Side-Biased Current Sensor Asymmetric Magnet Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional current sensors have limited measurement dynamics, making them unsuitable for applications requiring accurate measurement of a wide range of currents, such as in battery management systems for electric vehicles, where currents vary significantly, and using multiple sensors or multi-die packages increases system cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A side-biased current sensor design featuring a magnet asymmetrically arranged with respect to multiple magnetic sensing elements, creating a bias magnetic field that varies in strength across the elements, allowing for improved measurement dynamics without the need for multiple sensors or complex systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional current sensors are used, then the measurement is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chip is divided into multiple magnetic sensing elements (first magnetic sensing element, second magnetic sensing element, etc.), each positioned at different distances from the magnet. This segmentation allows different elements to detect different current ranges, collectively extending the measurement dynamic range without requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different magnetic sensing elements are positioned at different locations with different distances from the magnet, creating local variations in magnetic field strength. The first magnetic sensing element is positioned closer to the magnet for detecting lower currents, while the second magnetic sensing element is positioned farther away for detecting higher currents, optimizing each element's local measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors or multi-die packages are used to extend measurement range, then the measurement dynamic range is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magnetic sensing elements are integrated onto a single sensor chip, combining their functions into one unified device. This merging approach achieves extended measurement dynamic range without the need for multiple separate sensors or multi-die packages, thereby reducing system cost and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor chip performs multiple measurement functions by utilizing different magnetic sensing elements for different current ranges. This multi-functionality allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If a symmetric magnet arrangement is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the measurement dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is positioned asymmetrically relative to the magnetic sensing elements, with the first magnetic sensing element positioned at a first distance from the magnet and the second magnetic sensing element positioned at a second distance from the magnet. This asymmetric arrangement creates different magnetic field strengths at different sensing elements, enabling extended measurement dynamic range while maintaining relatively simple sensor structure.
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 asymmetric biasing enables accurate measurement of both high and low currents within a large range, enhancing the sensor's dynamic range while maintaining system simplicity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet that produces a magnetic field, wherein the magnet is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element such that a strength of the magnetic field at the first magnetic sensing element is different from a strength of the magnetic field at the second magnetic sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor package may include a sensor chip to measure an amount of electrical current in a current medium. The sensor chip may include a first magnetic sensing element and a second magnetic sensing element. The semiconductor package may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field. The magnet may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first magnetic sensing element and the second magnetic sensing element such that a strength of the magnetic field at the first magnetic sensing element is different from a strength of the magnetic field at the second magnetic sensing element.