Magnetic Field Sensor Voltage Conversion Circuit Low Battery Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic field sensors used in automotive applications face limitations in sensitivity due to the wide range of voltage fluctuations, particularly at low battery voltages, which restrict their performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a peak voltage suppression circuit and a voltage conversion circuit within the electronic circuit of the magnetic field sensor, which generates a suppressed voltage and a converted voltage respectively, allowing the sensor to maintain high sensitivity even at low power supply voltages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the magnetic field sensor operates directly with the minimum battery voltage of about four volts, then the sensor can operate at low voltages, but the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensing element is greatly limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating voltage rangeVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary voltage conversion circuit between the battery and the magnetic field sensing element. This circuit converts the minimum battery voltage of about four volts into a higher operating voltage of about twelve volts, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while enabling operation at low battery voltages. The voltage conversion circuit acts as a mediator that decouples the sensing element from direct battery voltage dependence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor uses the full range of battery voltage swings including high voltage transients above fifty volts, then the sensor can handle voltage variations, but the high voltage may damage the sensor components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage toleranceVSAvoidsurvival under high voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements protective circuits that cushion the magnetic field sensor from high voltage transients before they can cause damage. The voltage conversion circuit is designed to clamp or limit the maximum voltage supplied to the sensing element, preventing exposure to destructive voltage levels above fifty volts while still allowing normal voltage variations. This prior protection ensures component survival during engine starting and other high-stress conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 the magnetic field sensor to operate with higher sensitivity than conventional sensors at minimum battery voltages, ensuring consistent performance across varying voltage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic field sensors generally include one or more magnetic field sensing elements along with other electronic components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

a voltage conversion circuit having an input node and an output node... A converted voltage is generated at the output node of the voltage conversion circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9291478B2Magnetic field sensor with improved sensitivity to magnetic fields

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A magnetic field sensor has internal power supply generating circuits to generate a higher operating voltage for a magnetic field sensing element, resulting in a magnetic field sensor with improved sensitivity to magnetic fields.