Magnetic Angle Sensor Symmetrical Arrangement Reducing Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetoresistive sensors that meet safety standards such as SIL or ASIL have complex circuit layouts, leading to increased size and production costs, while also requiring redundant signals and precise measurements of small magnetic field components.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic angle sensor comprising three magnetoresistive elements oriented in a symmetrical geometric arrangement with equal angular distances, allowing for a cost-effective and compact design that meets safety integrity levels by generating differential signals and calculating rotational angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant signals and complex circuit layouts are used to meet safety standards, then safety integrity level is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into three independent magnetoresistive elements arranged symmetrically, each generating its own output signal. This segmentation allows for simplified individual element design while achieving safety requirements through the collective symmetric arrangement and signal processing of all three elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The three magnetoresistive elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate measurement signals for angle determination and provide redundant signals for safety verification. The symmetric arrangement enables both precise measurement and fault detection without requiring separate redundant circuits.
2Reliability
If redundant signals are provided to meet safety requirements, then safety integrity level is improved, but form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function and safety redundancy function are merged into a single symmetric three-element structure. The same three magnetoresistive elements that provide angle measurement also provide the redundant signals needed for safety verification, eliminating the need for separate redundant components and reducing overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding redundant elements in the spatial domain (which would increase form factor), the patent uses the angular dimension effectively by arranging three elements at equal 120-degree intervals. This dimensional approach allows compact packaging while maintaining both measurement precision and safety redundancy.
3Measurement precision
If exact measurements of small magnetic field components are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magnetoresistive element is optimized for its specific angular position and local magnetic field characteristics. The symmetric arrangement ensures that each element operates in an optimal local condition, improving measurement precision for small field components without requiring complex global circuit adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The symmetric three-element configuration provides inherent feedback for error detection and correction. By comparing the output signals from all three elements, the system can detect and correct measurement errors, improving precision while using relatively simple circuitry compared to more complex precision measurement systems.
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
The proposed solution enables a magnetic angle sensor with a simple layout, low cost, and small form factor while maintaining the required safety standards, ensuring precise angle measurements and fault detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
magnetoresistive sensors, so-called xMR sensors, which exploit the magnetoresistive effect. The magnetoresistive effect describes the change in electrical resistivity of a (often ferromagnetic) material in response to an externally applied magnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
The herein disclosed innovative concept concerns a magnetic angle sensor and a method for operating the same. The sensor includes a magnetoresistive arrangement and a magnetic source being configured to be movable relative to the magnetoresistive arrangement. The magnetoresistive arrangement includes a first magnetoresistive element configured to generate a first output signal, a second magnetoresistive element configured to generate a second output signal, and a third magnetoresistive element configured to generate a third output signal. The first, second and third magnetoresistive elements are oriented relative to each other such that they form a symmetrical geometric arrangement with equal angular distances between each other.