Series-Connected Hall Effect Sensor for Dual Magnetic Field Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Hall effect sensors face challenges in accurately measuring multiple components of a magnetic field with high spatial resolution and cost-effectiveness, particularly in compact configurations.
Innovation Solution
A Hall effect sensor device comprising multiple Hall effect elements arranged in series, with specific contact terminal configurations and semiconductor switches, allowing for differential measurement of magnetic field components by switching between circuit configurations to measure both in-plane and perpendicular field components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Hall effect elements are arranged to measure multiple magnetic field components, then measurement capability is improved, but device area and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the measurement function by using four separate Hall effect elements, each sensitive to different magnetic field components. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurement capability while maintaining a compact arrangement where the elements share common contact regions, reducing the overall device area compared to fully independent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple Hall effect elements into a compact configuration where they share common contact regions and are electrically connected in series. This merging allows the elements to function together as an integrated unit, measuring multiple magnetic field components simultaneously while minimizing the total device area through shared structural elements.
2Area of stationary object
If Hall effect elements are arranged in a compact configuration, then device area is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from lateral Hall effect elements to vertical Hall effect elements, utilizing the third dimension (depth) for the Hall voltage measurement. This dimensional change allows the elements to be arranged compactly in the planar view while maintaining precise measurement capability through the vertical configuration, effectively decoupling device area from measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lateral Hall effect sensors are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but offset voltage effects are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional lateral Hall effect configuration by using vertical Hall effect elements where the current flows perpendicular to the substrate surface and the Hall voltage is measured at contact regions on the substrate surface. This inversion fundamentally changes the geometry to eliminate offset voltage effects while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If four Hall effect elements are used to measure two magnetic field components, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four Hall effect elements are configured with multi-functionality, where each element can contribute to measuring different magnetic field components depending on the applied current direction. By switching the current direction through the series-connected elements, the same physical structure can measure both in-plane and perpendicular magnetic field components, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated sensors for each measurement function.
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 cost-effective, high-resolution measurement of two magnetic field components in a compact setup, with improved robustness against external conditions, by leveraging the symmetry and series connection of Hall effect elements and semiconductor switches.
Implementation Method 1
Vertical Hall effect sensors are known from EP 9 540 85 A1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,542,068
Data Source
AI summary
A Hall effect sensor with multiple Hall effect elements, each of the Hall effect elements having a first contact terminal, a second contact terminal, and a third contact terminal arranged along a straight line. The multiple Hall effect elements are electrically connected in series in a closed circuit. The second contact terminals of the Hall effect elements are supply voltage connections or Hall voltage pickoffs, and the applicable second contact terminal of the Hall effect element is a center contact of the Hall effect element. The Hall effect elements form two pairs, and the Hall effect elements of one pair each measure the same component of a magnetic field and an operating current is impressed on the series circuit in the two Hall effect elements of this one pair, and a supply voltage is applied to the Hall effect elements of the other pair.