Magnetic Sensor Arrays with Odd-Numbered Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensors with arrays of magnetoresistive elements connected in series face challenges in maintaining consistent resistance values between arrays, requiring equal numbers of lower and upper electrodes in each array and a mechanism to connect arrays at every other row.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design featuring two paths with alternating arrays, each array containing an odd number of structures including magnetoresistive elements, with first and second electrodes alternately arranged to connect the structures in series, ensuring equal electrode counts in each array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If arrays are connected at every other row to reduce variations in resistance values, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetoresistive element and electrode into a unified structure where the electrode is integrated directly with the magnetoresistive element. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms between arrays, as adjacent magnetoresistive elements share common electrodes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining resistance value consistency through the alternating array connection pattern.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of lower electrodes and upper electrodes are made equal in each array, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of magnetoresistive elements within arrays, where odd-numbered and even-numbered arrays have different configurations. This asymmetry allows adjacent arrays to share common electrodes, enabling equal electrode counts across arrays without requiring additional structural constraints or connection mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
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 design allows for the equalization of the number of first and second electrodes in each array, reducing variations in resistance values between arrays and enabling effective connection at every other row, thereby enhancing the consistency and reliability of the magnetic sensor.
Implementation Method 1
If TMR elements or CPP GMR elements are used as magnetoresistive elements
Implementation Method 2
If TMR elements or CPP GMR elements are used as magnetoresistive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor includes a first path and a second path, a plurality of structures, and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes. The first path includes at least one first array. The second path includes at least one second array. The at least one first array and the at least one second array are disposed so that they are arranged in a first direction. The at least one first array and the at least one second array each include an odd number of structures disposed so that they are arranged in a second direction.