Magnetic Sensor Array With Field Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic sensors have limitations in areal density and cost due to their discrete packaging, and three-axis magnetic field sensing requires bulky magnetometers, which restricts their configuration and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor array is developed with sensors and a sensor interface circuit on a substrate, including magnetic field converters to detect magnetic field components parallel and normal to the substrate, allowing for unpackaged sensors to sense multiple axes and increasing areal density, and a signal processor to extract z-axis components from x- and y-axis sensed fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional discrete packaged magnetometers are used for three-axis magnetic field sensing, then each axis can be detected, but the device becomes bulky and areal density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic field sensing function into separate planar sensor elements that detect only x and y components. A magnetic field converter structure segments the three-axis sensing function by redirecting z-axis field components to the planar sensors, eliminating the need for bulky three-axis magnetometers while maintaining full three-axis detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field converter dimension that redirects magnetic field components. The converter structure adds a spatial transformation dimension, converting z-axis magnetic field components into detectable x or y axis components for the planar sensors, enabling three-axis sensing with two-dimensional sensor elements
2Measurement precision
If discrete packaged magnetometers are used, then three-axis sensing is achieved, but areal density of the sensor array decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented between planar sensors (detecting x and y components) and magnetic field converters (redirecting z-axis components). This segmentation allows dense packing of planar sensors on the substrate while the converter structures occupy minimal space, significantly increasing areal density compared to discrete packaged magnetometers
Solution Approach 2:
The planar sensor elements serve multiple functions: directly detecting x and y magnetic field components and indirectly detecting z-axis components through the magnetic field converter redirection. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of sensor elements needed, increasing areal density
3Area of moving object
If unpackaged magnetic field sensor devices are used on substrate, then areal density increases, but three-axis sensing capability must be achieved through additional structures
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field converter acts as an intermediary structure between the planar sensors and the z-axis magnetic field. It mediates the interaction by redirecting z-axis field components to the planar sensors, adding functional capability without requiring complex three-axis sensor elements
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field converter changes the directional parameter of magnetic field components. It transforms z-axis field direction into x or y axis directions that the planar sensors can detect, enabling three-axis sensing through parameter transformation rather than complex sensor structures
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 solution enhances areal density and reduces costs by configuring multiple sensors on a substrate to detect three-axis magnetic fields efficiently, improving spatial resolution and sensor array performance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field converter guides a magnetic field component along its surface to cause a magnetic field component normal to the substrate to be detected by a magnetic field sensor configured to detect magnetic field components parallel to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor array includes non-packaged magnetic sensors disposed on a substrate. The non-packaged magnetic sensors can include bare dice, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the magnetic sensors are formed directly on the substrate, such as by printing conductive traces on the substrate. In another embodiment, a magnetic sensor array includes a magnetic field converter configured to launch received magnetic fields along an axis corresponding to a magnetic sensor maximum sensitivity.