Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080204000 | UNIVERSAL INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for electromagnetic calibration of an instrument. Certain embodiments provide an electromagnetic instrument calibration system including electromagnetic receiver electronics for receiving electromagnetic field information from an electromagnetic transmitter. The system also includes a calibration mount configured to position the electromagnetic receiver electronics stationary with respect to the calibration mount for calibrating an instrument having an electromagnetic transmitter using the calibration mount and the electromagnetic receiver electronics. Certain embodiments provide a method for calibration of an instrument based on electromagnetic field information including providing a calibration mount accommodating a plurality of instruments in a known position and orientation and having electromagnetic calibration electronics positioned with respect to the calibration mount; receiving electromagnetic field information for an instrument with respect to a known position of the calibration mount and electromagnetic calibration electronics; and calibrating at least a portion of the instrument. | 08-28-2008 |
20080238410 | AUTO-CALIBRATION OF MAGNETIC SENSOR - The present invention provides a method to compensate for the sensitivity drift of a magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor comprises at least four electrodes. The method comprises a first step where a first set of two electrodes is used to bias the sensor and a second set of two electrodes is used to sense an output signal of the magnetic field sensor, and a second step where the second set of two electrodes is used to bias the sensor and the first set of two electrodes is used to sense an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. The method is characterized in that at least one of the first or the second step is subdivided in at least a first sub-step and a second sub-step. A reference magnetic field has first magnetic field parameters, e.g. a first amplitude and/or direction, in the first sub-step and second magnetic field parameters, a second amplitude and/or direction, in the second sub-step. An output signal is sensed in the first and in the second step, and within the first or the second step an output signal is sensed in the first and the second sub-step. | 10-02-2008 |
20080278147 | EXTRA BUCKING COILS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO BALANCE INDUCTION ARRAYS - An electromagnetic logging tool is disclosed that includes a support; and at least one four-coil array disposed on the support, wherein the at least one four-coil array comprises: a transmitter, a bucking coil, a receiver, and a trim coil. A method for balancing an induction array is disclosed that includes applying an alternating current to a transmitter of the induction array that comprises the transmitter, a bucking coil and a receiver; measuring a mutual coupling between the transmitter and the receiver; and adding an extra bucking coil, if the mutual coupling exceeds a selected criterion. | 11-13-2008 |
20090001964 | Integrated Hybrid Current Sensor - A sensor arrangement for measuring current is disclosed. The sensor arrangement includes a substrate, at least one Hall element integrated in or arranged on the substrate, a first coil that is spaced apart from a surface of the substrate in a vertical direction, a second coil that is spaced apart in a vertical direction from the first coil, and an isolation layer that is arranged between the first coil and the second coil. | 01-01-2009 |
20090001965 | Magnetic-Field Sensor and Method of Calibrating a Magnetic-Field Sensor - An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor has a plurality of sensor elements connected to form measurement arrangements, each measurement arrangement having a measurement tap, and a control circuit formed to perform an embodiment of a method of calibrating the magnetic-field sensor. | 01-01-2009 |
20090009156 | Magnetic Sensor Device With Reference Unit - The invention relates to a magnetic sensor device comprising excitation wires ( | 01-08-2009 |
20090015242 | Method to Test the Measurement Accuracy of At Least One Magnetic Field Sensor - In a process for testing the measurement accuracy of at least one magnetic field sensor, in particular during manufacturing, a semiconductor wafer that has at least two semiconductor chips is provided. A measurement coil is integrated into at least one first semiconductor chip, and a magnetic field-sensitive electric circuit is integrated into at least one second semiconductor chip that forms the magnetic field sensor. The first semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at an exciter coil that is supplied with current in order to generate a reference magnetic field. With the aid of the measurement coil a first measured value that is dependent on the magnetic flux density is acquired and the current in the exciter coil is adjusted depending on the first measured value. The second semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at the exciter coil. With the aid of the electronic circuit a second measured value that is dependent on the magnetic flux density is acquired and compared with a reference value range. | 01-15-2009 |
20090072815 | CALIBRATION OF A MAGNETIC SENSOR DEVICE - The invention relates to the calibration of the magnetic sensor device comprising magnetic excitation wires ( | 03-19-2009 |
20090140723 | Method and apparatus for reducing induction noise in measurements made with a towed electromagnetic survey system - A method for reducing motion induced voltage in marine electromagnetic measurements includes measuring an electromagnetic field parameter at least one position along a sensor cable towed through a body of water. Motion of the sensor cable is measured at least one position along the cable; Voltage induced in the cable is estimated from the motion measurements. The measured electromagnetic field parameter is corrected using the estimated voltages. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140724 | Magnetic Field Sensor Assembly - A magnetic field sensor assembly has at least one magnetic field sensor integrated into a semiconductor chip and has at least one magnetic field source. The semiconductor chip and the at least one magnetic field source are arranged in an encapsulation material in a predetermined position relative to each other in such a way that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source is detectable with the aid of at least one magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field source is arranged in the semiconductor chip and/or in the plane of extension of the semiconductor chip laterally adjacent to said chip. | 06-04-2009 |
20090167295 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH ELECTRONIC COMPASS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING COMPASS - A calibrating method for a portable electronic device having azimuth device such as an electronic compass is disclosed. The calibrating method can be achieved by checking at least one sensor in the portable device incorporating the electronic compass configured in the portable device, so as to effectively detect and verify a temporary abnormal magnetic field caused by a stylus movement. When the electronic compass detects an abnormal magnetic field, the operation status of the sensor is checked for any change existence. If the operation status of the sensors changes, the abnormal magnetic field is verified as a temporary magnetic filed due to the movement of the stylus, in which case the electronic compass passes the calibration and goes on detecting the geomagnetic field according to its default setting value. | 07-02-2009 |
