Series-Connected Hall Elements for Offset Voltage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Hall sensors face challenges in reducing offset voltage and power consumption, with complex arrangements and methods like 'spinning current' not fully addressing these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A Hall sensor design featuring four Hall elements connected in series, with specific connection configurations and modes, achieving reduced offset voltage and symmetric contact resistances, allowing for almost zero offset voltage without the need for complex parallel connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple Hall elements are connected in parallel to reduce offset voltage, then offset voltage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Hall sensor into multiple discrete Hall elements (first, second, third, and fourth Hall elements) that can be independently connected. Each Hall element has its own set of connection contacts, allowing modular assembly and flexible connection configurations to achieve offset voltage reduction without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple Hall elements into a single sensor device through series connection, where the output signals from individual Hall elements are merged. The connection contacts are interconnected to form a unified circuit that processes signals from all Hall elements, achieving offset voltage reduction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If complex connection arrangements are used to reduce offset voltage, then offset voltage is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connection strategies to different parts of the sensor. The first and second Hall elements are connected in series through their connection contacts, while the third and fourth Hall elements are also series-connected. This localized series connection arrangement reduces offset voltage in each region without requiring complex parallel arrangements that would increase overall power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If five-contact Hall elements are used with spinning current method, then offset voltage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal connection scheme that works with Hall elements having different numbers of contacts (four, five, or more than six contacts). The connection contacts are strategically selected and interconnected in a standardized pattern that accommodates various contact configurations, making the sensor design flexible and adaptable without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex parallel connections or five-contact elements with spinning current methods, the patent inverts the approach by using simple series connections with Hall elements having four or more contacts. This inverted strategy achieves offset voltage reduction through a simpler connection topology, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 series connection of Hall elements significantly reduces total offset voltage, achieving almost zero offset voltage across different modes, improving sensor performance and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
four Hall elements (20, 30, 40, 50) for generating a Hall voltage have a surface through which current flows, the normal vector of the surface being formed parallel to the direction of the component to be measured of the magnetic field penetrating the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
Hall sensor comprising a first Hall element with a first connection contact and with a second connection contact and with a third connection contact, a second Hall element with a fourth connection contact and with a fifth connection contact and with a sixth connection contact, a third Hall element with a seventh connection contact and with an eighth connection contact and with a ninth connection contact and a fourth Hall element with a tenth connection contact and with an eleventh connection contact and with a twelfth connection contact, wherein the first Hall element and the second Hall element and the third Hall element and the fourth Hall element are connected in series.