Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080211490 | MAGNETIC DETECTOR AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A magnetic detector includes a magnetoresistive element and a fixed resistor that are constituted from identical laminates. Hard bias layers are disposed on two sides of the fixed resistor each with a gap therebetween. The magnetoresistive element includes a magnetic layer, magnetization direction of which is variable; the fixed resistor includes a magnetic layer corresponding to the magnetic layer of the magnetoresistive element; and the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer of the fixed resistor is pinned by a bias magnetic field from the hard bias layers | 09-04-2008 |
20080218159 | Sensor System For Determining a Position or a Rotational Speed of an Object - Magnetic field sensors may be used for determination of a position or of a rotational speed of an object. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sensor system comprises a sensor unit generating a frequency output reflecting the rotational speed or the position of the object, wherein the frequency output has a higher frequency than an encoding frequency of the object. This may provide for an improved resolution. The intrinsic sensor characteristic leads to a signal having twice or four times the frequency of the encoded magnetic field. The sensor may be a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) sensor. | 09-11-2008 |
20080258716 | Magneto-Resistive Sensor With Test Mode Activation - In particular in automotive applications, sensor systems comprising geometrical leak shift sensor elements must fulfill properties and requirements with respect to quality, accuracy and safety. For this, sensors have to be tested and trimmed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a magneto-resistive sensor is provided, allowing for a testing and trimming of the sensor elements by applying a homogenous magnetic field to the sensor Advantageously, this allows for the provision of a magneto-resistive sensor, having a simple arrangement. | 10-23-2008 |
20080265876 | SENSOR MODULE FOR DETECTING RELATIVE DISPLACEMENT AND METHOD OF DETECTING MOVING DIRECTION USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a sensor module for detecting a relative displacement of an object having a groove pattern with alternately formed projection and depression, which comprises a magnet for generating a magnetic field; a giant magneto resistance (GMR) sensor installed between the magnet and the object to detect a variation in the magnetic field and output an electric signal; a signal processing part for processing the output signal from the GMR sensor to output a square wave; and a housing for supporting the magnet the GMR sensor and the signal processing part, and a method of detecting a moving direction using the same. | 10-30-2008 |
20080284419 | Magnetic Material Sensor and Detection Method Employing this Sensor, and Target Material Detection Sensor and Target Material Detection Kit - The present invention provides an appropriately produced magnetic material sensor having a small size. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284420 | POSITION DETECTING DEVICE - Disclosed is a position detecting device provided with a magnetoresistive element that can accurately detect a position using a magnet and a detector that moves opposite to the magnet. A front surface of a magnet having a circular shape is magnetized to the N-pole, and a rear surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves in the X-Y plane at a position that is spaced from the front surface of the magnet. The detector is provided with an X direction detecting element and a Y direction detecting element. The X direction detecting element and the Y direction detecting element are magnetoresistive elements. The front surface of the magnet is tapered such that the center thereof protrudes. | 11-20-2008 |
20080309327 | Position Detector and Method for Detecting a Position of a Packaging Material with Magnetic Marking - A position detector arrangement for detecting a position of a packaging material with magnetic marking comprises a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of magnetic sensor units each comprising an output providing an output signal. The magnetic sensor units are arranged in at least two sensor unit pairs, with the sensor units of each pair arranged with opposite sensitivity directions, and with the sensor units arranged to sense magnetic markings of the packaging material. A signal processing assembly is connected to the outputs of the magnetic sensors and comprises a combiner arranged to aggregate the output signals of the sensors to an aggregated signal; and a detector arranged to determine the position of the packaging material from the aggregated signal. Further, a method for detecting a position of a packaging material with magnetic markings is disclosed. | 12-18-2008 |
20090001970 | MAGNETIC ENCODER - A magnetic encoder is provided, in which a large output voltage (a large amplitude) is obtained so that the magnetic encoder can have a strong resistance to external noise and so that malfunction can be prevented. | 01-01-2009 |
20090033317 | Position Detector - In a position detecting apparatus, a magnetic scale part has a magnetic pattern formed by magnetization along a longitudinal direction. An increased magnetization part is arranged at an end portion of the magnetic scale part in the longitudinal direction. The increased magnetization part is magnetized with an increased intensity of magnetization as compared to the magnetic scale part. A magnetic field shaping part is disposed adjacent to the magnetic scale part for shaping a magnetic field generated from the magnetic scale part. A magnetic detection part detects both the magnetic field from the magnetic pattern of the magnetic scale part and the magnetic field from the increased magnetization part. The magnetic detection part is arranged in opposed relation to the magnetic scale part movably in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic scale part. The magnetic pattern and the increased magnetization part are arranged along a track through which the magnetic detection part moves. | 02-05-2009 |
20090039875 | Position Detector and Positioning Device - A position detector ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090051353 | POSITION DETECTOR INCLUDING MAGNETORESISTIVE ELEMENTS - A circular top surface of a magnet is magnetized to the N-pole, and a back surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves within the X-Y plane at positions located away from the top surface of the magnet. A pair of X-direction detecting elements and a pair of the Y-direction detecting elements are provided in the detector. In the X-direction detecting elements, the directions of a bias magnetic field provided to free magnetic layers are opposite to each other. When the detector moves in the Y direction, a decrease in the sensitivity of one of the X-direction detecting elements is compensated for by an improvement in the sensitivity of the other element. This also applies to the Y-direction detecting elements. Accordingly, position detection outputs of the X direction and the Y direction can be accurately obtained from the detector. | 02-26-2009 |
20090058402 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT INCLUDING MAGNETO-RESISTIVE STRUCTURES - An integrated circuit includes two first adjacent magneto-resistive effect (xMR) structures. Each first xMR structure is configured to sense a first magnetic field direction. The integrated circuit includes two second adjacent xMR structures at a distance from the two first xMR structures. Each second xMR structure is configured to sense a second magnetic field direction. The two first xMR structures and the two second xMR structures are configured for in-plane magnetic field components perpendicular to the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and phase shifted by approximately 90° from the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field acting on the two first xMR structures and the two second xMR structures. | 03-05-2009 |
20090102464 | MATCHING OF GMR SENSORS IN A BRIDGE - A magnetoresistive (MR) sensing device includes MR elements electrically connected to form a bridge circuit and one or more non-functional (or “dummy”) MR elements for improved matching of the bridge circuit MR elements. | 04-23-2009 |
20090102465 | MAGNETO-RESISTIVE SENSORS WITH IMPROVED OUTPUT SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS - The present invention provides a magnetoresistive sensor ( | 04-23-2009 |
20090115407 | MOVABLE BODY POSITION DETECTING DEVICE - Disclosed is a technique for detecting the failure of a device without depending on A computer. | 05-07-2009 |
20090128138 | METHOD FOR CORRECTING MAGNETIC BASED ORIENTATION MEASUREMENTS FOR LOCAL BIASING FIELDS - A method of determining an orientation of a data acquisition system deployed on a seafloor includes measuring horizontal magnetic fields using detectors on the data acquisition system while the data acquisition rotates and descends to the seafloor or rises from the seafloor. Resting horizontal magnetic fields are measured after the data acquisition system is on the seafloor. A heading of the data acquisition system on the seafloor may be determined based on maximum and minimum horizontal magnetic fields measured during the descent and the resting horizontal magnetic fields. | 05-21-2009 |
20090146647 | SYSTEM INCLUDING SENSING ELEMENTS AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES FROM VERTICAL MAGNETIC FIELD LINES - A system including a magnet, a first magneto-resistive sensing element, and a second magneto-resistive sensing element. The magnet is configured to provide a magnetic field. The first magneto-resistive sensing element is situated in the magnetic field and the second magneto-resistive sensing element is situated in the magnetic field. The second magneto-resistive sensing element is laterally a greater distance from vertical magnetic field lines of the magnetic field than the first magneto-resistive sensing element. | 06-11-2009 |
20090184708 | MAGNETORESISTIVE CONTINUOUS SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR - A magnetoresistive continuous seat track position sensor system to determine longitudinal movement of the seat along a length of a track is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a magnetic array in a fixed position and having a width and a length along said seat track length. The array is equipped with a plurality of magnets arranged along the length of said array. The magnets have a polarity oriented at an angle θ relative to each other. The system further includes a magnetoresistive sensor in spaced apart close proximity to the magnetic array. In one embodiment, the magnetoresistive sensor is movable relative to the array. Movement of the sensor relative to the array creates a sensor signal indicative of the longitudinal position of said seat in said track to control auxiliary safety features. | 07-23-2009 |
