Magnetic Sensor Wiring Layout via Multi-Layer Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensors face challenges in efficiently detecting vertical magnetic fields due to limitations in wiring layout and element arrangement, leading to wasted element area and reduced detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design that includes magnetoresistive effect elements arranged on a substrate with orthogonal wiring lines, a soft magnetic body, and insulation layers, allowing for parallel connection of elements and a bridge circuit configuration, which increases wiring layout freedom and reduces element area while maintaining sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetoresistive effect elements are arranged in both the first sidewise direction and the second sidewise direction of the soft magnetic body, then detection sensitivity is improved, but wiring layout becomes more difficult and element area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by forming the second wiring line on an insulation layer above the substrate, while the first wiring line remains on the substrate surface. This multi-layer wiring architecture allows elements in both sidewise directions to be connected without conflicting routing paths, resolving the wiring layout difficulty while maintaining high detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring system is segmented into two distinct layers: first wiring lines on the substrate surface and second wiring lines on the insulation layer. This segmentation separates the routing paths for different element connections, enabling independent optimization of each wiring layer and simplifying the overall wiring layout
2Reliability
If magnetoresistive effect elements are connected in parallel to reduce resistance values, then electrical performance is improved, but wiring complexity and element area increase
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension with the insulation layer, the patent enables parallel connections of multiple elements without requiring additional horizontal space. The second wiring line on the insulation layer provides dedicated return paths for parallel-connected elements, achieving low resistance values while minimizing element area
3Measurement precision
If elements are arranged to use both magnetic field components, then detection sensitivity is improved, but element area is wasted due to arrangement restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges elements in a grid pattern across the substrate surface, utilizing both sidewise directions. The multi-layer wiring system enables all elements to be electrically connected without requiring excessive spacing, thereby maximizing the use of element area while maintaining high detection sensitivity through comprehensive magnetic field utilization
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 enhances detection sensitivity and reduces the size and cost of the magnetic sensor by allowing for more flexible wiring and efficient use of elements, even with restricted arrangement relationships.
Implementation Method 1
a soft magnetic body, which converts an external vertical magnetic-field component into magnetic-field components in a horizontal direction
Implementation Method 2
an element such as, for example, a giant magneto resistive effect (GMR) element, which detects, based on a change in a resistance value, a difference between magnetization directions of a fixed magnetic layer and a free magnetization layer
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor includes a substrate, magnetoresistive effect elements arranged on a surface of the substrate, a first wiring line arranged on a surface of the substrate, an insulation layer configured to cover the magnetoresistive effect elements and the first wiring line, a soft magnetic body arranged on the insulation layer, and a second wiring line arranged on the insulation layer, wherein the magnetoresistive effect elements each extend in a first direction and are arranged while being separated from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a case of viewing in plan the substrate, the soft magnetic body includes a first direction extension portion that extends in the first direction, and when viewed in plan, the first direction extension portion is arranged between the magnetoresistive effect elements, and the second wiring line is connected to the first wiring line.