Magnetic Sensor Phase Shift via Integrated Delay Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensing systems face challenges in accurately determining the speed and direction of a rotating shaft due to difficulties in achieving the required phase shift between output signals from separate magnetic sensors, which is dependent on precise manufacturing and adjustment, and becomes costly when fabricating different integrated circuits for various pole spacings.
Innovation Solution
A movement sensor comprising a multi-pole ring magnet and first and second magnetic sensors formed on a semiconductor substrate, with the second sensor intertwined and angled at a predetermined angle (0° to 90°) with respect to the first sensor, producing a phase difference in their output signals, allowing for accurate speed and direction detection without the need for tight manufacturing tolerances or adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate magnetic sensors are spaced at a predetermined distance to create a phase shift, then speed resolution and direction detection are improved, but manufacturing precision and dynamic adjustment are required to meet specified phase shift requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two magnetic sensors and their signal processing circuits into a single integrated circuit package. The first and second magnetic sensors are integrated with first and second signal processing circuits respectively, eliminating the need for separate external components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the required phase shift relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces delay circuits as intermediary elements between the magnetic sensors and output. The first delay circuit delays the first sensor signal, and the second delay circuit delays the second sensor signal, allowing precise control of phase shift relationships through circuit design rather than relying solely on physical sensor spacing and manufacturing tolerances.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnetic sensors are provided on the same integrated circuit with fixed spacing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the spacing is only correct for one particular pole spacing and not adaptable to other configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system adaptable to different pole spacings by introducing adjustable delay circuits. The delay amounts can be configured based on the specific pole spacing of the target, allowing the same integrated circuit design to work with multiple different magnet configurations without requiring custom fabrication for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptation to different pole spacings by changing the electrical parameters (delay times) of the signal processing circuits rather than changing the physical sensor spacing. This allows a single integrated circuit design to accommodate multiple target configurations by adjusting circuit parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate magnetic sensor packages are used, then design flexibility is maintained, but it becomes very difficult to arrange sensors to meet specified phase shift requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic sensors and signal processing circuits into a single integrated circuit package, eliminating the need for separate sensor packages and their complex spatial arrangements. This integration maintains design flexibility while removing the manufacturing precision challenges associated with arranging separate components to achieve specific phase shifts.
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 achieves accurate speed and direction sensing with increased resolution and flexibility, as the phase shift is set during integrated circuit fabrication, eliminating the need for precise manufacturing adjustments and allowing compatibility with different ring magnet pole sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The first magnetic sensor is formed on a semiconductor substrate and produces a first output signal in response to movement of the multi-pole ring magnet
Implementation Method 2
The second magnetic sensor is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to be intertwined with the first magnetic sensor and so as to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the first magnetic sensor, the second magnetic sensor produces a second output signal in response to movement of the multi-pole ring magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A first magnetic sensor produces a first output signal in response to movement of a target such as a multi-pole ring magnet, and a second magnetic sensor produces a second output signal in response to movement of the target. The first and second magnetic sensors may be corresponding magnetoresistor sensors, the first and second magnetic sensors may be intertwined, the first and second magnetic sensors may be oriented at an angle with respect to one another so as to produce a difference in phase between the first and second output signals, the first and second magnetic sensors may be arranged so as to produce a 90° phase difference between the first and second output signals, and/or the first and second magnetic sensors may be formed on a semiconductor substrate.