Infineon Technologies Ag

James Sterling

Klaus Elian

Tobias Werth

Christoph Oswald

Steven Gross

Joao Cunha

A magnetic sensor may include a comparator to receive a first signal indicating a strength of a magnetic field sensed by a first sensing component of the magnetic sensor, receive a second signal indicating a strength of a magnetic field sensed by a second sensing component of the magnetic sensor, perform an error check associated with the first sensing component and the second sensing component, the error check being performed based on the first signal and the second signal, and provide an indication of a result of the error check. The magnetic sensor may include a protocol encoder to receive the first signal, receive the indication of the result of the error check, and provide an output that includes the indication of the result of the error check.

Magnetic sensor with error signaling capability

Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for magnetic sensing are described and depicted. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least one magnetosensitive element, and a magnetic body with an opening, the magnetic body comprising magnetic material, the magnetic body having inclined surface sections shaped by the opening, wherein the sensor is arranged within the opening such that the magnetosensitive element is in lateral directions bounded by the inclined surface sections.

Bias field generation for a magneto sensor

A sensor system enables a direct communication from a current modulated two-wire sensor or a speed sensor module to a TTL or CMOS processor. A magnetic speed sensor provides a current modulated signal directly to an input/output (I/O) pin of the TTL or CMOS processor, which is able to read TTL or CMOS levels of I/O signals thereat. A current to voltage converter converts the current modulate signal to a voltage modulated signal as an I/O signal that is directly read by the TTL or CMOS processor without additional components or elements.

IO matching current modulated output for sensors

Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for magnetic sensing are described and depicted. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least one magnetosensitive element, and a magnetic body with an opening, the magnetic body comprising magnetic material magnetized mainly in a vertical direction, the magnetic body having inclined surface sections shaped by the opening, wherein the sensor is arranged atop the opening.

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.

Through bias pole for IGMR speed sensing

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.

Angle measurement system including magnet with substantially square face for through-shaft applications

Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft. As will be described in greater detail below, some angle measurement systems of the present disclosure include at least two magnets that cooperatively rotate at different rates according to a predetermined relationship (e.g., a predetermined gear ratio). Two or more magnetic field sensing elements, which are often stationary, measure the directionality of the resultant magnetic field at different positions for a particular angular shaft position. Based on the directionality measured by the magnetic field sensing elements, the techniques can determine an absolute angular position of the rotating shaft, which can be greater than three-hundred and sixty degrees.

Angle measurement system for determining an angular position of a rotating shaft

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved package assemblies for pressure sensing elements. Rather than leaving a pressure sensing element unabashedly exposed to the ambient environment in a manner that makes it susceptible to damage from stray wires, dirt, and the like; the improved package assemblies disclosed herein include a cover that helps form an enclosure around the pressure sensing element. The cover includes a fluid-flow channel with a blocking member arranged therein. The fluid-flow channel puts the pressure sensing element in fluid communication with the external environment so pressure measurements can be taken, while the blocking member helps protect the pressure sensing element from the external environment (e.g., stray wires and dirt to some extent). In this way, the package assemblies disclosed herein help promote more accurate and reliable pressure measurements than previous implementations.

Integrated pressure sensor seal

Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for a magneto sensor are described and depicted.

One embodiment relates to a sensor. The sensor includes a first magnet having a first surface and a second magnet having a second surface. A differential sensing element extends alongside the first and second surfaces. The differential sensing element includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. In addition, a layer of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material runs between the first and second magnets and spaces the first and second magnets from one another. Other apparatuses and methods are also set forth.

Methods and systems for magnetic field sensing

One embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a magnetic sensor. In the method, an engagement surface is provided. A magnet body is formed over the engagement surface by gradually building thickness of a magnetic material. The magnet body has a magnetic flux guiding surface that substantially corresponds to the engagement surface. Other apparatuses and methods are also set forth.

Growing community of inventors

Novi, MI, United States of America

James Sterling