Two-Terminal Linear Magnetic Field Sensor Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear magnetic field sensors require multiple connections (power, ground, and output) which increase cost and space requirements, particularly in low-cost applications like automotive tachometers and magnet actuated alarm systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-terminal magnetic field sensor design with a voltage-controlled current generating device, allowing for a single integrated circuit implementation with only power and ground terminals, which can operate as a current sink or source, and includes a Hall-effect or magnetoresistive element to sense magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional linear magnetic field sensors use a separate output connection in addition to power and ground connections, then the sensor can provide voltage output proportional to magnetic field, but the number of interconnections increases cost and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the output connection with either the power supply terminal or ground terminal, creating a two-terminal interface instead of the conventional three-terminal configuration. The voltage-controlled current generating device is connected between the power supply terminal and ground terminal, allowing the output signal to be carried on the existing power or ground connection without requiring a separate output wire, thereby reducing interconnection complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply terminal or ground terminal serves dual functions: it provides power/ground connection and simultaneously carries the magnetic field measurement output signal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated output terminal, reducing the number of interconnections required while preserving the sensor's measurement precision
2Reliability
If each interconnection is used in low-cost sensor applications, then the sensor can function properly, but the overall cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The output signal path is merged with the power supply or ground connection, eliminating the need for separate output wiring. This reduction in interconnection count directly lowers material costs and assembly complexity, making the sensor suitable for cost-sensitive applications while maintaining full sensor functionality through the voltage-controlled current generating device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the output signal function from a dedicated output terminal and relocates it to the existing power or ground terminal. This extraction eliminates the unnecessary output interconnection, reducing overall system cost while preserving the sensor's ability to provide voltage output proportional to the magnetic field
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 design reduces the number of interconnections needed, lowering system costs and saving space while maintaining proportional voltage output to the sensed magnetic field, suitable for applications like current sensing, motor control, and position/displacement sensing.
Implementation Method 1
The linear magnetic field sensor may include a Hall-effect element or a magnetoresistive (MR) element to sense the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The linear magnetic field sensor may include a Hall-effect element or a magnetoresistive (MR) element to sense the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The interface includes a voltage-controlled current generating device connected between the two terminals, controllable by the voltage to provide a current that is proportional to the sensed magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field sensor includes a linear magnetic field sensor to produce a voltage proportional to a sensed magnetic field and an interface having only two terminals for external connections. The two terminals of the interface include a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. The interface includes a voltage-controlled current generating device that is connected between the two terminals and is controlled by the voltage to provide a current signal that is proportional to the sensed magnetic field.