20090189601 | MAGNETIC SENSOR AND ROTATION-ANGLE-DETECTING APPARATUS - A magnetic sensor comprising a bridge circuit in which four magnetoresistive devices are connected, the magnetoresistive device comprising a spin-valve, giant-magnetoresistive film comprising a pinned layer having unidirectional magnetic anisotropy, a free layer whose magnetization direction is rotated in alignment with an external magnetic field direction, and an intermediate layer sandwiched by the pinned layer and the free layer, and at least one of the magnetoresistive devices meeting the condition of 36°≦θ<45°, wherein θ is an acute angle between its longitudinal direction and the magnetization direction of the pinned layer. | 07-30-2009 |
20090195242 | SWING TYPE SWITCHING DEVICE INCLUDING MAGNET AND MAGNETORESISTIVE ELEMENT - A swing type switching device includes: an operation body that can swing and automatically returns to a neutral posture during a non-operation; a permanent magnet that moves along a predetermined plane by being interlocked with the operation body and is positioned at a neutral position during the non-operation of the operation body; and a magnetoresistive element of which the electrical resistance is changed in accordance with the change of a magnetic field that is caused by the movement of the permanent magnet. An operation position of the operation body can be detected on the basis of the change of the resistance of the magnetoresistive element, and the permanent magnet is magnetized so that pole faces thereof extend along the predetermined plane, and the magnetoresistive element is formed in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to a height direction of the permanent magnet positioned at the neutral position, and one pole face of the permanent magnet is close to and faces a side portion of the magnetoresistive element at the neutral position. | 08-06-2009 |
20090251134 | Rotation detection apparatus - A rotation detection apparatus for detecting a rotation state of a gear is disclosed. The rotation detection apparatus includes a magnetic sensor, a magnetic filed generation unit, and a self-diagnosis unit. The sensor includes: a bias magnet for generating a bias magnetic field extending toward the gear; and a magnetic-electric conversion element for sensing the bias magnetic field acting thereon. When the gear is in a stationary state, the magnetic filed generation unit generates a diagnosis use magnetic field extending toward the magnetic-electric conversion element. The self-diagnosis unit determines whether the magnetic sensor has a failure based on an output from the magnetic-electric conversion element that is subjected to the bias magnetic field and the self-diagnosis use magnetic field. | 10-08-2009 |
20090256552 | GEAR TOOTH SENSOR WITH SINGLE MAGNETORESISTIVE BRIDGE - The invention discloses a rotation sensor suitable for gear wheels. MR (magneto-resistive) sensors are placed inside a zero field region generated by at least two permanent magnets. Said sensors are divided into two groups that are immersed in different locally generated magnetic environments. A differential signal taken between the two groups then senses the movement of the wheel's teeth. A single wafer method for manufacturing the device is also briefly described. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256553 | MAGNETORESISTIVE ARRAY DESIGN FOR IMPROVED SENSOR-TO-MAGNET CARRIER TOLERANCES - An AMR array magnetic position sensing method and system for improving sensor-to-magnet carrier misposition. A magnetic carrier can be provided, which maintains two or more magnets with angled magnetic vectors position above an array of AMR array sensors. The magnet carrier can then be passed over the AMR array sensors to generate an output signal having less susceptibility to variations in air gap because the angles of flux lines generated by the magnets do not change much with air gap variation. The AMR array sensors are generally sensitive to variation in a direction being sensed, because a constant magnetic field angle sensed by AMR runners located on the AMR array sensors do not change with respect to variation in other directions. | 10-15-2009 |
20090278532 | Angular position sensing device - An angular position sensing device suitable for use in a mobility vehicle, particularly as a speed control input device. First and second magnetic sensors are rotationally offset with respect to each other within a plane and orientated and connected such that their outputs are complementary and related to magnetic field direction. A magnetic field source is provided rotatable relative to the first and second sensors within the plane such as to vary the direction of a magnetic field applied to the first and second sensors. A sensing circuit monitors the outputs of the sensors and provides an output which may be used as a speed control input for an electric vehicle. The magnetic sensors are preferably giant magneto resistive magnetic sensors having a sine/cosine relationship. | 11-12-2009 |
20090284254 | Magnetic sensor - A magnetic sensor capable of detecting a magnetic field with high sensitivity is provided. The magnetic sensor includes a bridge circuit having a plurality of magneto resistive effect elements connected with each other, and is capable of detecting a differential voltage between predetermined connecting points. The magneto resistive effect elements output resistance values which vary in accordance with a direction of a magnetic field to be input, and are arranged such that fixed magnetization directions of all magneto resistive effect elements are in the same direction. Further, a magnetic body which changes the direction of the magnetic field to be input to the magneto resistive effect elements is also provided in the vicinity of the bridge circuit. | 11-19-2009 |
20090295375 | Rotation sensor - A rotation sensor for detecting rotation of an object includes a semiconductor substrate, a vertical Hall element, and a magnetoresistive element. The vertical Hall element is formed in the semiconductor substrate to detect a magnetic field parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The vertical Hall element outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected magnetic field. The magnetoresistive element is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a resistance value changing with strength of the magnetic field. The magnetoresistive element outputs a resistance signal corresponding to the resistance value. The rotation is detected based on the detection signal and the resistance signal. | 12-03-2009 |
20090309580 | AMR ARRAY MAGNETIC DESIGN FOR IMPROVED SENSOR FLEXIBILITY AND IMPROVED AIR GAP PERFORMANCE - An AMR array magnetic position sensing system for improved sensor flexibility and improved air gap performance is disclosed. A pair of magnets can be enclosed in a magnet carrier that moves along a path and located above an array of AMR position sensors. The magnets are generally magnetized through the length of the magnets, and the magnets are positioned in the carrier such that an angle between the magnets exists in a manner similar to an angle made by AMR runners on a surface of the AMR positions sensors to create magnetic flux lines thereof. The AMR position sensors come into contact with the uniform magnetic flux lines to sense a change in linear and angular position associated with the magnet carrier. The output signal generated by the AMR position sensors have less susceptibility to variations in air gap as the angles of the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnets do note change with respect to air gap variation. | 12-17-2009 |
20090309581 | Method and System for Adjusting the Sensitivity of a Magnetoresistive Sensor - The system for measuring high currents or magnetic fields using a magnetoresistive sensor ( | 12-17-2009 |
20090309582 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING POSITION OF MAGNETIC ELEMENT - An exemplary apparatus for detecting whether a magnetic element is mounted at a correct position on a retaining member is provided. The apparatus includes a holder, a magnetoresistive sensor, and a processor. The magnetoresistive sensor is held by the holder and capable of sensing a present magnetic flux from the magnetic element to the magnetoresistive sensor. The processor is electrically connected to the magnetoresistive sensor and has a predetermined reference magnetic flux stored information therein, configured for obtaining the present magnetic flux and comparing the present magnetic flux with the reference magnetic flux information, thereby detecting whether a magnetic element is mounted at a correct position on a retaining member. | 12-17-2009 |
20090315543 | Gear tooth sensor (GTS) with magnetoresistive bridge - The invention discloses a method and apparatus for determining the rotational status of a gear wheel whether or not it is actually turning. A key feature is the magnetic angle sensor that is used. Said sensor comprises a bridge structure of four MR devices in a square array. The direction of the pinned reference layer is the same for all four devices and lies along one of the diagonals of said square array. A single wafer process is used to manufacture the invented device. | 12-24-2009 |
20090322319 | MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR WITH TUNNEL BARRIER AND METHOD - Magnetoresistive sensors with tunnel barrier and method. One embodiment provides a magnetoresistive sensor having a magnetic tunnel junction is provided. The magnetic tunnel junction includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes carbon, pyrolytic carbon, or graphene, or graphite. | 12-31-2009 |
20100007339 | INTEGRATED SENSOR AND MAGNETIC FIELD CONCENTRATOR DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention are related to integrated sensor and magnetic concentrator devices and methods. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a sensor device and a magnetic field concentrator. The sensor device comprises a first sensor element, a second sensor element, and a third sensor element, the first sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a first gap, and the second sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a second gap. The magnetic field concentrator comprises a first magnetic element disposed in the first gap and a second magnetic element disposed in the second gap. | 01-14-2010 |
20100045274 | SILICON MEMS RESONATOR DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments of the invention are related to MEMS devices and methods. In one embodiment, a MEMS device includes a resonator element comprising a magnetic portion having a fixed magnetization, and at least one sensor element comprising a magnetoresistive portion, wherein a magnetization and a resistivity of the magnetoresistive portion vary according to a proximity of the magnetic portion. | 02-25-2010 |
