Sensor Arrangement With Constructive Magnetic Field Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic field sensors, such as XMR sensors, face limitations in measuring current strength due to the dependence on the strength of the magnetic field present, which can be affected by the arrangement of the electrically conductive line relative to the sensor elements, leading to reduced measurement accuracy and sensitivity, especially at lower current levels.
Innovation Solution
The sensor arrangement involves an electrically conductive line configured to pass through the sensor element multiple times, with portions on opposite sides of the sensor element, allowing the magnetic fields generated by the current in each portion to add constructively, thereby enhancing the magnetic field strength and signal accuracy at the sensor element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electrically conductive line is arranged close to the sensor elements to improve measurement sensitivity, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and multiple line portions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive line is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that are arranged on different sides of the sensor element. Each portion contributes to the magnetic field at the sensing location, allowing the system to achieve enhanced measurement sensitivity through the combined effect of segmented line portions rather than a single complex arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive line is configured to pass through the sensor element structure multiple times, with portions arranged on opposite sides and potentially within the same substrate layer. This nesting approach allows multiple functional portions of the line to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial regions, achieving enhanced magnetic field coupling without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple portions of the conductive line are arranged on opposite sides of the sensor element to achieve constructive magnetic field addition, then the measurement precision improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries the current to be measured and generates magnetic fields through multiple portions that add constructively at the sensor element. The same line structure achieves both current conduction and enhanced magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for separate dedicated magnetic field generation elements and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive line is arranged in three-dimensional space with portions on different sides (first side, second side, third side) of the sensor element. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows the magnetic fields from different portions to add constructively at the sensing location while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances, as the vertical and lateral positioning can be optimized independently through layer-by-layer fabrication processes
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 configuration enhances measurement accuracy and expands the measurement range to lower current strengths, improving signal-to-noise ratio and robustness against external magnetic fields, allowing for more precise detection of current strength.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field formed by the current in the first portion and a second magnetic field formed by the current in the second portion may at least partly add constructively at a sensing portion of the at least one sensor element
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic field sensors of a magneto-resistive type, e.g. of an XMR (X-Magneto-Resistive) type, eg. AMR (Anisotropic Magneto-Resistance), GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) and/or TMR—(Tunnel Magneto-Resistance-) sensors, may provide a possibility for measuring a strength of an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement is provided. The sensor arrangement may include at least one sensor element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and configured for sensing a magnetic field; and an electrically conductive line, wherein a first portion of the electrically conductive line may be arranged on the first side of the at least one sensor element and a second portion of the electrically conductive line may be arranged on the second side of the at least one sensor element in such a way that if a current is flowing through the electrically conductive line, the current has a first direction in the first portion and a second direction opposite the first direction in the second portion, such that a first magnetic field formed by the current in the first portion and a second magnetic field formed by the current in the second portion may at least partly add constructively at a sensing portion of the at least one sensor element.