Wiegand Module Magnetic Position Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic absolute position sensors using CMOS and FRAM technologies are complex, expensive, and limited by temperature stability, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high data traffic and energy efficiency, especially in environments without external energy supply.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic absolute position sensor is developed using a Wiegand module with a coil and Hall elements on a common integrated circuit, allowing for autonomous operation and efficient energy management, with Hall elements arranged to detect magnetic field changes and generate voltage pulses for position determination, and utilizing CMOS integration technology for robust and cost-effective data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CMOS and FRAM technologies are integrated in a single circuit for magnetic absolute position sensing, then data storage reliability and memory cycle life are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CMOS technology for sensing operations and FRAM technology for non-volatile data storage into a single integrated circuit. This merging allows the sensor to maintain reliable position data without external power supply while reducing the need for complex external memory interfaces and data management systems.
2Device complexity
If two separated integrated circuits are used for sensing and memory functions, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer speed and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the CMOS sensing circuit and FRAM memory circuit on the same substrate, the patent eliminates the need for external data interfaces between separate circuits. This reduces data transfer distance and time while improving energy efficiency, especially critical for applications without external power supply.
3Duration of action of moving object
If FRAM memory is used for non-volatile data storage, then memory cycle life is extended, but temperature stability and application range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compensation mechanisms that adjust operating parameters to maintain FRAM memory performance across varying temperature conditions. This allows the sensor to operate reliably in broader temperature ranges while preserving the high memory cycle life advantage of FRAM technology.
4Productivity
If a single integrated circuit combining CMOS and FRAM is used, then data traffic speed and energy efficiency are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated circuit into distinct CMOS sensing regions and FRAM memory regions, each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes and testing procedures that can reduce overall production costs while maintaining the performance benefits of integration.
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 sensor achieves reliable position determination with extended memory cycles and temperature stability, enabling broader application possibilities and efficient operation in energy-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a Wiegand module, which is composed of a Wiegand wire with a coil, which surrounds the Wiegand wire
Implementation Method 2
a measurement substrate, which defines a measurement plane, and which comprises a plurality of Hall elements, wherein the Hall elements are arranged on the measurement substrate such that their active areas, which are sensitive to a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an absolute position sensor. In one example, the absolute position sensor includes a Wiegand module and a control electronic that enable the absolute position sensor to operate in either a non-autonomous mode or an autonomous mode. In the autonomous mode there is no external energy available and a position sensor is supplied with energy by the Wiegand module.