Magnetic Sensor Magnetoresistance Sensitivity Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic sensors face challenges in enhancing sensing sensitivity, particularly in detecting magnetic fields with high precision and minimizing noise.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic sensor design includes a first sensor element with a magnetic layer, an opposing magnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic layer, where the magnetization is aligned with a specific length direction, and an interconnect that extends along this direction, allowing the electrical resistance to change with alternating current and applied magnetic fields, thereby increasing sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic sensor structures are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensing sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor is divided into multiple sensor elements arranged in a matrix pattern, with each element contributing to the overall sensing capability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high sensitivity through combined output while maintaining manageable individual element complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor elements are combined in a matrix arrangement where their outputs are integrated to enhance overall sensing sensitivity. The interconnect structure merges multiple signal paths while maintaining organized routing, achieving both high sensitivity and structural efficiency
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field detection precision is increased, then weak magnetic field sensing is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor matrix configuration enables differential measurement approaches where feedback mechanisms can be implemented to distinguish signal from noise. By comparing outputs across multiple elements, the system can identify and filter noise components while preserving weak magnetic field signals
3Measurement precision
If sensor element density is increased, then sensing sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into discrete matrix elements with standardized spacing, allowing modular manufacturing approaches. This segmentation enables the use of precision deposition techniques for each element while maintaining overall array integrity through standardized fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the spacing and arrangement parameters of sensor elements in the matrix to achieve high sensitivity without requiring extreme manufacturing precision. By carefully selecting element density and interconnect dimensions, the design balances sensing performance with manufacturability
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 results in high-sensitivity magnetic field detection with reduced noise, enabling the sensing of weak magnetic fields such as those from biological sources with improved precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical resistance of the first sensor element changes according to an alternating current flowing in the first interconnect and a sensed magnetic field applied to the first sensor element
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes a first sensor element and a first interconnect. The first sensor element includes a first magnetic layer, a first opposing magnetic layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the first opposing magnetic layer. A first magnetization of the first magnetic layer is aligned with a first length direction crossing a first stacking direction from the first magnetic layer toward the first opposing magnetic layer. At least a portion of the first interconnect extends along the first length direction. The first interconnect cross direction crosses the first length direction and is from the first sensor element toward the portion of the first interconnect. A first electrical resistance of the first sensor element changes according to an alternating current flowing in the first interconnect and a sensed magnetic field applied to the first sensor element.