Curved Coil Magnetic Sensor Field Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors with integrated coils often struggle to apply a sufficient magnetic field to magnetoresistive elements due to limitations in the current that can be passed through the coil, resulting in inadequate magnetic field strength for the free layer alignment and reset.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic sensor design includes a coil with conductor portions positioned to generate a partial magnetic field that extends along an imaginary curve curving away from the magnetoresistive elements, allowing for a more concentrated and effective magnetic field application, even with limited current, by using a support member with a curved surface and insulating layers to optimize the coil's magnetic field distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sufficient amount of current is passed through the coil to generate a strong magnetic field, then the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetoresistive element is improved, but the device complexity and current limitations are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor portion is configured to extend along an imaginary curve curving to protrude in a direction away from the magnetoresistive element, creating a curved coil structure. This curvature concentrates the magnetic field lines toward the magnetoresistive element, generating a stronger magnetic field at the target location without requiring increased current, thus resolving the contradiction between magnetic field strength and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure is designed with specific local geometry where the conductor portion curves away from the magnetoresistive element at predetermined positions. This localized curvature creates regions of concentrated magnetic field strength exactly where needed, optimizing the magnetic field distribution without uniformly increasing the overall device complexity
2Reliability
If a sufficient amount of current is passed through the coil to align and reset the free layer magnetization, then the operational reliability is improved, but the energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of the conductor portion concentrates the magnetic field generated by the coil current, achieving more effective magnetization alignment and reset with lower current. This reduces the energy consumption while maintaining reliable operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the geometric parameter of the coil from a straight or conventional shape to a curved shape extending away from the magnetoresistive element, the magnetic field efficiency is improved. This allows the system to achieve the same magnetization alignment effect with reduced current, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability
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 configuration enables the application of a magnetic field of sufficient strength to the magnetoresistive elements, ensuring proper alignment and reset of the free layer magnetization, even when current limitations are present, thereby enhancing the sensor's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a coil that generates a coil magnetic field, the coil magnetic field being a magnetic field to be applied to the magnetoresistive element
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetoresistive element whose resistance changes with an external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor includes at least one MR element and a coil. The coil includes at least one conductor portion. The at least one conductor portion is each located at a position such that a partial magnetic field generated by the conductor portion is applied to one of the at least one MR element, the one corresponding to the conductor portion, and extends along an imaginary curve curving to protrude in a direction away from the corresponding MR element.