20090184706 | SENSOR DEVICE WITH ADAPTIVE FIELD COMPENSATION - The invention relates to a magnetic sensor device comprising an excitation wire for the generation of an alternating magnetic excitation field (Bi) and a GMR sensor ( | 07-23-2009 |
20090212765 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH AUTOMATIC SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT - Magnetic field sensors have a magnetic field sensing element and also a feedback circuit to provide a gain-adjustment signal to affect a sensitivity associated with the magnetic field sensing element. In some arrangements, the feedback circuit can include piezoresistors to sense a strain of a substrate over which the magnetic field sensor is disposed. With these arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate the gain-adjustment signal in accordance with the sensed strain. In other arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate pulsed magnetic fields proximate to the magnetic field sensing element in order to directly measure the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensing element. With these arrangements, the feedback circuit can generate the gain-adjustment signal in accordance with the sensed sensitivity. | 08-27-2009 |
20090219011 | Correcting Offset in Magneto-Resistive Devices - Method and apparatus improve sensing accuracy and reduce bias shift in anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors using paired integrators and sampling switches for processing outputs of the sensor on applied set and reset signals with high immunity to temperature variations. | 09-03-2009 |
20090243594 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF A MAGNETIC FIELD APPLIED TO A MAGNETIC SENSOR - The present invention provides a magnetic sensor device comprising a plurality of magnetic sensor elements having a sensitive direction. At least one of the magnetic sensor elements ( | 10-01-2009 |
20090273339 | CALIBRATION METHOD AND CALIBRATION APPARATUS FOR A HAND-HELD LOCATING DEVICE - A calibration apparatus for a hand-held locating device ( | 11-05-2009 |
20090273340 | SELF-CALIBRATING MAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR - A self-calibrating magnetic field monitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to the magnetic field. In addition, a calibration module generates a relative baseline signal based on an average value of the electronic signals for a given time period. A comparator compares the electronic signal with the relative baseline signal and generating an output signal if a difference in the comparing is greater than or equal to a threshold. | 11-05-2009 |
20090295373 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH TRACKING LOGIC - An integrated circuit including an amplifier and a first circuit. The amplifier is configured to receive a sensed signal and provide an amplified signal. The first circuit is configured to track a first signal that is based on the amplified signal. The first circuit includes a first comparator, tracking logic and a first digital to analog converter. The first comparator is configured to respond to a second signal that is based on the first signal and provide a comparator output signal. The tracking logic is configured to receive the comparator output signal and update a digital output. The first digital to analog converter is configured to receive the digital output and provide a tracking signal that is summed with the first signal to provide the second signal. | 12-03-2009 |
20090315540 | PRIMARY WINDINGS HAVING MULTIPLE PARALLEL EXTENDED PORTIONS - Reference standards or articles having prescribed levels of damage are fabricated by monitoring an electrical property of the article material, mechanically loading the article, and removing the load when a change in electrical properties indicates a prescribed level of damage. The electrical property is measured with an electromagnetic sensor, such as a flexible eddy current sensor, attached to a material surface, which may be between layers of the article material. The damage may be in the form of a fatigue crack or a change in the mechanical stress underneath the sensor. The shape of the article material may be adjusted to concentrate the stress so that the damage initiates under the sensor. Examples adjustments to the article shape include the use of dogbone geometries with thin center sections, reinforcement ribs on the edges of the article, and radius cut-outs in the vicinity of the thin section. | 12-24-2009 |
20100007338 | Apparatus and Method for In-Field Magnetic Measurements - A magnetic field verifier apparatus includes a magnetic field detection element configured to produce a voltage signal in response to an applied magnetic field wherein the voltage signal corresponds to the strength of the applied magnetic field. A current source coupled to the magnetic field detection element provides a stimulating current for the magnetic field detection element that builds in a ramp-like progression. A microcontroller is in communication with the voltage signal wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect and control the ramping time of the magnetic field detection element and to sense after the ramping time the voltage signal from the magnetic field detection element. The magnetic field verifier apparatus is configurable to sense particular field strengths at various frequencies and store the readings to provide the user with a reliable verification that a particular magnetic field strength has been produced in a particular environment. | 01-14-2010 |
20100026280 | EXTRA BUCKING COILS AS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO BALANCE INDUCTION ARRAYS - An electromagnetic logging tool is disclosed that includes a support; and at least one four-coil array disposed on the support, wherein the at least one four-coil array comprises: a transmitter, a bucking coil, a receiver, and a trim coil. A method for balancing an induction array is disclosed that includes applying an alternating current to a transmitter of the induction array that comprises the transmitter, a bucking coil and a receiver; measuring a mutual coupling between the transmitter and the receiver; and adding an extra bucking coil, if the mutual coupling exceeds a selected criterion. | 02-04-2010 |
20100060263 | OFF-CENTER ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An angle measurement system including a magnet coupled to a rotating member and adapted to provide a magnetic field which rotates with the rotating member about a rotational axis of the rotating member, and an integrated circuit angle sensor disposed within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the rotational axis. The integrated circuit angle sensor includes first and second bridges of magneto resistive elements configured to respectively provide first and second signals representative of substantially orthogonal first and second directional components of the magnetic field and together representative of an angular position of the rotating member, and a set of adjustment parameters for adjusting attributes of the first and second signals having values selected to minimize errors in the first and second signals. | 03-11-2010 |
20100060264 | SELF-TESTING SENSOR - Systems and methods for performing a self-test on a sensing device are described in the present disclosure. One implementation, among others, includes a method of performing a self test. In this implementation, the method includes supplying a periodic magnetic field upon a sensing element that is configured to sense a parameter of an object. The method further includes receiving an output from the sensing element indicating the operability of the sensing element. It should be noted that the output is received independently of the parameter of the object. | 03-11-2010 |