20100085040 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING SPEED AND DIRECTION OF SLOTTED TARGETS UTILIZING DUAL MAGNETIC SENSOR PACKAGING - A magnetic sensing apparatus and method that determines the speed and direction of gears or slotted targets. A magnet can be placed proximate to the slotted target to create a magnetic field. An integrated circuit is formed on a substrate containing two or more magnetoresistive sensors occupying the same area. This integrated circuit is biased from the magnet which is placed in close proximity. The magnetoresistive sensors are intertwined with the first magnetoresistive sensor, offset from the second magnetoresistive sensor. The magnetoresistive sensors produce phase shifted output signals representing magnetic flux flowing through the magnetoresistive sensors such that the magnetoresistive sensors are reactive to gap and angular changes in the circular track of the ferrous target. The phase shift of the signals needed to determine direction is sufficiently maintained for a variety of target feature sizes and spacing. | 04-08-2010 |
20100085041 | MAGNETO-RESISTANCE BASED NANO-SCALE POSITION SENSOR - A position sensor and method include a magnetic component, a first magneto-resistive sensor disposed in proximity to the magnet/coil; and a second magneto-resistive sensor disposed in proximity to the magnetic component and the first magneto-resistive sensor. The first magneto-resistive sensor and second magneto-resistive sensor are configured to sense changes in a stray magnetic field created by the magnetic component in accordance with a relative positional change between the magnetic component and the first and second magneto-resistive sensors. | 04-08-2010 |
20100097051 | INCREMENTAL POSITION, SPEED AND DIRECTION DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ROTATING TARGETS UTILIZING MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR - An apparatus and method that determines the incremental speed, position and direction of rotating targets using magnetoresistive sensors. A magnet is mounted on a rotating target on the same axis of rotation such that the magnet spins with the target. A magnetoresistive sensor is positioned proximate to the magnet such that the changes in magnetic field are detected by the sensors. An interpolating integrated circuit divides signals into small angular increments and converts data to digital form. These signals can be used to determine the angular speed, position, and direction of the rotating target. This results in a much more accurate determination of angular speed, position and direction of a rotating target regardless of the composition of the target or the environment in which it operates. | 04-22-2010 |
20100127696 | MAGNETORESISTANCE SENSORS FOR POSITION AND ORIENTATION DETERMINATION - A magnetoresistance sensor for use in a position and orientation tracking system includes an insulating substrate, a pattern of a metal material and/or a semiconductor material deposited on a surface of the insulating substrate, and a bias magnet material deposited over the alternating pattern of a metal material and a semiconductor material. The position and orientation tracking system includes at least one magnetoresistance reference sensor attached to a fixed object, at least one magnetoresistance sensor attached to an object being tracked, and a processor coupled to the at least one magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one magnetoresistance sensor. | 05-27-2010 |
20100141243 | RESISTIVE POSITION-SENSING SYSTEM INCLUDING A STACKED SWITCH ARRAY, AND COMPONENTS THEREOF - The position-monitoring system consists of cooperating arrays in the form of an assembly of switch/resistance element units, serving as a sensor component, and an assembly of magnet units, serving as an actuator component, each switch unit including a switching device that is magnetically operated for connecting or disconnecting an associated resistance element to or from a common circuit through the switch stack. The resultant change of resistance in the common circuit is detected and utilized for determining the position of a movable member, to which one of the stacks is operatively attached, relative to another member to which the other stack is attached. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141244 | ANORDNUNG UND VERFAHREN ZUR ABSOLUTBESTIMMUNG DER LINEARPOSITION ODER DER DURCH EINEN WINKEL AUSGEDRUCKTEN DREHPOSITION - Disclosed are absolute measuring systems comprising measuring rods that are composed of groups of at least two magnetic segments. The magnetic segments of at least one group have the same length in the direction of measurement while the magnetic segments of the different groups have different lengths. For arrangements encompassing more than two sensors on the single-track measuring rods, multistage phase difference processes are disclosed which result in high resolutions and accurate measurements while allowing for great measured lengths and, when anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors are used, for example, an unambiguous angle measurement range of 360°. FIG. | 06-10-2010 |
20100164485 | NONCONTACT POSITION SENSOR - A non-contact position sensor includes a magnet, first to third magnetoresistive elements arranged on a line extending in a predetermined direction on a pole surface of the magnet with predetermined intervals, and an object made of magnetic material displaceable in the predetermined direction. The first to third magnetoresistive elements are connected serially between a power supply and a ground. The first magnetoresistive element is connected to the second magnetoresistive element at a first node. The second magnetoresistive element is connected to the third magnetoresistive element at a second node. The object includes a projection and a shaft connected to the projection. The projection can face the first to third magnetoresistive elements. The shaft is located away from the pole surface by a distance longer than a distance between the projection and the pole surface of the magnet. This non-contact position sensor does not include a component having a complicated shape and can be manufactured easily. | 07-01-2010 |
20100207612 | Flat profile with mounting grooves - In order to facilitate the assembly of an elongated magnetostrictive sensor in an enveloping tight protective profile, the sensor unit according to the invention comprises a head piece which closes the face of the protective profile and which partially reaches into the protective profile, wherein the wave conductor unit and also the circuit board are initially connected form locked with the head piece and electrically connected therewith. | 08-19-2010 |
20100237856 | ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTACTLESSLY MEASURING A POSITION USING A MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE ARRANGEMENT - The disclosure relates to an arrangement for contactlessly measuring a position using a magnetoresistive sensor, the displacement-proportional transfer characteristic of which has a plurality of ranges which are suitable for a position measurement and associated characteristic curve sections of which have both positive and negative gradients. The arrangement can be included in a position regulator which has control electronics which, with the aid of a microcontroller, receive one or more input signals and output actuating signals for controlling the actuating drive. A method is also disclosed for operating the arrangement. For example, to uniquely associate the direction of movement of the displacement pick-off shaft with the effective direction of the drive, at least one range sensor for detecting the characteristic curve range of the magnetoresistive measuring system, which is in the form of a magnetoresistor potentiometer, in which the position is measured, is proposed. The range sensor can be connected to the control electronics. The activity of each range sensor can be assigned a sign for the gradient of the characteristic curve section of the measuring system in which the position is measured, which sign can be used to infer the effective direction of the actuating drive. | 09-23-2010 |
20100253326 | MAGNETIC SURFACE ACOUSTIC WAVE SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A magnetic sensor that includes a magnetic film deposited on a surface acoustic wave device. The surface acoustic wave device includes an input interdigital transducer and an output interdigital transducer. An RF voltage can be applied at the input interdigital transducer in order to generate acoustic waves, which can travel via the magnetic material to the output interdigital transducer. The application of an external magnetic field alters the conductivity of the magnetic material. Such a change in conductivity attenuates the velocity of the traveling surface acoustic wave and an output frequency due to electro acoustic interaction. The change in the applied magnetic field can be indirectly monitored as a change in output frequency of the SAW device at the output interdigital transducer. | 10-07-2010 |
20100271013 | ANGULAR POSITION MEASURING DEVICE - The invention relates to an angular position measuring device ( | 10-28-2010 |
20110025309 | ANGLE-OF-ROTATION SENSOR APPARATUS - The angle-of-rotation sensor apparatus of the invention comprises a shaft supported rotatably about an axial center, a permanent magnet fixed to one end face of the shaft, and a magnetic field sensor device located in opposition to the permanent magnet at a constant spacing. The permanent magnet used is in a cuboidal shape and magnetized in the minor axis (X) direction at the rectangular surface opposing to the magnetic field sensor device. The minor axis side is defined as the X direction and the major axis side as the Y direction. Given the opposing surface of the same area, the area where the angle distribution of the magnetic field emitted out of the permanent magnet can be placed in a uniform direction is made so wide that the tolerance range for axial alignment errors between the magnetic field sensor device and the permanent magnet can be enlarged. | 02-03-2011 |
20110050211 | TRAPEZOIDAL READER FOR ULTRA HIGH DENSITY MAGNETIC RECORDING - A magnetic sensor comprises a sensor stack and magnetic bias elements positioned adjacent each side of the sensor stack. The sensor stack and bias elements have substantially trapezoidal shapes. | 03-03-2011 |
20110074399 | MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR FOR DETERMINING AN ANGLE OR A POSITION - A magneto-resistive resistor for use in sensors for determining alignment of the sensor relative to a homogeneous magnetic field include an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) strip having a longitudinal extent and a first and second edge along the longitudinal extent. The first and second edge have a shape along the longitudinal extent such that the direction of current flowing through the strip varies continuously along the longitudinal extent of the strip. The shape of the first and second edges produce a resistance determining angle with respect to the homogeneous magnetic field, the angle varying throughout the length of the strip and filtering out harmonics. A sensor bridge comprising at least one AMR resistor pair, each resistor electrically connected to the other resistor, a positive input contact and a negative input, and an output voltage tap electrically connected between the resistors in each resistor pair. | 03-31-2011 |
20110115477 | ROTATIONAL ANGLE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - The object of the invention is to provide a rotational angle measurement apparatus that is capable of correcting an error due to pin-angle error with a small amount of calculation operation. | 05-19-2011 |
