Hall-effect array for sensing second spatial derivative of magnetic field

Abstract

Hall-effect position sensor apparatus is disclosed which senses the position of a moving body and provides an output signal indicative of the position of the moving body. The apparatus includes a predetermined number of Hall-effect sensors which are positioned in a straight line and in operating proximity to a moving body made of a ferromagnetic material. A permanent magnet is operatively positioned such that the Hall-effect sensors lie in the magnetic field produced by the magnet while the moving body provides a portion of the path comprising the magnetic excitation circuit with the permanent magnet. The moving body includes portions devoid of ferromagnetic material, which causes a change in the magnetic field. The Hall-effect sensors sense the absolute value of the magnetic field and because of their particular physical alignment and separation, together with the unique interconnection of their individual electrical outputs, provide signals to amplifier devices which represent the second time derivatives of the magnetic field sensed by the Hall-effect sensors. The electrical outputs of the amplifier devices are provided to a Schmitt trigger comparator which performs the analog to digital conversion of the input signals and provides a digital logic output signal which provides a reference point with respect to the location on the moving body, of the void which causes the change in the magnetic field.