20100148761 | Speed filter calibration apparatus and method for radio frequency metal detectors - A metal detector ( | 06-17-2010 |
20100156396 | DEVICE FOR CALIBRATION OF A FIELD TRANSMITTER - Device for calibration of a field transmitter comprising a shaped body on which there are disposed first means for sensing magnetic fields the activation of which allows calibration of a first measurement parameter of the transmitter, second means for sensing magnetic fields the activation of which allows calibration of a second measurement parameter of the transmitter, magnetic actuation means suitable to activate said first and second means for sensing magnetic fields. Said shaped body is configured so that it can be removably connected to the transmitter on the external surface of the enclosure thereof. | 06-24-2010 |
20100171488 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ALIGNMENT ERRORS OF AXLES - The invention concerns a system for measuring the alignment error of two axles provided with a first and a second coupling part by means of a biaxial orthogonal magnetic sensor system comprising a sensor and a magnet, wherein said sensor is designed to be placed on the first coupling part with its one direction of sensing oriented in one direction of magnetization of said magnet, which magnet is designed to be placed on the other coupling part and means for reading off an angle error and offset error independently of each other during the rotation of the axles on-line. The system moreover includes a reference sensor for determining said angle error and offset error orientation relative to a known direction. | 07-08-2010 |
20100194384 | SYSTEM INCLUDING CIRCUIT THAT DETERMINES CALIBRATION VALUES - A system including magnetic sensing elements and a circuit. The magnetic sensing elements are configured to sense a magnetic field that is generated via a current and to provide signals that correspond to the magnetic field. The circuit is configured to determine calibration values based on the signals and measure the current based on the signals. | 08-05-2010 |
20100231203 | Temperature and drift compensation in magnetoresistive sensors - Double modulation of a magnetoresistive sensor entails modulating both an excitation (e.g., voltage or current) applied to the sensor and a tickling magnetic field applied to the sensor. The excitation and magnetic field are modulated at different frequencies f | 09-16-2010 |
20100271009 | TRACKING POSITIONS OF PERSONNEL, VEHICLES, AND INANIMATE OBJECTS - A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described. | 10-28-2010 |
20100308800 | MEASURING ALTERNATING CURRENT FLOWING THROUGH AN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION UNIT - An apparatus ( | 12-09-2010 |
20100315067 | Power Network Sensor Devices and Related Methods - An operation detection device for an overcurrent protection component that detects a transition event between a closed state and an open state of the protection component includes an event sensor positioned at a location selected to allow the event sensor to detect the transition event and a current sensor positioned at a location selected to detect a current passing through the overcurrent protection component and to generate a first output signal based on a level of the detected current. A switch circuit operatively coupled to the event sensor is configured to generate a second output signal indicating a change in state of the overcurrent protection component responsive to detection of the transition event by the event sensor. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315068 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A TRAMP METAL DETECTOR - An apparatus for calibrating a metal detecting device of a materials processing line. A placement arm is provided to control the path of a calibrating sample in order to simulate movement of tramp metal moving on a processing line along with materials being processed. Upper and lower arms of the placement arm are joined by an adjustable elbow which can be set to a maximum angle of extension in order to accurately place the calibrating sample at a preferred location in a detecting field of the metal detecting device. | 12-16-2010 |
20110031960 | Calibratable Multidimensional Magnetic Point Sensor - A calibratable magnetic field sensor for sensing a first and a second spatial component of a magnetic field in a reference point, wherein the magnetic field includes a first and a second measurement field component and/or a first and a second calibration field component. The magnetic filed sensor includes a first sensor element arrangement including at least a first and a second sensor element for sensing the first magnetic field component, which includes a first measurement field component and/or a first calibration field component, with respect to a first spatial axis in the reference point. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensor includes a second sensor element arrangement for sensing the second magnetic field component, which includes a second measurement field component and/or a second calibration field component, with respect to a second spatial axis in the reference point. The magnetic filed sensor also includes an excitation line arranged with respect to the first sensor element arrangement so that, when impressing a default current into the excitation line, a pair of different asymmetrical default calibration field components in the first sensor element and in the second sensor element is generated with respect to the first spatial axis in the first sensor element arrangement, wherein the two spatial axes pass along linearly independent position vectors. | 02-10-2011 |
20110037458 | Open loop magneto-resistive magnetic field sensor - An apparatus and a general method to measure a magnetic field using magneto-resistive sensors in an open-loop configuration are disclosed. A key feature is the regular in-situ normalization of the sensors to compensate for the effects of sensor aging. | 02-17-2011 |
20110187350 | Magnetic-Field Sensor and Method of Calibrating a Magnetic-Field Sensor - An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor has a plurality of sensor elements connected to form measurement arrangements, each measurement arrangement having a measurement tap, and a control circuit formed to perform an embodiment of a method of calibrating the magnetic-field sensor. | 08-04-2011 |
20110248704 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING A MAGNETIC SENSOR - In general, the invention relates to an algorithm and process for automated and/or continuous calibration of magnetic sensor, for example such as a sensor installed in a mobile positioning system handset. According to certain aspects, the calibration process can use the normal motion of the handset such that all measurement data from the three orthogonal axes of sensor when exposed to Earth's magnetic field is collected. According to still further aspects, the process includes fitting measurement data to an ellipsoid that characterizes the actual magnetic field measurements from a magnetic sensor, so that anomalies such as hard iron effect, soft iron effect and scale factors can be extracted and/or corrected by comparison to a sphere represented by magnetic field data from a model at the sensor's location. | 10-13-2011 |
20110316526 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A MAGNETIC MATERIAL IN A REGION OF ACTION - The present invention relates to an arrangement ( | 12-29-2011 |