20110133728 | ANGLE SENSOR - An angle sensor includes: a magnet mounted in a rotatable rotation body so as to be rotatable with the rotation body; a circular yoke extending in a circular shape so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the magnet around a rotation shaft of the magnet and having a notched portion in a part thereof in an extension direction of the circular yoke; and a magneto-resistive effect element disposed in the notched portion and detecting a direction of a magnetic field generated in the notched portion. A rotation angle of the magnet matches a direction of a magnetic field applied to the GMR element. | 06-09-2011 |
20110163739 | SELF-PINNED SPIN VALVE MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT FILM AND MAGNETIC SENSOR USING THE SAME, AND ROTATION ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - Provided are a self-pinned spin valve magnetoresistance effect film, a magnetic sensor using the same, and a rotation angle detection device. The self-pinned spin valve magnetoresistance effect film has a strong coupling magnetic field in a pinned layer, a small reduction in the change in resistance, and superior resistance to magnetic fields without reducing the coercive force in a first ferromagnetic layer, which is a pinned layer in the film, even when exposed to a strong external magnetic field. By inserting a non-magnetic layer between a ground layer and a pinned layer to form the spin valve magnetoresistance effect film, the self-pinned spin valve magnetoresistance effect film having superior resistance to magnetic fields, a magnetic sensor using the same, and a rotation angle detection device are obtained. | 07-07-2011 |
20110187354 | MAGNETIC FIELD ANGULAR SENSOR AND SENSING METHOD - A magnetoresistive angular sensor and sensing method, in which an external magnetic field generator is used to provide a first mode in which a dc external magnetic field is provided in a predetermined direction and which dominates over the magnetic field generated by the input device being sensed. In a second mode, the external magnetic field is smaller. The angular sensor arrangement outputs from the two modes are combined, and this enables the input device angular orientation to be determined with offset voltage compensation. | 08-04-2011 |
20110204882 | AIRCRAFT VEHICULAR PROPULSION SYSTEM MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD - Methods/systems for monitoring an aircraft propulsion system is described. The measurement system/method provides for accurate and precise monitoring of rotating members in an aircraft vehicle propulsion system. The measuring system/method provides for a high reliability aircraft in which the propulsion dynamically rotating drive shaft system and couplings are monitored in real time. The vehicular measuring system utilizes multiple positional sensors to provide highly reliable and precise determination of the dynamic characteristics of the rotating sensor target components of the aircraft system. The relative position of the sensors is rigidly fixed externally from the rotating targets with a structural frame. The measuring system provides a misalignment measurement of the propulsion system drive shaft flexible coupling which relates to a critical performance of rotating shaft coupling in the operation of an aircraft vehicle. The method/system provides for monitoring a rotating drive shaft system and dynamically measuring a rotating drive shaft coupling in an aircraft. | 08-25-2011 |
20110260715 | VALVE POSITION SENSOR - A valve position sensor of a sliding sleeve of a flow control valve comprising a sleeve displacement converting means for converting a sleeve displacement into a radial displacement, and a measuring means for detecting the radial displacement and correlating the radial displacement to the position of the sliding sleeve within the flow control valve. | 10-27-2011 |
20110298451 | Through Bias Pole for IGMR Speed Sensing - One embodiment relates to a sensing system that includes a magnetic encoder wheel having alternating pole magnetic domains along a circumference thereof. The magnetic encoder wheel is configured to rotate about a first axis. The sensing system further includes a magnetic field sensing element in spatial relationship with the magnetic encoder wheel that is oriented to sense magnetic field components extending generally in a direction parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensing system also includes a magnetic flux influencing element configured to influence magnetic field components associated with the alternating pole magnetic domains of the magnetic encoder to reduce magnetic field components associated with the first axis. | 12-08-2011 |
20120001622 | MAGNETORESTRICTIVE POSITION SENSOR ACCORDING TO THE PROPAGATION TIME PRINCIPLE HAVING A MAGNETORESTRICTIVE DETECTOR UNIT FOR MECHANICAL-ELASTIC DENSITY WAVES - Instead of tapping a mechano-elastic desnity wave (MEDW) from a wave conductor or a Villary band through a detector coil, a changing field strength H is captured by a XMR sensor which is positioned on a wave conductor or proximal to the wave conductor or on a Villary band or proximal to the Villary band. | 01-05-2012 |
20120025811 | ROTATION ANGLE DETECTOR - A rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of a magnet rotator includes: the rotator with a magnet mounted on a rotation shaft; a sensor chip; and an operation element. The chip includes: first and second normal component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a normal direction and first and second rotation component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a rotation direction. A phase difference Δθ, output signals S | 02-02-2012 |
20120119729 | ROTATING FIELD SENSOR - A rotating field sensor includes a first detection circuit that outputs a first signal indicating the intensity of a component of a rotating magnetic field in a first direction, a second detection circuit that outputs a second signal indicating the intensity of a component of the rotating magnetic field in a second direction, and an arithmetic circuit that calculates a detected angle value based on the first and second signals. Each of the first and second detection circuits includes at least one MR element row. Each MR element row is composed of a plurality of MR elements connected in series. Each MR element has a magnetization pinned layer. The plurality of MR elements forming each MR element row include one or more pairs of MR elements. Magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers in two MR elements making up a pair form a predetermined relative angle other than 0° and 180°. | 05-17-2012 |
20120126797 | MAGNETIC POSITION DETECTION APPARATUS - A magnetic position detection apparatus includes a substrate, a magnet, a bridge circuit including first through fourth magneto-electric converting elements formed on the substrate, and a detection circuit. A substrate surface is substantially perpendicular to a magnet magnetization direction. The second and third magneto-electric converting elements are, when viewed along the magnet magnetization direction, disposed to be on or in the vicinity of a straight line passing through a center point of a magnetic pole of the magnet and parallel to a straight line perpendicular to both the magnet magnetization direction and the magnetic mobile object. The first and fourth magneto-electric converting elements are disposed so that, when not opposed to the magnetic mobile object, a component of a substrate of a magnetic field to be applied thereto is substantially same as that of a magnetic field to be applied to the second and third magneto-electric converting elements. | 05-24-2012 |
20120146627 | MULTI-PERIODIC ABSOLUTE POSITION SENSOR - The disclosure relates to a magnetic position sensor including at least one permanent magnet. The disclosure also relates to a magnetic device for detecting a torque between a first shaft and a second shaft that are connected via a torsion bar. The aim of the disclosure is to provide a device for determining the multi-periodic absolute position of a magnetized unit. The subject of the disclosure is therefore a magnetic position sensor including at least the following: a magnetized unit, a first magnetosensitive probe and a second magnetosensitive probe. The second magnetosensitive probe is capable of measuring a number of complete rotations of the magnetic field in an absolute, incremental and reversible manner so as to determine a second datum relating to the position of the magnet, whether or not this second magnetosensitive probe is powered. The sensor further includes a module for calculating the absolute position of the magnet on the basis of the first and second data coming from the first and second probes respectively. | 06-14-2012 |
20120235673 | STROKE AMOUNT DETECTING DEVICE - A stroke amount detecting device includes a magnetism detecting unit, a first magnetic field generating unit and a second magnetic field generating unit. A magnetic pole of the first generating unit and a magnetic pole of the second generating unit, which are opposed to each other, have different polarities. A distance between a gap end of the first generating unit and a gap end of the second generating unit, which are located on a farther side of a rectilinear axis, is smaller than a distance between an open end of the first generating unit and an open end of the second generating unit, which are located on a closer side of the rectilinear axis. The magnetism detecting unit detects a stroke amount of an object based on a magnetic flux generated between the open end of the first generating unit and the open end of the second generating unit. | 09-20-2012 |
20120249127 | ANGLE DETECTING DEVICE - A VR resolver | 10-04-2012 |
20120326708 | MAGNETIC ENCODER - To provide a magnetic encoder that is stable relative to an outside force and has only small variation of a gap between a magnetic sensor and a magnetic medium. The magnetic encoder includes a magnetic medium placed on a first member and a magnetic sensor placed on the second member, the first and second member for moving relative to each other. The magnetic sensor includes a sensor substrate, a sensor holding plate for holding the sensor substrate, and a wire for extracting a signal from the magneto-resistive element to outside. The sensor holding plate includes a fixing portion for fixing the sensor holding plate to the second member, a sensor holding member for holding the sensor substrate, and a plurality of arm portions provided in the relative movement direction with the sensor holding member in-between and extending from the fixing portion to constitute a cantilever. | 12-27-2012 |
