On-Chip Magnetic Field Coil for Autonomous Sensor Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensor testing methods require external magnetic field sources, which can be inconvenient and less accurate, especially for in-situ testing in applications like automotive and defense, where self-testing is desirable.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a magnetic field generating coil that produces a magnetic field on-chip, allowing the magnetic sensor to test its operation without external sources by generating first and second magnetic fields of opposite polarities, enabling autonomous testing and improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external magnetic field sources are used for testing, then testing can be performed, but testing convenience and accuracy deteriorate due to requiring external equipment and being less accurate for in-situ testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic field generating coil and magnetic sensor onto the same integrated circuit die, merging previously separate testing components into a single unified device. This integration eliminates the need for external magnetic field sources and enables autonomous in-situ testing, directly resolving the contradiction by improving both testing accuracy and convenience simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If a magnetic field generating coil is integrated on the same die, then autonomous testing and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field generating coil and magnetic sensor onto the same integrated circuit die, creating a self-contained testing system. This integration enables autonomous operation where the device tests itself without external equipment, directly improving automation extent while the merging process actually reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate external components.
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, autonomous testing of magnetic sensors with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced sensitivity to noise, allowing for reliable in-situ testing without external equipment, especially valuable for automotive and defense applications.
Implementation Method 1
activates generation of a first magnetic field by a magnetic field generating coil disposed on an integrated circuit
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic sensor disposed on the integrated circuit measures the generated magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a magnetic sensor and a magnetic field generating coil. A control circuit on the integrated circuit responds to an activation indication received by the integrated circuit to cause activation of generation of a first magnetic field by the magnetic field generating coil. The control circuit responds to a subsequent activation indication to generate a second magnetic field different from the first magnetic field. The first magnetic field may have a polarity opposite to a polarity of the second magnetic field. A communication interface may be used to communicate one or more indications associated with an expected magnetic field strength, such as coil resistance, and a measured magnetic field strength measured by the magnetic sensor. The magnetic field generating coil may be coaxial with the magnetic sensor and the magnetic field generating coil may have an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the magnetic sensor.