20120025808 | OFF-CENTER ANGLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft, the method including providing a magnetic field which rotates with the shaft about an axis of rotation, positioning an integrated circuit having first and second magnetic sensing bridges within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the axis of rotation, the first and second magnetic sensing bridges respectively providing first and second signals representative of first and second magnetic field directions, the integrated circuit having a set of adjustment parameters for modifying attributes of the first and second signals, modifying values of the set of adjustment parameters until errors in the first and second signals are substantially minimized, and determining an angular position of the shaft based on the first and second signals. | 02-02-2012 |
20120056615 | Method and Apparatus for Defined Magnetizing of Permanently Magnetizable Elements and Magnetoresistive Sensor Structures - An apparatus includes a sensor arrangement with a sensor chip. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a secondary magnetic field opposing an external primary magnetic field at the sensor chip. The magnetic field generator protects the sensor arrangement against the external primary magnetic field. | 03-08-2012 |
20120062215 | MAGNETIC-BALANCE-SYSTEM CURRENT SENSOR - A magnetic-balance-system current sensor includes: a magnetoresistive element, a resistance value of the magnetoresistive element being changed by applying an induction magnetic field generated by a measurement target current; magnetic cores disposed near the magnetoresistive element; a feedback coil disposed near the magnetoresistive element and configured to generate a cancelling magnetic field that cancels out the induction magnetic field; and a magnetic-field detecting bridge circuit having two outputs. The measurement target current is measured on the basis of a current flowing through the feedback coil when the induction magnetic field and the induction magnetic field and the cancelling magnetic field cancel each other out. The feedback coil, the magnetic cores, and the magnetic-field detecting bridge circuit are formed on a same substrate. The feedback coil is of a spiral type, and the magnetic cores are provided above and below the feedback coil. | 03-15-2012 |
20120068692 | Systems and Methods for Measuring Electrical Power Usage in a Structure and Systems and Methods of Calibrating the Same - Some embodiments can concern a method of using a power consumption measurement device. The power consumption measurement device can be mechanically coupled to a surface of a circuit breaker box overlying at least part of one or more main electrical supply conductors for an electrical power infrastructure of a structure. The method can include: determining one or more first magnetic field readings from the one or more main electrical supply conductors using one or more sensors in the power consumption measurement device; after determining the one or more first magnetic field readings, electrically coupling a first calibration load to the electrical power infrastructure; while the first calibration load remains electrically coupled to the electrical power infrastructure, determining one or more second magnetic field readings from the one or more main electrical supply conductors using the one or more sensors in the power consumption measurement device; calibrating the power consumption measurement device using at least in part the one or more first magnetic field readings and the one or more second magnetic field readings, after calibrating the power consumption measurement device, determining one or more third magnetic field readings from the one or more main electrical supply conductors using the one or more sensors in the power consumption measurement device; and determining an electrical power used by the electrical power infrastructure of the structure using at least the one or more third magnetic field readings and the one or more calibration coefficients. Calibrating the power consumption measurement device can include determining one or more first calibration coefficients for the power consumption measurement device using at least in part the one or more first magnetic field readings and the one or more second magnetic field readings. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-22-2012 |
20120086438 | Magnetometer Calibration - A real-time calibration system and method for a mobile device having an onboard magnetometer uses an estimator to estimate magnetometer calibration parameters and a magnetic field external to the mobile device (e.g., the earth magnetic field). The calibration parameters can be used to calibrate uncalibrated magnetometer readings output from the onboard magnetometer. The external magnetic field can be modeled as a weighted combination of a past estimate of the external magnetic field and the asymptotic mean of that magnetic field, perturbed by a random noise (e.g., Gaussian random noise). The weight can be adjusted based on a measure of the statistical uncertainty of the estimated calibration parameters and the estimated external magnetic field. The asymptotic mean of the external magnetic field can be modeled as a time average of the estimated external magnetic field. | 04-12-2012 |
20120098523 | POSITION DETECTING SYSTEM AND POSITION DETECTING METHOD - A system includes an object in a space to generate an induced field; coils that generate a driving field; a detecting coil that detects a synthetic field of the driving field and the induced field; a unit that detects a driving current through the coil in synchronization with field detection by the detecting coil; a calculating unit that calculates a position and a direction of the object based on a detection value of the synthetic field and a detection value of the driving current; and a unit that calculates a phase of a driving field component which corresponds to the driving field at the detection value of the synthetic field, based on the detection value. The calculating unit obtains a component having a phase difference approximately orthogonal to the phase of the driving field component and calculates the position and direction of the object based on the obtained component. | 04-26-2012 |
20120098524 | System and Method for Performing a Background Calibration for a Magnetometer - A method and system are provided for performing a background calibration of a magnetometer. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of magnetometer readings; applying an active set of calibration parameters to the plurality of magnetometer readings to obtain a plurality of values; applying a new set of calibration parameters to the plurality of magnetometer readings to obtain a plurality of further values; applying an active set of calibration parameters to the plurality of magnetometer readings to obtain a plurality of further values; and replacing the active set of calibration parameters with the new set of calibration parameters when a quality of the plurality of values is higher than a quality of the further values. | 04-26-2012 |
20120098525 | System and Method for Calibrating a Magnetometer According to Device States - A method and system are provided for calibrating a magnetometer. The method comprises detecting a change in a physical configuration of the mobile device; applying at least one stored calibration parameter as a respective active calibration parameter when one or more stored calibration parameters corresponding to the detected physical configuration change are accessible by the mobile device; and performing a calibration to obtain at least one additional calibration parameter when the at least one additional calibration parameter is needed and applying the at least one additional calibration parameter as a respective active calibration parameter. | 04-26-2012 |