20130015845 | ABSOLUTE ANGULAR POSITION SENSOR USING TWO MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSORSAANM Fox; JoshuaAACI FreeportAAST ILAACO USAAGP Fox; Joshua Freeport IL US - In one example, a rotary position sensor is provided. The rotary position sensor comprises an integrated circuit, a first magnetic field angular position sensor, and a second magnetic field angular position sensor. The first magnetic field angular position sensor provides at least a first signal to the integrated circuit and the second magnetic field angular position sensor provides at least a second signal to the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured to provide an output signal indicative of an angular position of a magnetic field, wherein the output signal is based at least on the first signal and the second signal, and wherein the output signal has an angular range of approximately 360 degrees. | 01-17-2013 |
20130069638 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A CURRENT ANGULAR POSITION OF A ROTATABLE MAGNETIC COMPONENT IN AN ELECTRIC DRIVE - The invention relates to a method for determining the actual angle position of a rotatable magnetic component in an electric drive ( | 03-21-2013 |
20130113468 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING LINEAR DISPLACMENT - For some embodiments, a system includes a moveable structure, moveable in at least a linear direction relative to a supporting structure, a magnetic field sensor assembly including a magnetic field sensor, and a magnet, wherein one of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor is coupled to the moveable structure, and wherein the other of the magnet and the magnetic field sensor assembly is coupled to the supporting structure, and wherein the magnetic field sensor assembly is configured to determine the relative position of the magnet to the magnetic field sensor. | 05-09-2013 |
20130127450 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE COUPLING OF PARTS TO A MACHINE - A coupled state versus a decoupled state of a part relative to a machine, in particular of a coordinate measuring device or a machine tool, is determined. The part to be coupled can be moved toward a contact region of the machine in an axial direction in order to establish the coupled state, and can be moved away from the contact region in the axial direction in order to establish the decoupled state. A magnetoresistive sensor is used to generate a sensor signal that depends on an axial position of the part and a further sensor signal that depends on a rotational position of the part relative to the machine. The sensor signals are evaluated and the result is used to determine whether the part is coupled to the contact region of the machine and/or whether the part is decoupled from the contact region. | 05-23-2013 |
20130187640 | MULTIPOLAR ENCODER FOR POSITION SENSORS, AND DETECTION DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH AN ENCODER COMBINED WITH AT LEAST ONE POSITION SENSOR - A position sensor coder of the type comprising a multipolar magnetic annulus ( | 07-25-2013 |
20130200885 | ROTATION-ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - A detection track includes a first detection element group that includes a plurality of first magnetic resistance elements arranged at a pitch λ/(2n) when an order to cancel target harmonic components among a plurality of harmonic components superimposed on a fundamental component of a detection signal for multi-pole magnetic pattern is assumed as n, and a second detection element group that includes a plurality of second magnetic resistance elements arranged at the pitch λ/(2n), a plurality of first dummy magnetic resistance elements arranged among the first magnetic resistance elements, and a plurality of second dummy magnetic resistance elements arranged among the second magnetic resistance elements. Pitches between adjacent magnetic resistance elements among the first magnetic resistance elements and the first dummy magnetic resistance element are equivalent to one another, and pitches between adjacent magnetic resistance elements among the second magnetic resistance elements and the second dummy magnetic resistance element are equivalent to one another. | 08-08-2013 |
20130214766 | EXTENDED RANGE POSITION SENSOR SYSTEM - An extended range position sensor system includes a first set of spaced-apart magnets, a first sensor, a second set of spaced-apart magnets, a second sensor, and a processor. The first sensor is associated with and is movable relative to the first set of magnets, and is configured to generate a first sensor output signal in response to relative movement between the first sensor and the first set of magnets. The second sensor is associated with and is movable relative to the second set of magnets, and is configured to generate a second sensor output signal in response to relative movement between the second sensor and the second set of magnets. The processor is coupled to receive the first and second sensor output signals and is configured, in response thereto, to generate a position signal. | 08-22-2013 |
20130241537 | MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A sensor system method of production includes forming first and second structures of the magnetoresistive system, heating the first and second structures, applying a magnetic field in a reference direction to the first and second structures, and cooling the first and second structures to fix a reference magnetization in the first and second structures in the reference direction. The structures are heated to near or above a blocking temperature, whereby the shape anisotropy of the first structure forces the reference magnetization to rotate into a first new orientation and the shape anisotropy of the second structure forces the reference magnetization to rotate into a second new orientation whereby the reference magnetization in the first and second structures rotate in opposite directions. The rotated reference magnetizations of the first and second structures are pinned in the respective new orientation. | 09-19-2013 |
20130335072 | STEERING TORQUE ANGLE SENSOR HAVING A PROCESSOR AND A MAGNETO-RESISTIVE ELEMENT CONFIGURED IN A MONOLITHIC ARCHITECTURE - An electronic device for measuring a magnetic field angle within a vehicle steering assembly. The electronic device includes a semiconductor die having a perimeter, a magneto-resistive sensing element formed in the die and located near the perimeter of the semiconductor die, and a processing circuit formed in the die. The processing circuit is electrically connected to the magneto-resistive sensing element and is configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one of magnetic field angle and a steering torque. A non-conductive material encapsulates the semiconductor die. Electrical connectors are electrically connected to the die and pass through the non-conductive material encapsulating the semiconductor die. The electrical connectors are configured to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board. The semiconductor die is located near the perimeter of the package to position the magneto-resistive sensing element near the perimeter of the package. | 12-19-2013 |
20130335073 | Full-Bridge Magnetoresistive Rotation Sensors and Mass Fabrication Method - A single package magnetoresistive angle sensor for use in measuring rotation angle of a magnet is disclosed. The magnetoresistive angle sensor comprises a pair of magnetoresistive sensor chips, wherein one of the chips is rotated by 180-degree rotation relative to the other. The magnetoresistive sensor chips are attached to a standard semiconductor package lead frame to form a single-axis push-pull full-bridge sensor. Each of the magnetoresistive sensor chips comprises a pair of magnetoresistance sensor arms. Each magnetoresistive sensor arm comprises one or more GMR or MTJ sensor elements. The GMR of MTR sensor elements utilize a pined layer. The element blocks of the magnetoresistive sensor electrically are interconnected and connected to the package leads by wirebonding. The magnetoresistive angle sensor can be packaged into various standard semiconductor package designs. Also, provided is a dual-axis push-pull full-bridge magnetoresistive angle sensor comprised of two pairs of magnetoresistive sensor chips. | 12-19-2013 |
20140021943 | MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM - A magnetic sensor system includes a magnetic field generation unit for generating a target magnetic field and a magnetic sensor for detecting the target magnetic field, and is selectable between an operating state and a non-operating state. The magnetic sensor has a magnetic detection element including a magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies according to the direction of the target magnetic field in a reference position. When in the operating state, the direction of the target magnetic field in the reference position varies when viewed from the magnetic sensor. When in the non-operating state, the direction of the target magnetic field in the reference position does not vary when viewed from the magnetic sensor and the magnetization direction of the magnetic layer is pinned in a first direction. The magnetic layer has an induced magnetic anisotropy that is imparted in advance to the magnetic layer. | 01-23-2014 |
20140049252 | SCALE MEASURING DEVICE, METHOD FOR GENERATING POSITION INFORMATION, AND DEVICE WITH MULTI-AXIS STAGE - A scale device includes a scale main body having at least two incremental tracks, at least two or more incremental signal detection heads for detecting incremental signals from the incremental tracks, and an operation processing unit that generates, based upon detection outputs by the two or more incremental signal detection heads, relative positional information in a measuring direction of a measuring axis and parallel movement amount information in a direction orthogonal to the measuring direction. | 02-20-2014 |
20140084906 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR SYSTEM WITH A BIASING MAGNET PRODUCING A SPATIALLY SYMMETRIC MAGNETIC FIELD WITHIN A PLANE BEING DEFINED BY MAGNETORESISTIVE SENSOR ELEMENTS - A magnetic field sensor system for measuring rotational movements of a shaft is disclosed. The sensor system includes a biasing magnet configured for generating a biasing magnetic field and a magnetic wheel having a wheel axis and a circumferential surface which comprises a regular structure of teeth and gaps arranged in an alternating manner. The magnetic wheel is attachable to the shaft and is magnetizable by the biasing magnetic field. A magnetoresistive sensor arrangement comprising four magnetoresistive sensor elements being connected with each other in a Wheatstone bridge, respectively two of the magnetoresistive sensor elements being assigned to one half bridge of the Wheatstone bridge. The four magnetoresistive sensor elements are arranged within an x-y plane. | 03-27-2014 |
20140097832 | INTEGRATED AUTOMATIC COMPASS FOR VEHICLE - An integrated automotive compass suitable for use in a vehicle includes an application specific integrated circuit that includes at least first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. The first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements and at least a portion of associated circuitry are established on a common semiconductor substrate using CMOS technology. When powered via a vehicle power source, the application specific integrated circuit, at least in part, generates a compass directional heading of the vehicle. The directional heading of the vehicle is determined, at least in part, responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements. Automatic compensation for a deviating magnetic field during operation of the vehicle is achieved, at least in part, via an algorithm processed by a processor of application specific integrated circuit. | 04-10-2014 |
