Magnetic Field Sensor Detecting Rotation Speed and Direction via Single Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Hall effect sensors with two Hall elements and dual outputs require complex configurations to determine rotational speed and direction, often necessitating multiple output nodes or signals, which can be cumbersome and prone to faults.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit (IC) with a magnetic field sensor that includes at least two magnetic field sensing elements and an output port to provide a single two-wire output signal indicating the angular direction and speed or fault status of a rotating magnetic structure, utilizing digital processing circuitry and frequency-locked loops to decode and convert magnetic field changes into a simplified output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional Hall effect sensors with two Hall elements and dual outputs are used, then rotational speed and direction can be detected, but the configuration becomes complex and requires multiple output nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed and direction detectionVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of detecting rotational speed and direction into a single magnetic field sensor that outputs both pieces of information through one output node. The sensor integrates multiple Hall elements and signal processing circuitry internally, merging what would traditionally require separate sensors and multiple output connections into a unified device that simplifies the overall system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple output nodes or signals are used for speed and direction sensing, then comprehensive rotational information is obtained, but the system becomes more prone to faults

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational information accuracyVSAvoidsystem fault susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple output signals into a single output node, the patent reduces the number of connection points and signal paths that could potentially fail. The integrated sensor processes all rotational information internally and presents it through one reliable output interface, thereby reducing the system's susceptibility to faults associated with multiple wires and connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If traditional dual output Hall sensor configuration is used, then rotational parameters can be measured, but the wiring and configuration become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational parameter measurementVSAvoidsensor installation and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple output functions into a single output node, dramatically simplifying the wiring requirements. Instead of requiring multiple separate connections for speed and direction signals, the integrated sensor provides all rotational information through one output interface, making installation and configuration much more straightforward and less error-prone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables efficient detection of rotational speed and direction, as well as fault identification, using a single two-wire output, simplifying the sensor configuration and improving fault detection capabilities compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

Traditionally, a Hall effect sensor with two Hall elements and with dual outputs in quadrature will switch on or off in the presence or absence of a magnetic field of sufficient strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10480957B2Magnetic field sensor to detect direction of angular rotation of a rotating magnetic structure, speed of the rotating magnetic structure or fault
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS LLC
  • US10480957B2 patent drawing
  • US10480957B2 patent drawing
  • US10480957B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a magnetic field sensor to detect speed and direction of angular rotation of a rotating magnetic structure. The magnetic field sensor includes at least two magnetic field sensing elements configured to sense changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation of the magnetic structure. The IC also includes an output port configured to provide an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. The output signal indicates the angular direction and one of the speed or a fault.