20120133356 | AUTO-CALIBRATING A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR - In one embodiment a method to compensate for the sensitivity drift of a magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field comprises forming a reference magnetic field having first magnetic field parameters, e.g. a first amplitude and/or direction, in a first step and second magnetic field parameters, a second amplitude and/or direction, in a second step and a bias signal is formed without adjusting the bias signal with a feedback signal derived from an output signal of the magnetic field sensor. | 05-31-2012 |
20120153936 | READING CIRCUIT FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH SENSITIVITY CALIBRATION, AND RELATED READING METHOD - A reading circuit for a magnetic-field sensor, generating an electrical detection quantity as a function of a detected magnetic field and of a detection sensitivity, is provided with an amplification stage, which is coupled to the magnetic-field sensor and generates an output signal as a function of the electrical detection quantity and of an amplification gain. In particular, the amplification gain is electronically selectable, and the reading circuit is moreover provided with a calibration stage, integrated with the amplification stage and configured so as to vary a value of the amplification gain in such a way as to compensate a variation of the detection sensitivity with respect to a nominal sensitivity value. | 06-21-2012 |
20120153937 | BIASING CIRCUIT FOR A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR, AND CORRESPONDING BIASING METHOD - Described herein is a biasing circuit for a magnetic-field sensor; the magnetic-field sensor is provided with a first detection structure, which generates a first electrical detection quantity as a function of a first component of an external magnetic field, and a second detection structure, which generates a second electrical detection quantity as a function of a second component of an external magnetic field. The biasing circuit electrically supplies the first detection structure and the second detection structure in respective biasing time intervals, at least partially distinct from one another, which preferably do not temporally overlap one other. | 06-21-2012 |
20120206129 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A MAGNETOMETER WITH VISUAL AFFORDANCE - A method and system are provided for calibrating a magnetometer of a mobile device. The method comprises displaying a visual indication of a gestural path on a display of the portable electronic device, monitoring for changes in orientation of the portable electronic device, changing the visual indication in response to the monitored changes in the orientation of the portable electronic device, measuring a magnetic field with the magnetometer, and calibrating the magnetometer in accordance with measurements of the magnetic field acquired at different points along the gestural path. | 08-16-2012 |
20120212214 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF A SENSOR INTERFACE HAVING DYNAMIC AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL - Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for a given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The alternating differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes over time. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor. The scaling factor is selected relative to a signal-to-noise ratio of the scaled attenuated single-ended voltage signal. | 08-23-2012 |
20120235670 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR MICROMACHINED MAGNETIC FIELD SENSORS - Described herein are systems, devices, and methods that provide a stable magnetometer. The magnetometer includes a drive element that facilitates flow of a drive current through a node and a sense element operable to detect a magnetic field operating on the drive current. To reduce offset in the detection of the magnetic field, a voltage detector, electrically coupled to the drive element through the node, determines a variation between a node voltage and a target voltage. The voltage detector facilitates suppression of the variation and thereby minimizes the offset in the sense element. | 09-20-2012 |
20120268108 | CURRENT SENSOR OPERATING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPENSATION - An exemplary current sensor operating in accordance with the principle of compensation includes a primary winding creating a magnetic field based on a current to be measured, a secondary winding generating a magnetic field compensating the primary winding based on a compensation current. The current sensor also includes a magnetic core, a terminating resistor connected in series to the secondary winding, and sensor means. A booster circuit is connected downstream of the sensor means and feeds the compensation current to the secondary winding via the terminating resistor. The booster circuit includes a switched mode amplifier with a pulse width and density modulator that operates based on pulse width and density modulation, turning the compensation current into a pulse width and density modulated current. The switched mode amplifier having a switching frequency that is high at when the compensation current is small and low when the compensation current is high. | 10-25-2012 |
20120274314 | Circuits and Methods for Self-Calibrating or Self-Testing a Magnetic Field Sensor - A magnetic field sensor includes a reference-field-sensing circuit channel that allows a calibration or a self-test of the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a reference magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274315 | Rotation Angle Measurement Assembly - An assembly is provided comprising a member having a graduated edge that varies in radius with respect to an axis, and a sensor adjacent to the graduated edge, the member and the sensor are capable of rotating relative to one another. The sensor provides a signal level proportional to a distance between the sensor and the graduated edge, and the distance, between the sensor and the graduated edge, is indicative of a rotation angle of the member relative to the sensor. | 11-01-2012 |
20120280675 | Calibration Assembly for Aide in Detection of Analytes with Electromagnetic Read-Write Heads - Described are embodiments to ensure that the equipment utilized to detect antigens is reliable and accurate. Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention includes a calibration assembly having nanoparticles, with known magnetic properties, spaced apart at known y-axis locations along the calibration assembly. In one embodiment, the calibration assembly may be used to calibrate a matched filter of the write and read circuitry. Because the calibration assembly comprises nanoparticles with known magnetic properties the read response of the read circuitry to a particular nanoparticle may be stored in the matched filter as an ideal signal for that nanoparticle. The ideal signal stored in the matched filter may then be utilized for reliably and accurately detecting antigens. Still further, the ideal signal stored within the matched filter of the write and read circuitry may be utilized in a correlation test of a calibration assembly to ensure that the calibration assembly is within a manufacturer's or user's acceptable standards for calibration of their write and read assemblies. | 11-08-2012 |
20120293164 | MAGNETORESISTANCE SENSOR WITH BUILT-IN SELF-TEST AND DEVICE CONFIGURING ABILITY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - A magnetoresistance sensor includes a multifunctional circuit structure having the functionality of built-in self-testing and/or device configuration. The magnetoresistance sensor further includes a substrate having a first dielectric layer formed thereon and a magnetoresistance structure. The multifunctional circuit structure is disposed on the dielectric layer and includes a winding structure for generating a magnetic field for testing and configuring the magnetoresistance sensor. The magnetoresistance structure is disposed on the multifunctional circuit structure, wherein a topmost layer of the magnetoresistance structure includes a magnetoresistance layer, and the magnetoresistance structure generates electrical resistance variance corresponding to the generated magnetic field for testing and configuring the magnetoresistance sensor. A method for manufacturing the magnetoresistance sensor is also provided. | 11-22-2012 |
