Magnetic Sensor Design Using Magnetization Angle Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors using magnetoresistive effect elements require customized design for each product due to varying external magnetic field directions and linearity/output range requirements, lacking a simplified design method to accommodate diverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pair of magnetoresistive effect elements connected in series and pairs connected in parallel, with magnetically pinned layers having specific magnetization directions, allowing for the selection of sensors that meet required angular and output range conditions through the adjustment of magnetization angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are customized for each product to meet specific linearity and output range requirements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and design time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the magnetization directions (angular parameters θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4) of the pinned layers in the magnetoresistive effect elements. By changing these angular parameters, the magnetic sensor can achieve different linearity and output range characteristics without modifying the physical structure or circuit configuration. This allows a single sensor design to be adapted to multiple product requirements simply by adjusting the magnetization angles during manufacturing.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are customized for each product to meet specific linearity and output range requirements, then measurement precision is improved, but design time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring the magnetoresistive effect elements with specific magnetization directions (θ1=θ3, θ2=θ4, and θ1−θ2 having different values) during manufacturing. This preliminary setup creates a family of sensors with predetermined characteristics that can be selected based on product requirements. Instead of performing custom design work for each product, engineers can simply select from the pre-configured options, dramatically reducing design time while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If a single magnetic sensor design is used across multiple products, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various magnetic field directions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single magnetic sensor structure that can serve multiple functions and adapt to various applications. The key is that the same physical sensor design can be configured with different magnetization directions to suit different magnetic field directions and product requirements. This multi-functionality is enabled by the relationship θ1=θ3, θ2=θ4, which allows the sensor to maintain its structural simplicity while achieving adaptability through parameter variation.
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
Enables the design of magnetic sensors that can easily accommodate various design conditions, improving linearity and output range flexibility, and simplifying the design process by selecting sensors based on specific angular relationships and output ranges.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic sensor using a magnetoresistive effect element is known. A magnetoresistive effect element has a magnetically pinned layer whose magnetization direction is pinned relative to an external magnetic field and a magnetically free layer whose magnetization direction rotates relative to the external magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of designing a magnetic sensor that can easily accommodate various design conditions is provided. The method has:preparing magnetic sensors, wherein, for each magnetic sensor, magnetization directions of the first to fourth magnetically pinned layers form first to fourth angles θ1 to θ4 relative to a specific reference angle, respectively, and θ1=θ3, θ2=θ4, θ1≠θ2, and each magnetic sensor has a value of θ1−θ2 that is different from values of θ1−θ2 of remaining magnetic sensors,for each magnetic sensor, obtaining a relationship between an angular range of the magnetization direction of the first to fourth magnetically free layers and an output range of the magnetic sensor, wherein the angular range satisfies a specific linear relationship between the magnetization direction and the output of the magnetic sensor, andselecting a magnetic sensor that satisfies required conditions for the angular range and the output range from among the magnetic sensors.