Vertical Hall Sensor Trace Layout for Stronger In-Plane Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Hall effect sensors face challenges in efficiently detecting magnetic fields perpendicular to the current flow, requiring high current levels and larger device areas for effective magnetic field detection, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The integration of magnetic concentrators with a vertical Hall sensor and a trace configuration that reinforces magnetic fields, allowing for efficient detection of magnetic fields parallel to the substrate surface, reducing current requirements and device area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high current is used to generate desired magnetic field strength, then magnetic field detection capability is improved, but device area and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trace structure with the magnetic concentrator by integrating the trace legs into the magnetic concentrator geometry. The trace legs are positioned to overlap with the magnetic concentrator, combining the current carrying function with the magnetic field concentrating function into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall device area while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The trace legs act as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: carrying current and generating/reinforcing the magnetic field. By positioning the trace legs to overlap the magnetic concentrator, the current flow through the trace legs directly contributes to strengthening the magnetic field in the sensing region, reducing the need for separate high-current paths
2Measurement precision
If high current is used to generate desired magnetic field strength, then magnetic field detection capability is improved, but design complexity and testing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the integrated trace-magnetic concentrator structure: current conduction, magnetic field generation, and magnetic field concentration are all achieved through the same integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall design, reducing testing and calibration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The trace legs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they conduct current, generate magnetic fields, and work in conjunction with the magnetic concentrator to reinforce and concentrate the magnetic field. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing design complexity and testing requirements
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 magnetic field detection sensitivity and reduces the complexity and cost of Hall effect sensors by reinforcing magnetic fields, enabling efficient and accurate magnetic field sensing.
Implementation Method 1
Hall effect sensors use a voltage caused by a Lorentz force exerted by a magnetic field (or B-field) on electrons in a current flowing through a conductor to detect and measure a component of the magnetic field that is perpendicular to the current flow
Implementation Method 2
Hall effect sensors use a voltage caused by a Lorentz force exerted by a magnetic field (or B-field) on electrons in a current flowing through a conductor
Implementation Method 3
magnetic concentrator... reinforcing magnetic fields to enhance detection efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a magnetic concentrator, a vertical Hall sensor, and a trace. The vertical Hall sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field oriented in a first dimension parallel to a substrate surface, and is located near the magnetic concentrator. The trace has first and second legs each oriented in a second dimension that is perpendicular to the first dimension and parallel to the substrate surface. The first leg is connected to the second leg in series between first and second ends of the trace. The first leg is located near the magnetic concentrator and so that a line perpendicular to and intersecting the substrate surface and the magnetic concentrator intersects the first leg. The second leg is located near the vertical Hall sensor.