20130015843 | CURRENT SENSOR WITH CALIBRATION FOR A CURRENT DIVIDER CONFIGURATIONAANM Doogue; Michael C.AACI ManchesterAAST NHAACO USAAGP Doogue; Michael C. Manchester NH USAANM Milano; Shaun D.AACI ConcordAAST NHAACO USAAGP Milano; Shaun D. Concord NH US - An integrated circuit (IC) current sensor that self-calibrates to adjust its signal gain when employed in a current divider configuration is presented. The current sensor includes an integrated current conductor, a magnetic field transducer, a controllable gain stage and a calibration controller. The integrated current conductor is adapted to receive a portion of a calibration current. The calibration current corresponds to a full scale current. The magnetic field transducer, responsive to the calibration current portion, provides a magnetic field signal having a magnitude proportional to a magnetic field generated by the calibration current portion. The controllable gain stage is configured to amplify the magnetic field signal with an adjustable gain to provide an amplified magnetic field signal. The calibration controller is responsive to a calibration command signal to adjust the adjustable gain of the controllable gain stage to a calibrated gain in order to provide the amplified magnetic field signal at a predetermined voltage level that corresponds to a desired current sensor output signal voltage level if the full scale current were received by the integrated current conductor. | 01-17-2013 |
20130057256 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN EXCITER CONDUCTOR SPACING FROM A MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR, METHOD FOR CALIBRATING THE MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR AS WELL AS CALIBRATABLE MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR AND USAGE OF AN EXCITER CONDUCTOR STRUCTURE FOR DETERMINING AN EXCITER CONDUCTOR SPACING - In determining an exciter conductor spacing of an exciter conductor of an exciter conductor structure from a sensor element of a calibratable magnetic field sensor, first and second electric currents are impressed into the first and second exciter conductors of the exciter conductor structure to generate first and second magnetic field components in the sensor element of the magnetic field sensor, and a quantity is determined depending on the first and second magnetic field components by means of the sensor element. Further, the exciter conductor spacing of the exciter conductor from the sensor element of the magnetic field sensor is established in dependence on an exciter conductor intermediate spacing between the first exciter conductor and the spaced-apart second exciter conductor and the quantities depending on the first and second magnetic field components. | 03-07-2013 |
20130063132 | LINEAR POSITION SENSOR - In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, in a more cost effective and less labor-intensive fashion compared to current techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator. One or more magnets may be operably coupled to the piston, and a linear array of sensors may be disposed along an exterior length of the linear actuator. The sensors may measure the magnetic field generated by the magnet and, based on the measured magnetic field, may determine the location of the piston within the linear actuator. | 03-14-2013 |
20130076343 | NON-CONTACT CURRENT AND VOLTAGE SENSING CLAMP - A clamping current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient technique for measuring current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a body formed from two handle portions that contain the current and voltage sensors within an aperture at the distal end, which may be a ferrite cylinder with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap along the circumference to measure current, or alternatively a winding provided through the cylinder along its axis and a capacitive plate or wire disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage. When the handles are compressed the aperture is opened to permit insertion of a wire for measurement. | 03-28-2013 |
20130093412 | AUTONOMOUSLY CALIBRATED MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR - Magnetic field sensor including a magnetic field sensing circuit ( | 04-18-2013 |
20130134965 | Circuits and Methods for Generating a Self-Test of a Magnetic Field Sensor - A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation. | 05-30-2013 |
20130200882 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTING MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AFFECTING THE OPERATION OF A MAGNETOMETER - Methods and apparatus employing non-magnetometer navigational sensor data to assist in determining whether a change in a magnetic field detected by a magnetometer is likely due to a source of internal or external magnetic interference, and more generally, whether such interference is likely to be persistent or transient. If the magnetic field data detected by the magnetometer indicates a large change in magnetic field, but the non-magnetometer navigational sensor (e.g., gyroscope) data does not indicate a corresponding change in orientation of the mobile device contemporaneous with the change in magnetic field, then the cause of the magnetic field change may be determined as likely originating from a localized external interference source and the device may prompt the user to move away from the interference source, rather than initiating a recalibration of the magnetometer. | 08-08-2013 |
20130207644 | MAGNETIC SENSOR APPARATUS - A magnetic sensor apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of magnetoresistance sensor units, a compensation coil and a reset coil. The magnetoresistance sensor units are disposed on the substrate. The compensation coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units. The compensation coil is used for introducing a compensating current. The reset coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units. The reset coil is used for introducing a resetting current. The resetting current is used for resetting the magnetoresistance sensor units. The reset coil has a plurality of notch structures located at turning portions of the reset coil. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207645 | MAGNETIC SENSOR APPARATUS - A magnetic sensor apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of magnetoresistance sensor units, a reset coil and a compensation coil. The magnetoresistance sensor units are disposed on the substrate. The reset coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units. The reset coil is used for introducing a resetting current. The compensation coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units. The compensation coil is used for introducing a compensating current. A wiring pattern of the compensation coil includes a first spiral portion and a second spiral portion in opposite spiral directions. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207646 | MAGNETIC SENSOR APPARATUS - A magnetic sensor apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of magnetoresistance sensor units, a reset coil and a compensation coil. The magnetoresistance sensor units are disposed on the substrate. The reset coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units for introducing a resetting current, and a magnetic field generated from this resetting current can be used to reset magnetization directions of the magnetoresistance sensor units. The reset coil includes a plurality of first main segments. The compensation coil is disposed over the magnetoresistance sensor units for introducing a compensating current, and another magnetic field generated from the compensating current is used as a compensation magnetic field onto the magnetoresistance sensor units. The compensation coil includes a plurality of second main segments. The first main segments of the reset coil are perpendicular to the second main segments of the compensation coil. | 08-15-2013 |
