Magnetoresistive Nano-Oscillator Frequency Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frequency sensors are limited in their ability to accurately measure frequencies within a wide range using multiple detectors, which increases size, complexity, and power consumption, and are not efficient for high-frequency applications.
Innovation Solution
A frequency sensor utilizing a magnetoresistive nano-oscillator with a magnetic heterostructure, including a magnetic free layer, a magnetic reference layer, and a non-magnetic intermediate layer, which couples incoming signals to magnetic modes, allowing for frequency estimation through time-averaged voltage calculations across the nano-oscillator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple frequency detectors are coupled together to measure frequency over finite intervals, then frequency sensing capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency detection functions into a single magnetoresistive nano-oscillator device. The magnetic heterostructure integrates the reference layer, free layer, and intermediate layer to create one unified sensor that can detect frequencies across broad ranges, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetoresistive nano-oscillator is designed as a universal frequency sensor capable of detecting frequencies across multiple bands (VHF, UHF, SHF) using a single device. The magnetic heterostructure can be tuned to respond to different frequency ranges, providing multi-functional capability without requiring multiple specialized detectors
2Measurement precision
If multiple frequency detectors are coupled together, then frequency sensing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into one nano-oscillator, which consumes power for a single oscillation system rather than multiple independent detectors. The magnetic heterostructure enables one device to perform what previously required multiple power-consuming detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator to optimize power consumption. By adjusting the magnetic field configuration and layer thicknesses in the heterostructure, the device achieves broad frequency detection capability with lower power requirements compared to conventional multi-detector systems
3Device complexity
If conventional frequency sensors are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but operating frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the magnetic heterostructure, including layer thicknesses, material compositions, and magnetic anisotropy, to enable the nano-oscillator to operate across VHF, UHF, and SHF bands. This parameter optimization allows a single simple device structure to achieve broad frequency adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite magnetic materials in the heterostructure, combining different ferromagnetic layers (CoFeB, CoFe) with non-magnetic spacer layers (Ru, Cu). This composite structure enables tuning of the resonant frequency and magnetic properties to achieve broad operating frequency range while maintaining a relatively simple single-device architecture
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
Enables accurate frequency estimation over a broad range using a single device, reducing size, complexity, and power consumption, and allowing operation up to higher frequencies compared to conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling element may for example include means for running the incoming signal as a current through the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator, thereby coupling the current of the incoming signal to the magnetic mode of the magnetic free layer via various possible mechanisms (such as spin transfer torque or local magnetic fields associated with the electrical current).
Implementation Method 2
The total resistance of the system (i.e. the stack of layers) may be a function of the relative orientation of the direction of magnetization in the magnetic free layer with respect to the direction of magnetization in the magnetic reference layer. This may be achieved for example via a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect (in e.g. spin-valves) or via a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) effect (in e.g. magnetic tunnel junctions).
Implementation Method 3
The total resistance of the system (i.e. the stack of layers) may be a function of the relative orientation of the direction of magnetization in the magnetic free layer with respect to the direction of magnetization in the magnetic reference layer. This may be achieved for example via a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect (in e.g. spin-valves) or via a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) effect (in e.g. magnetic tunnel junctions).
Implementation Method 4
The coupling arrangement may also for example include means for running the incoming signal in a field line adjacent to the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator, such that the resulting magnetic field generated by the flowing current in the field line couples to the at least one magnetic mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency sensor is provided. The frequency sensor may include: a magnetoresistive nano-oscillator including a magnetic heterostructure of at least a magnetic free layer, a magnetic reference layer and a non-magnetic intermediate layer arranged between the magnetic free layer and the magnetic reference layer; a coupling arrangement for coupling an incoming signal to at least one magnetic mode of the magnetic free layer, and a frequency estimator. The frequency estimator may be configured to: perform a plurality of voltage measurements across the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator over time; calculate a time averaged voltage across the magnetoresistive nano-oscillator based on the plurality of voltage measurements; estimate, over a finite range of frequencies, a frequency of the incoming signal based on the calculated time averaged voltage, and output a signal representative of the estimated frequency. A method of estimating a frequency of an incoming signal is also provided.