Redundant Current Sensor Using Integrated Magnetoresistive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redundant current sensors for battery systems require significant space and cost due to the need for multiple measurement systems, making it difficult to achieve sufficient measurement safety, especially in applications like vehicle safety where ASIL C classification is required.
Innovation Solution
A redundant current sensor is proposed, integrating two magnetoresistive sensors in a common semiconductor package, allowing for independent channels for current sensing with high functional safety, and enabling compact and cost-effective design through monolithic integration of sensors and amplifier circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate Hall sensors on two analog-to-digital converters are used for redundant current measurement, then measurement safety is improved, but device space and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two magnetoresistive sensors and their associated amplifier circuits into a single integrated sensor unit with a unified semiconductor package. This merging approach maintains the redundant measurement capability (improving reliability) while significantly reducing the space required compared to using two separate Hall sensor systems (reducing device area).
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions within a single device: it provides both redundant current measurement channels and integrates signal processing amplifiers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement channel, thereby reducing overall device space while maintaining measurement safety.
2Reliability
If two separate Hall sensors on two analog-to-digital converters are used for redundant current measurement, then measurement safety is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two magnetoresistive sensors and their amplifier circuits into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly complexity. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the redundant measurement functionality required for measurement safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical magnetoresistive sensor designs for both measurement channels, creating redundant copies within a single integrated package. This approach simplifies manufacturing compared to using different sensor types, as the same design can be replicated and integrated using standardized processes, thereby reducing cost while ensuring measurement safety.
3Area of stationary object
If a single-channel measurement with one sensor is used, then device space and cost are reduced, but measurement safety is insufficient for ASIL C classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two measurement channels and their processing circuits into a single integrated package, achieving compact form factor suitable for space-constrained applications while simultaneously providing the redundant measurement capability required for ASIL C safety classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or discrete electronic sensor systems with magnetoresistive sensors that can be integrated at the semiconductor level. This substitution enables compact integration of multiple measurement channels within a single package, providing both space efficiency and the redundant measurement capability needed for high safety standards.
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 provides reliable and compact current measurement with high accuracy and safety, reducing space and cost requirements while meeting the safety classification standards, such as ASIL C, by integrating two magnetoresistive sensors in a single package, enabling effective detection of magnetic fields and current monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The integrated magnetoresistive sensors based on the magnetoresistance effect can be configured as in each case integrated AMR (Anisotropic magnetoresistance), GMR (Giant magnetoresistance) or TMR (Tunnel magnetoresistance) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a redundant current sensor (100), comprising, in a common chip package (20), a first integrated magnetoresistive sensor circuit (110A) and a second integrated magnetoresistive sensor circuit (110B).