20130221949 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESETTING A Z-AXIS SENSOR FLUX GUIDE - A method and apparatus eliminate magnetic domain walls in a flux guide by applying, either simultaneously or sequentially, a current pulse along serially positioned reset lines to create a magnetic field along the flux guide, thereby removing the magnetic domain walls. By applying the current pulses in parallel and stepping through pairs of shorter reset lines segments via switches, less voltage is required. | 08-29-2013 |
20130229173 | METHOD FOR MEASURING CURRENT IN AN ELECTRIC NETWORK - A method for measuring current in an electric network comprising at least one first electric line. The method includes fitting the first line with a circuit breaker having a protection coil and having a wall traversed by a magnetic field emitted by the protection coil; arranging on the wall of the circuit breaker a synchronous three-axis digital magnetometer on a semiconductor chip; by way of the digital magnetometer, measuring at least one component of a magnetic field emitted by the coil; and determining the value of a current traversing the electric line from the measured component. | 09-05-2013 |
20130257415 | CIRCUITRY FOR AND A METHOD OF COMPENSATING DRIFT IN RESISTANCE IN EDDY CURRENT PROBES - Disclosed is an eddy current non-destructive inspection device which includes an eddy current probe with a probe conductor resistance dynamically changing due to operation conditions, such as temperature. The device further includes a signal generating circuit generating an inspection frequency signal and a low frequency signal. Sensed inspection frequency signals are processed to produce resulting signals with possible drift. A low frequency processing circuit includes a resistance calculator producing a substantially true value of the dynamic probe resistance, based on which compensation operations are configured to correct the drifted resulting signals and produce corrected resulting signals. | 10-03-2013 |
20130300402 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR TESTING AND CALIBRATING THREE AXIS MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING DEVICES - A structure and method are provided for self-test of a Z axis sensor. Two self-test current lines are symmetrically positioned adjacent, but equidistant from, each sense element. The vertical component of the magnetic field created from a current in the self-test lines is additive in a flux guide positioned adjacent, and orthogonal to, the sense element; however, the components of the magnetic fields in the plane of the sense element created by each of the two self-test current line pairs cancel one another at the sense element center, resulting in only the Z axis magnetic field being sensed during the self-test. | 11-14-2013 |
20130314075 | OFFSET ERROR COMPENSATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS IN SENSORS - Embodiments relate to reducing offset error in sensor systems. In embodiments, the sensitivity and offset of a sensor depend differently on some parameter, e.g. voltage, such that operating the sensor at two different values of the parameter can cancel the offset error. Embodiments can have applicability to stress sensors, Hall plates, vertical Hall devices, magnetoresistive sensors and others. | 11-28-2013 |
20130320964 | System and Method for Calibrating a Magnetometer on a Mobile Device - A method and system are provided for calibrating a magnetometer on a mobile device. The method includes initiating a calibration of the magnetometer, determining an intermediate parameter associated with the calibration and when a characteristic indicative of a state of the mobile device is detected using the intermediate parameter, applying at least one stored calibration parameter associated with the state as an active calibration parameter. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320965 | System and Method for Operating a Mobile Device having a Magnetometer - A method and system are provided for operating a mobile device having a magnetometer. The method includes obtaining a plurality of error indicators associated with the magnetometer. At least two of the plurality of error indicators have different criteria for error. The method also includes determining an instruction for operating the mobile device using the plurality of error indicators. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320966 | System and Method for Calibrating a Magnetometer on a Mobile Device - A method and system are provided for calibrating a magnetometer on a mobile device. The method includes obtaining one or more pairs of magnetometer readings. Each pair includes a first reading and a second reading. For each pair of magnetometer readings, the method also includes determining a rotation axis direction and a rotation angle corresponding to a change in orientation of the mobile device between obtaining the first reading and the second reading and determining a rotation axis for the pair of magnetometer readings using the rotation axis direction and rotation angle. The method also includes determining a calibration parameter based on at least one property of one or more of the rotation axes. | 12-05-2013 |
20130335065 | SENSING DEVICE AND RELATED OPERATING METHODS - Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for sensing devices. An exemplary sensing device includes a sensing arrangement on a substrate to sense a first property, a heating arrangement, and a control system coupled to the first sensing arrangement and the heating arrangement to activate the heating arrangement to heat the first sensing arrangement and deactivate the heating arrangement while obtaining one or more measurement values for the first property from the first sensing arrangement. | 12-19-2013 |
20130335066 | Circuits and Methods for Generating a Diagnostic Mode of Operation in a Magnetic Field Sensor - A magnetic field sensor includes a diagnostic circuit that allows a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including a self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a diagnostic magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive. | 12-19-2013 |
20140002061 | INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSOR AND METHOD FOR FITTING SAID SENSOR | 01-02-2014 |
20140043017 | ELECTROMAGNETIC POSITION AND ORIENTATION SENSING SYSTEM - Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation. | 02-13-2014 |
20140049251 | SENSORS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromagnetic sensor ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140070795 | Hall Effect Device - A hall effect device includes an active Hall region in a semiconductor substrate, and at least four terminal structures, each terminal structure including a switchable supply contact element and a sense contact element, wherein each supply contact element includes a transistor element with a first transistor terminal, a second transistor terminal, and a control terminal, wherein the second transistor terminal contacts the active Hall region or extends in the active Hall region; and wherein the sense contact elements are arranged in the active Hall region and neighboring to the switchable supply contact elements. | 03-13-2014 |