20140103914 | DISPLACEMENT DETECTION APPARATUS - A displacement detection apparatus includes a scale unit and a detection head unit. The scale unit has a reference track unit and sub-track units, the pitch directions of these units being different from one another. The detection head unit has three or more detection units configured to read scales of the reference track unit and the sub-track units and to output signals in accordance with the read scales. The three detection units detect displacement in two orthogonal directions on a plane parallel to a plane along which the detection head unit moves. | 04-17-2014 |
20140111192 | MAGNETIC FIELD DIRECTION DETECTOR - A magnetic field direction detector for detecting whether a magnetic flux has a component of field from a first side or a second side of a detection axis; the magnetic field direction detector comprising: a first magneto-resistive sensor; and a perturbation generator; wherein the perturbation generator causes an external magnetic field to be perturbed so as to cause the apparent direction of flux to change by an angle θ | 04-24-2014 |
20140117981 | MOVING OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS - A moving object detection apparatus includes a current mirror circuit including first and second transistors connected in parallel between a power source and ground and having gates connected to a ground-side terminal of the first transistor, first and second magnetoresistive elements having pin layers and respectively arranged between the first and second transistors and the ground, a constant voltage circuit, a voltage output circuit having third and fourth transistors respectively arranged between the first and second transistors and the first and second magnetoresistive elements and respectively applying constant voltages to the first and second magnetoresistive elements based on output of the constant voltage circuit when the output of the constant voltage circuit is applied to gates of the third and fourth transistors, and a fifth transistor arranged between the second and fourth transistors to operate according to a potential of a power-source-side terminal of the fourth transistor. | 05-01-2014 |
20140125328 | MAGNETIC DETECTION DEVICE - For the purpose of obtaining a magnetic detection device which accurately detects rotational angle information of an object to be detected in a simpler configuration, the magnetic detection device includes a magnetoresistive element composed of: a magnetization fixed layer, a magnetization free layer, and a nonmagnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer. A potential difference between both ends of the magnetoresistive element is fixed voltage, and a change in current value of the magnetoresistive element with respect to a change in magnetic field is detected. | 05-08-2014 |
20140145712 | SHIFT LEVER DEVICE USING MAGNETISM DETECTION SWITCH - A magnetic field generating portion is provided to a moving unit moving together with an operating unit. Two magnets are disposed in the magnetic field generating portion with a gap between in the direction of movement. A detection unit is provided to a fixed portion. The detection unit includes a first magnetoresistive device and a second magnetoresistive device and outputs of different combinations are obtained depending which of a first detection position, a second detection position, and an intermediate detection position, the moving unit has moved to. | 05-29-2014 |
20140152299 | ENCODER - A magnetic medium is magnetized in the relative movement direction at a predefined pitch λm and a magnetic sensor includes plural magnetoresistive elements whose electrical resistance value changes depending on a magnetic field at a place where the magnetoresistive element is disposed. A position where the magnetoresistive element is disposed is defined as a reference position and, in addition to the magnetoresistive element of this reference position, the magnetoresistive elements as harmonic reducing patterns are disposed at the following positions, with P(n) defined as the n-th prime: a position offset by λm/(2·P(n)) from the reference position toward at least one side of the relative movement direction, wherein N≧n>1 and N is a natural number satisfying N>3, and a position further offset by λm/(2·P(L+1)) from a position offset by λm/(2·P(L)), wherein 106-05-2014 | |
20140197821 | MEASURING SYSTEM - A measuring system having a first magnetic field sensor, a second magnetic field sensor, a third magnetic field sensor, an encoder, and an evaluation circuit to which the first magnetic field sensor, the second magnetic field sensor, and the third magnetic field sensor are connected. The evaluation circuit is configured to determine the position of the encoder based on a first measurement signal of the first magnetic field sensor and a second measurement signal of the second magnetic field sensor and a third measurement signal of the third magnetic field sensor. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197822 | CIRCUIT AND MEASURING SYSTEM - A measuring system having a first magnetic field sensor, a second magnetic field sensor, an encoder, and an evaluation circuit to which the first magnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor are connected. The evaluation circuit generates a first signal and a second measurement signal. The encoder generates a second magnetic field change with a second periodicity. The evaluation circuit generates a second signal with the second periodicity from the first measurement signal of the first magnetic field sensor and the second measurement signal of the second magnetic field sensor according to an absolute value function. | 07-17-2014 |
20140232379 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR SYSTEM WITH A MAGNETIC WHEEL ROTATABLE AROUND A WHEEL AXIS AND WITH MAGNETIC SENSOR ELEMENTS BEING ARRANGED WITHIN A PLANE PERPENDICULAR TO THE WHEEL AXIS - It is described a magnetic field differential sensor system for measuring rotational movements of a shaft. The described magnetic field sensor system ( | 08-21-2014 |
20140285187 | ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING MAGNET WITH SUBSTANTIALLY SQUARE FACE FOR THROUGH-SHAFT APPLICATIONS - To make the magnetic field lines straighter and more parallel to one another, the present disclosure makes use of substantially square magnets with through-holes therein. It will be appreciated that “substantially square” magnets include magnets that are precisely square as well as magnets that are approximately square (e.g., have rounded corners or other small deviations from being square.) By providing straighter and more parallel magnetic field lines, such substantially square magnets tend to enable greater precision and accuracy when rotational angles of a shaft are measured. | 09-25-2014 |
20140292312 | 3-AXIS MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR, METHOD FOR FABRICATING MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING CIRCUIT - A 3-axis magnetic field sensor on a substrate and including, a first tunneling magneto-resistor (TMR) having a first easy-axis for sensing a X-axis magnetic field, a second TMR having a second easy-axis for sensing a Y-axis magnetic field, an out-of-plane magnetic sensor for sensing a Z-axis magnetic field, and a reference unit is provided. The first easy-axis and the second easy-axis are orthogonal and include an angle of 45±5 degrees with a bisection direction, respectively. The out-of-plane magnetic sensor includes a groove or bulge structure having a first incline and a second incline; a third TMR on the first incline having a third easy-axis; a fourth TMR on the second incline having a fourth easy-axis; and a central axis orthogonal to the bisection direction and parallel to the third easy-axis and the fourth easy-axis. The reference unit has a fifth TMR and a fifth easy-axis parallel to the bisection direction. | 10-02-2014 |
20140292313 | MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM INCLUDING THREE DETECTION CIRCUITS - A magnetic sensor system includes a scale and a magnetic sensor arranged in a relative positional relationship variable in a first direction, and a computing unit. The magnetic sensor includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit and a third detection circuit that are disposed at a first position, a second position and a third position, respectively. Each of the first to third detection circuits includes a spin-valve MR element. A difference between two of the first to third positions that are the most distant from each other in a first direction falls within a one-pitch amount of change in the relative positional relationship between the scale and the magnetic sensor. The computing unit generates first and second post-computation signals having mutually different phases by computation using detection signals from the first to third detection circuits. | 10-02-2014 |
20140292314 | MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM INCLUDING TWO DETECTION CIRCUITS - A magnetic sensor system includes a scale and a magnetic sensor arranged in a relative positional relationship variable in a first direction, and a computing unit. The magnetic sensor includes a first detection circuit disposed at a first position and a second detection circuit disposed at a second position. Each of the first and second detection circuits includes a spin-valve magnetoresistive element. The difference between the first position and the second position in the first direction is smaller than or equal to 1.25% of a one-pitch amount of change in the relative positional relationship between the scale and the magnetic sensor. The computing unit generates an abnormal-event determination signal indicative of the presence of an abnormal event in the magnetic sensor by computation using detection signals from the first and second detection circuits. | 10-02-2014 |
20140320117 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING MAGNETO-RESISTIVE EFFECT ELEMENT, MAGNETIC SENSOR, ROTATION-ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - A magnetic sensor includes a plurality of magneto-resistive effect elements each configured by using a magneto-resistive effect film formed by laminating a pinned layer, a nonmagnetic layer, and a free layer in order from a side of a substrate. A first linear pattern is formed in a first portion on the substrate in a first direction. A second linear pattern is formed in a second portion on the substrate in a second direction. A magnetization direction of the first portion is different from a magnetization direction of the second portion. The magneto-resistive effect film is further formed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of magneto-resistive effect elements includes a pair of electrodes formed by the magneto-resistive effect film processed into a predetermined shape. | 10-30-2014 |
