Parallel MR Element Array Layout for Low-Noise Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensors face challenges in reducing the diameter of magnetoresistive elements to enhance linear response while maintaining sensitivity and reducing noise, which leads to increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design that includes multiple magnetoresistive elements arranged in a specific configuration, with each element array connected in parallel, allowing for increased element count without increasing size, and utilizing a symmetrical layout to minimize noise and maintain high-frequency noise characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the diameter of magnetoresistive elements is reduced to expand the linear response range, then the response linearity is improved, but the sensitivity decreases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetoresistive element is divided into multiple segments (first part, second part, third part) with different numbers of elements in series, allowing each segment to contribute differently to the overall response characteristics while maintaining acceptable sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the element array have different configurations - the first and third parts have varying numbers of elements depending on the array, while the second part has a constant number, creating local variations in resistance and response characteristics to optimize both linearity and sensitivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of magnetoresistive elements is increased to suppress noise, then the noise is reduced, but the resistance increases and Johnson noise worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The element array is segmented into three parts with different numbers of elements, allowing the total resistance to be controlled while still utilizing multiple elements for noise suppression through parallel connection of multiple arrays
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple element arrays are connected in parallel, transitioning from a single-series configuration to a multi-parallel configuration, which reduces total resistance while maintaining the noise suppression benefits of having multiple elements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the number of magnetoresistive elements is increased to reduce noise, then the noise is suppressed, but the sensor size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple element arrays are merged and connected in parallel between common first and second terminals, allowing multiple magnetoresistive elements to be electrically combined in a compact configuration that reduces noise without proportionally increasing sensor size
Solution Approach 2:
The element arrays are arranged in a planar configuration with parts extending in different directions (first direction and second direction), efficiently utilizing the available area to accommodate multiple elements without significant size increase
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 design achieves a higher number of magnetoresistive elements with reduced noise and size, maintaining sensitivity and improving high-frequency noise characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetoresistive elements; multiple elements are among the plurality of magnetoresistive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor includes a plurality of MR elements and a plurality of element arrays. Each of the plurality of element arrays includes multiple MR elements. The plurality of element arrays are connected in parallel by a first terminal and a second terminal. Each of the plurality of element arrays includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. Each of the first part and the third part extends in a first direction. The second part extends in a second direction. The number of MR elements included in the first part and the third part differs depending on an element array. The number of MR elements included in the second part is the same regardless of the element array.