Magnetic Sensor Signal Combining for Calibrated Position Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic position sensor systems face inaccuracies due to sensor imperfections such as offset, gain mismatch, and orientation errors, as well as magnetic source deviations, leading to suboptimal performance in determining linear or angular positions and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a substrate of multiple magnetic sensors combines sensor signals using a signal combiner and processing circuit, employing predefined time durations determined during calibration to reduce errors, allowing for high-accuracy position or orientation determination at rates up to 20 kHz to 20 MHz, and is insensitive to external disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic sensors and magnets are used without correction, then the system is simpler, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor imperfections and magnetic field deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual operation. The system measures the actual magnetic field distribution in advance, compares it with the ideal field, and stores correction values that are later applied during position determination to compensate for deviations without adding complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by introducing correction values for magnetic field strength and direction deviations. These parameter adjustments allow the system to account for non-ideal magnetic field characteristics and sensor imperfections, improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
2Productivity
If high sampling rates are used for fast position determination, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to increased noise and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using periodic calibration measurements to establish correction values. These correction values are then applied continuously during high-rate position determination, enabling fast sampling while maintaining accuracy through the periodic refinement of correction parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured magnetic field deviations from calibration to generate correction values that are fed back into the position determination algorithm. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high measurement rates while correcting for errors in real-time
3Measurement precision
If sensor trimming is performed to correct imperfections, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trimming procedures with a software-based calibration and correction approach. Instead of physically adjusting sensor parameters during manufacturing, the system performs electronic calibration measurements and applies computational corrections, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high measurement precision
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 system achieves precise position or orientation measurement with an absolute error less than 0.5° at high speeds, overcoming sensor and magnetic source imperfections, and reducing sensitivity to external fields.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate comprising a plurality of at least two magnetic sensors configured for providing a plurality of at least two sensor signals
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for determining a position of a magnetic source relative to the sensor device, or for determining an orientation of a uniform magnetic field relative to the sensor device, the sensor device comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors configured for providing a plurality of sensor signals; a signal combiner configured for combining the sensor signals into a combined waveform; a processing circuit configured for extracting said position or orientation from the combined waveform; wherein the signal combiner is configured for generating the combined waveform by including one or more portions of the sensor signals during respective predefined time durations, which time durations are determined during a calibration procedure, wherein at least two of said time durations have different values.