration with angled surfaces and ferromagnetic sense elements, where the magnetization reset allows independent switching of sense elements to sense orthogonal components, reducing the need for additional physical bridges and enabling efficient detection of all three components with fewer sense elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are used to sense three orthogonal components of a magnetic field, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and die area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor units into a single integrated magnetic sensor device. The first and second sensor units are integrated on a common plane, while the third sensor unit is formed on a sloped surface, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified structure that senses all three orthogonal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by forming the third sensor unit on a sloped surface relative to the common plane of the first and second sensor units. This dimensional change enables the third sensor to sense the z-axis component while the first two sensors sense x and y components, achieving three-axis sensing without requiring three completely separate sensor units.
2Measurement precision
If three separate sensor units are used to sense orthogonal components, then measurement precision is improved, but area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate sensor units into a single integrated device on one substrate. The first and second sensor units share a common plane, and the third sensor unit utilizes a sloped surface, combining all three sensing functions within a compact footprint that would be smaller than three separate sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing a sloped surface for the third sensor unit, the patent effectively uses three-dimensional space rather than purely two-dimensional layout. This allows the third sensor to be positioned in a different spatial plane, enabling compact integration of all three sensors on a single substrate with reduced die area.
3Measurement precision
If complex algebraic decomposition is used to process magnetic field components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex algebraic decomposition with a geometric solution. By orienting the third sensor unit on a sloped surface at a specific angle, the sensor directly outputs the z-axis component through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for complex mathematical calculations to derive the third component from projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the sensor orientation from planar to sloped. The third sensor unit is formed on a surface that slopes at a specific angle relative to the common plane, and this angular parameter is chosen to simplify the relationship between the sensed magnetic field components, reducing the need for complex signal processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient, compact, and cost-effective sensing of three orthogonal components of a magnetic field, eliminating the need for a third physical bridge and enabling accurate coronal diagnostic spectrometer measurements with reduced reorientations and signal processing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetoresistance refers to property of a material to change its resistivity in the presence of a magnetic field. Magnetic sensors can utilize magnetoresistance to sense various components of magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor configured to sense a first component and a second component of a magnetic field... A number of the plurality of sense elements can be less than a number of the plurality of angled surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, a system includes a material including a surface, and a magnetic sensor configured to sense a first component and a second component of a magnetic field. The first component of the magnetic field may be orthogonal to the second component of the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor may include a first sense element included on a first angled surface sloping in a first direction relative to the surface of the material, a second sense element included on a second angled surface sloping in the first direction, and a third angled surface sloping in a second direction different from the first direction where the third angled surface can be disposed between the first angled surface and the second angled surface and can exclude a sense element.