20140354270 | MAGNETIC POSITION DETECTION DEVICE - A distortion of a signal of a magnetic position detection device is reduced so that precise position information at a high degree of accuracy can be obtained. The magnetic position detection device | 12-04-2014 |
20150022191 | DIFFERENTIAL PERPENDICULAR ON-AXIS ANGLE SENSOR - Embodiments relate to magnetic field angle sensors, such as on-axis magnetic field angle sensors. In an embodiment, a magnetic field angle sensor comprises a magnet having an axis of rotation, and a substrate arranged in-line with the axis of rotation. A plurality, such as at least four, of magnetic field sensor elements are arranged on a surface of the substrate, spaced apart from one another in regular increments on a closed curve in an embodiment, and are sensitive to a component of a magnetic field induced by the magnet that is parallel to the surface of the substrate on which the sensor elements are arranged. Circuitry of or coupled to the sensor elements then can estimate an angular position of the magnet, such as based on the magnetic field components sensed by the sensor elements as well as positions along the closed curve where the magnetic field component vanishes in an embodiment. | 01-22-2015 |
20150054498 | MAGNETIC SENSOR - The magnetic sensor of the invention comprises a base portion, a sensor chip positioned on the base portion, a wiring portion adapted to electrically connect a terminal of the sensor chip to a connecting lead, a resin having a low elastic modulus for coating at least the sensor chip, and a resin having a high elastic modulus for coating at least the low elastic-modulus resin and the wiring portion, wherein the sensor chip includes a magneto-resistive effect device, and the low elastic-modulus resin has an elastic modulus ranging from 10 kPa to 80 MPa while the high elastic-modulus resin has an elastic modulus of 1 GPa or more, and enables the sensor chip to perform well in a good state although having a structure of sealing up the sensor chip with the resin member. | 02-26-2015 |
20150061653 | ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - Outputs from first and second magnetic detection units are applied to first to fourth output circuits, each being a differential amplifier, and therefore detection outputs S | 03-05-2015 |
20150061654 | ROTATION DETECTOR - A rod-shaped magnet is mounted on a rotating unit. The rod-shaped magnet has end surfaces which are oriented in a rotating direction and are magnetized to different magnetic poles. An angle detecting unit including magnetoresistive elements is disposed so as to be offset in a radial direction of a revolution path of the magnet from the revolution path and is configured to detect a change in angle of rotation of the rotating unit by detecting a leakage magnetic field in the vicinity of a side surface of the magnet. Two position detecting units each include magnetoresistive elements and are configured to detect a change in orientation of a magnetic field in the direction of a tangent to the revolution path when facing the rod-shaped magnet and produce a switch output. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061655 | MAGNETIC SENSING DEVICE USING MAGNETISM TO DETECT POSITION - A position signal generating part | 03-05-2015 |
20150077095 | Magnetic Logic Units Configured to Measure Magnetic Field Direction - An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150077096 | Magnetic Logic Units Configured to Measure Magnetic Field Direction - An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150077097 | Magnetic Logic Units Configured to Measure Magnetic Field Direction - An apparatus includes circuits, a field line configured to generate a magnetic field based on an input, a sensing module configured to determine a parameter of each circuit, and a magnetic field direction determination module configured to determine an angular orientation of the apparatus relative to an external magnetic field based on the parameter. Each circuit includes multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization direction and a sense layer having a sense magnetization direction configured based on the magnetic field. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization direction and a resistance of the magnetic tunnel junction vary based on the external magnetic field. The parameter varies based on the resistances of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic field direction determination module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150115939 | MAGNETIC MEDIUM FOR MAGNETIC ENCODER, MAGNETIC ENCODER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING MAGNETIC MEDIUM - The present disclosure provides a magnetic medium, a magnetic encoder, and a method for manufacturing a magnetic medium with high reliability that can obtain the sufficient signal output, while reducing the hysteresis error. | 04-30-2015 |
20150145508 | XMR ANGLE SENSORS - Embodiments relate to xMR sensors, sensor elements and structures, and methods. In an embodiment, a sensor element comprises a non-elongated xMR structure; and a plurality of contact regions formed on the xMR structure spaced apart from one another such that a non-homogeneous current direction and current density distribution are induced in the xMR structure when a voltage is applied between the plurality of contact regions. | 05-28-2015 |
20150145509 | CONDUCTIVE FOREIGN MATERIAL DETECTING APPARATUS - A conductive foreign material detecting apparatus includes an exciting coil configured to apply an AC magnetic field to a base substance through which the AC magnetic field passes, a magnetic sensor configured to detect a change of the AC magnetic field caused by a conductive foreign material on a surface of the base substance or in the base substance, a noise reduction coil configured to reduce a noise of substantially the same frequency as the AC magnetic field other than the change of the AC magnetic field by generating predetermined magnetic field to the AC magnetic field, and a current controller configured to control a drive current and a phase of the noise reduction coil so as to make the noise of substantially the same frequency as the AC magnetic field other than the change of the AC magnetic field be minimal. | 05-28-2015 |
20150300840 | POSITION SENSOR - A position sensor comprises a magneto-resistive element. The magneto-resistive element comprises a stack of layers including at least a conductive layer in between two magnetic layers. The layers have a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis and a lateral extension along a transverse axis. A magnet is provided comprising a magnetic dipole with a dipole axis orthogonal to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The electrical resistance of the conductive layer depends on a position of the magnet along the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides for nano-scale sensing. | 10-22-2015 |
20150345994 | ROTATION ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - A rotation angle detection device may include a magnetic detection member that is configured to detect a rotation angle of a rotation member, a holding member holding the magnetic detection member, and a plurality of wiring members for magnetic detection that are attached to the holding member and are connected to the magnetic detection member. The magnetic detection member has a flat plate-shaped body portion, and a plurality of lead terminals. The holding member holds the body portion of the magnetic detection member in a manner that the body portion can longitudinally slide relative to the holding member. The wiring members for magnetic detection respectively have lead terminal connecting portions. The lead terminals of the magnetic detection member are laid on the lead terminal connecting portions of the wiring members for magnetic detection and bonded thereto. | 12-03-2015 |
20150354987 | POSITION DETECTING DEVICE - A highly accurate position detection is performed by the use of a magneto-resistance effect element such as a TMR element. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355010 | MAGNETIC ANGLE ENCODER AND ELECTRONIC WATER METER - A magnetic angle encoder comprising counting wheels, with columnar ring-shaped permanent magnets coaxially mounted to the counting wheels, tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensors, and a digital processing circuit. In the magnetic angle encoder, the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensors are located in a region within detection planes of the permanent magnets with an axial distance and a specific radial distance from the permanent magnets. Within this specific radius range, the rotating magnetic field angle (φ) of the component of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets in the detection planes varies linearly with the rotation phase angle (α) of the permanent magnets. An electronic water meter is also disclosed, and it comprises a plurality of counting units and a digital processing circuit. The counting units contain counting wheels, permanent magnets, and tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensors. The digital processing circuit is connected to each tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor, and converts the output of the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensors into a digital code. The magnetic angle encoder and the electronic water meter have the advantages of small size and high measurement accuracy. | 12-10-2015 |
20150369636 | MULTI-TURN ABSOLUTE MAGNETIC ENCODER - A multi-turn absolute magnetic encoder, comprising (M+ | 12-24-2015 |
20150377650 | MAGNETIC SENSOR DEVICE - A magnetic field generator disposed on one surface side of a sheet-shaped object-to-be-detected contains a magnetic component. The magnetic field generator includes a first magnetic pole part that forms a first magnetic pole, and a second magnetic pole part that forms a second magnetic pole with reverse polarity of the first magnetic pole. The magnetic field generator generates a cross magnetic field that crosses the object-to-be-detected. An MR element is disposed between the first magnetic pole part and the object-to-be-detected. The resistance value of the MR element changes according to a change in a component of the cross magnetic field in a conveying direction. The position of the MR element in the conveying direction is position shifted along the conveying direction from the center position of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction, and located between both ends of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377651 | THROUGH BIAS POLE FOR IGMR SPEED SENSING - One embodiment relates to a sensing system that includes a magnetic encoder wheel having alternating pole magnetic domains along a circumference thereof. The magnetic encoder wheel is configured to rotate about a first axis. The sensing system further includes a magnetic field sensing element in spatial relationship with the magnetic encoder wheel that is oriented to sense magnetic field components extending generally in a direction parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensing system also includes a magnetic flux influencing element configured to influence magnetic field components associated with the alternating pole magnetic domains of the magnetic encoder to reduce magnetic field components associated with the first axis. | 12-31-2015 |
20160025516 | MAGNETIC ENCODER - To provide a magnetic encoder in which a base material has a ring-shaped body portion into which a rotation axis is inserted when a magnetic drum is mounted on a rotation axis, and an engagement convex portion provided so as to project over a whole circumference of an outer periphery of the body portion. The body portion has a centering track provided in a part of the outer periphery of the body portion over the whole circumference as a reference of circular runout tolerance on an outer periphery of a magnet. The engagement convex portion has a constricted portion projecting from the outer periphery of the body portion, and a cylindrical portion extending in an axial direction of the body portion from a tip end of the constricted portion. The magnet surrounds the engagement convex portion so as to wrap around to a gap between the cylindrical portion and the body portion, and exposes the centering track without covering the centering track. | 01-28-2016 |
20160041008 | NON-CONTACT POTENTIOMETER - The present invention relates to a non-contact potentiometer. The non-contact potentiometer comprises the following parts: a mechanical housing with through-holes; a rotating shaft comprising a top end and a magnet end on which a permanent magnet is fixed and external torque can be applied to the top end, thus driving the rotating shaft and the permanent magnet to rotate around a rotation axis and relative to the housing; a magnetoresistive sensor assembly fixed inside the housing, comprising one or more sensor chips, the sensitivity axis of the sensor chips lies in a sensing plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft, and separated from the permanent magnet by a predetermined distance in the direction parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft, said sensors are used for sensing the magnetic variation produced as the permanent magnet rotates with the rotating shaft thereby generating sensing signals; and three electrical connection terminals, namely a ground terminal, a power terminal, and a signal output terminal. This non-contact potentiometer has the advantages of high precision, low power consumption, and low cost. Additionally, it converts the complex analogue signal from the magnetic sensor into a standard digital format that is easy to use. | 02-11-2016 |
20160054150 | ROTATION DETECTOR - A rotation detection sensor is disposed to face an outer peripheral part of a signal rotor, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to a position of the outer peripheral part with the rotation of the signal rotor. The rotation detection sensor detects a rotation reference position with the detection of switching from projections to a missing tooth part on the basis of a gap to the signal rotor, and detects switching from the missing tooth part to the projections to output a rotation reference position signal indicative of position information on the rotation reference position at timing of the detection. An ECU receives the detection signal and the rotation reference position signal from the rotation detection sensor, and acquires the rotation reference position on the basis of the rotation reference position signal. | 02-25-2016 |
20160055950 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A UNIFORM MAGNETIC FIELD - Apparatus and methods for generating a uniform magnetic field are provided herein. In certain configurations, a magnetic structure includes one or more pairs of magnets positioned within a housing. The magnets of each pair are arranged in parallel and include poles that are reversed in polarity relative to one another. For example, in certain implementations, a first pair of magnets includes a first magnet and a second magnet arranged side by side, with a north pole of the first magnet adjacent a south pole of the second magnet and with a south pole of the first magnet adjacent a north pole of the second magnet. The housing is implemented using a magnetic redirecting material, which can confine magnetic flux and reduce stray magnetic fields. The magnetic structure can be used to generate a magnetic field that is substantially uniform in a region of interest. | 02-25-2016 |
20160061630 | OFF AXIS SENSOR SYSTEM - An angle sensor device includes first and second magnet tracks, a sensor component, and a control unit. The first and second magnet tracks are fixed to a rotatable object and are configured to generate a non-homogenous field. The rotatable object is configured to rotate about a rotation axis and the non-homogenous field has a smaller gradient of magnitude along a rotational direction than a perpendicular direction, which is perpendicular to the rotational direction. The sensor component is positioned off-axis and is configured to measure a magnetic field including the non-homogenous field and provide magnetic field measurements. The control unit is configured to determine angular information from the magnetic field measurements. | 03-03-2016 |
20160069723 | ELECTRONIC WATER METER - An electronic water meter capable of implementing precision metering. The electronic water meter comprises a machine frame, multiple counter units, and multiple shielding plates. The counter units comprise numerical character wheels, magnets, magnetic angular displacement sensors, and digital circuits. The magnetic angular displacement sensors are electrically connected to the digital circuits, sense components of magnetic fields at respective positions thereof on the basis of angular position changes of magnetic field vectors of the counter units, and transmit a corresponding electric signal to the digital circuits. The digital circuits perform a calculation processing on the basis of the electrical signal outputted by the magnetic angular displacement sensors and output a digital signal corresponding to the angular positions of the numerical character wheels. The shielding plates are arranged on two sides of the counter units and are used for isolation among the multiple counter units and between the multiple counter units and the external. The electronic water meter has the advantages of a compact size, easy installation, high metering precision, and powerful anti-interference capability. | 03-10-2016 |
20160123768 | Magnetic Field Sensor for Sensing a Movement of a Target Object - A magnetic field sensor operates as a motion detector for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object having features. The magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetoresistance elements to generate, in a first channel, a feature signal indicative of a proximity of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object and, in a second channel, an edge signal indicative of a proximity of an edge of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123772 | MAGNETIC POSITION DETECTING APPARATUS - With magnetic poles of a magnetic scale each having a length in the moving direction of T, a magnetic field sensing part has m element lines (m≧2) each including n magnetic sensors (n≧2) as the magnetic sensors corresponding to one of the magnetic poles. The n magnetic sensors included in one of the element lines are arranged at a constant pitch of λ (λ=T/n). Each of the magnetic sensors included in the second or further element line is placed shifted by λ/m in the moving direction of the opposite magnetic pole from each of the magnetic sensors included in the previous element line. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123774 | Magnetic Field Sensor for Sensing a Movement of a Ferromagnetic Target Object - A magnetic field sensor operates as a motion detector for sensing a movement of a ferromagnetic target object having features. The magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetoresistance elements to generate, in a first channel, a feature signal indicative of a proximity of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object and, in a second channel, an edge signal indicative of a proximity of an edge of a feature of a ferromagnetic target object. | 05-05-2016 |
20160153808 | SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR POSITION SENSING | 06-02-2016 |
20160153809 | SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR POSITION SENSING | 06-02-2016 |
20160161241 | MOTION TRACKING SYSTEM USING ONE OR MORE MAGNETIC FIELDS - A system for tracking motion of an object comprises at least a first magnetic source configured to generate a static magnetic field, with the magnetic source fixed in a first coordinate frame, and a plurality of magnetic sensors configured to be located on the object and to detect the static magnetic field. The magnetic sensors are located in a second coordinate frame that is movable relative to the first coordinate frame. A processor is operative to receive magnetic field data from the magnetic sensors. A memory unit coupled to the processor stores a magnetic field model or a magnetic field database defined for the first coordinate frame, and a magnetic sensor measurement model with uncertainties defined for the second coordinate frame. The processor computes and outputs an estimated position and orientation of the object based on the magnetic field data and other information stored in the memory unit. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161289 | ROTATION ANGLE DETECTION DEVICE - A rotation angle detection device is provided which can detect a mechanical angle of a motor having any number of pole pairs. An electrical angle detected by an AMR sensor is multiplied by ½. In the mechanical angle region of 180° to 360° where the output of the AMR sensor does not match the output of a GMR sensor, there is an offset difference of 180° between the electrical angle of the AMR sensor and the electrical angle of the GMR sensor. In this case, an offset value of 180° is added to the electrical angle of the AMR sensor. Adding the offset value in this region makes the output of the AMR sensor match the output of the GMR sensor. The AMR sensor is thus corrected. A calculated angle of the AMR sensor which is obtained by the correction is detected according to a change in mechanical angle. | 06-09-2016 |
20160178396 | Torsional moment and angle sensor and actuator drive | 06-23-2016 |
20160178403 | FAIL-SAFE OPERATION OF AN ANGLE SENSOR WITH MIXED BRIDGES HAVING SEPARATE POWER SUPPLIES | 06-23-2016 |
20160187158 | DETECTION DEVICE - A detection device includes a constant-voltage source, a signal generating unit that generates a predetermined control signal, a sensor portion that receives power from the constant-voltage source via a switch portion and detects a state of a measuring object, the switch portion being on-off controlled by the control signal, and a hold circuit portion configured such that an output of the sensor portion is held and is then output under a predetermined condition based on the control signal. | 06-30-2016 |
20160202084 | MEASUREMENT DEVICE | 07-14-2016 |
20160202086 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR AND MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING METHOD | 07-14-2016 |