20140091784 | Artificial Defect for Eddy Current Inspection - A flex circuit for creating artificial defects uses a thin conductive layer with rectangular slots therein representing defects. A thin insulating over-layer is used to protect the conductive layer as well as an eddy current probe. The flexible circuit is then temporarily attached to the surface of the part or material to be inspected. A feature of the described system is that it is directly scalable to an electric discharge machined (EDM) notch. In an embodiment, a thin conductive layer is used which is scalable to a thicker lower conductive layer like a conventional EDM notch. In this way, a thin conductive artificial defect can electromagnetically represent a thicker albeit less conductive EDM notch. The flexible circuit makes it easier to place multiple notches in complex part geometries, and allows for more accurate relative positioning between slots, e.g., for array and wide coverage probes. | 04-03-2014 |
20140132250 | Integrated Magnatoresistive Sensing device - An integrated magnetoresistive sensing device includes a substrate, a magnetoresistive sensing element and a built-in self test (BIST) unit. The substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The magnetoresistive sensing element is disposed above the first surface and comprises at least a magnetoresistive layer not parallel to the first surface. The BIST unit is disposed above the first surface and comprises at least a conductive part corresponding to the magnetoresistive layer. The conductive part is configured to generate a magnetic field along a direction perpendicular to the first surface. A projection of the conductive part on the first surface does not overlap with a projection of the magnetoresistive layer on the first surface. | 05-15-2014 |
20140145710 | SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING AND MEASURING MECHANICAL STRESS IN AT LEAST A PART OF A RAIL - The invention relates to a system for calibrating and measuring the magnetizability of at least a part of a rail, for instance a rail for guiding means of transport. The system includes a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field transverse to a longitudinal direction of the rail. The magnetic field generator comprises a substantially saddle-shaped transmitter coil arranged to be placed partly around the rail. The system further includes an induction detector for measuring a transverse induction. The system may further include a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field in the longitudinal direction, an induction detector arranged for measuring a longitudinal induction, and a processing unit arranged for determining a reference induction, on the basis of the transverse induction, and determining a longitudinal mechanical stress in rail on the basis of the longitudinal induction and the reference induction. | 05-29-2014 |
20140184200 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A CURRENT SENSOR HAVING FAULT DETECTION AND SELF TEST FUNCTIONALITY - Methods and apparatus for an integrated circuit having a magnetic sensing element, a fault detection module including circuitry to detect a fault condition and to self-test operation of the circuitry to detect the fault. The integrated circuit includes a fault pin to indicate the fault condition. | 07-03-2014 |
20140285183 | SELF-CALIBRATING MAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR - A self-calibrating magnetic field monitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to the magnetic field. In addition, a calibration module generates a relative baseline signal based on an average value of the electronic signals for a given time period. A comparator compares the electronic signal with the relative baseline signal and generating an output signal if a difference in the comparing is greater than or equal to a threshold. | 09-25-2014 |
20140300348 | Magnetometer with Dual Purpose Reset and Calibration Coil - The present invention discloses a magnetic field sensing device that utilizes a single coil for calibrating the response of the sensor to compensate for temperature dependent sensitivity drift and also for resetting the magnetic field sensor in order to eliminate hysteresis. The single coil configuration is advantageous since it reduces the size of the sensor chip by decreasing the number of contact pads on the chip and also because it wastes less space, which permits an increase in the density of the magnetoresistive elements on the sensor chip. | 10-09-2014 |
20140312883 | Circuits and Methods for Generating a Self-Test of a Magnetic Field Sensor - A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation. | 10-23-2014 |
20140347039 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ELECTRICAL POWER USAGE IN A STRUCTURE AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CALIBRATING THE SAME - A magnetic field sensing device can include two or more magnetic field sensors configured to detect a magnetic field in a current carrying conductor. The magnetic field sensing device also can include a phase detector electrically coupled to outputs of the two or more magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensing device further can include a phase indicator electrically coupled to the phase detector. The phase indictor can include a display that indicates when the two or more magnetic field sensors are in a position in relation to the current carrying conductor. Other embodiments are provided. | 11-27-2014 |
20140361763 | Validating Calibrated Magnetometer Data - Implementations are disclosed for validating data retrieved from a calibration database. In some implementations, calibrated magnetometer data for a magnetometer of a mobile device is retrieved from a calibration database and validated by data from another positioning system, such as course or heading data provided by a satellite-based positioning system. In some implementations, one or more context keys are used to retrieve magnetometer calibration data from a calibration database that is valid for a particular context of the mobile device, such as when the mobile device is mounted in a vehicle. In some implementations, currently retrieved calibration data is compared with previously retrieved calibration data to determine if the currently retrieved calibration data is valid. | 12-11-2014 |
20150028855 | APPARATUS FOR TESTING MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR ON WAFER AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus and a method for testing a magnetic field sensor are provided, in which the method includes arranging a coil for generating a magnetic field, applying the magnetic field to the magnetic field sensor using the coil, and detecting the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field sensor. | 01-29-2015 |
20150042318 | MAGNETIC SENSOR TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD - Provided are a magnetic sensor test apparatus and a magnetic sensor test method. The magnetic sensor test apparatus includes a vertical coil configured to generate a magnetic field and at least one periphery coil. The magnetic sensor test apparatus and method may test a magnetic sensor on a semiconductor wafer. | 02-12-2015 |
20150042319 | MAGNETIC SENSOR - A TMR element and a corrective AMR element are series-connected between a power supply and a ground. The resistance value of the corrective AMR element is set so as to offset an output error in the rotation angle of an external magnetic field, which is included in the resistance value of the TMR element. The resistance value of the corrective AMR element is smaller than that of the TMR element. An increased voltage can be applied from the power supply to the TMR element. It is possible to increase, in the resistance value of the TMR element, the amount of change that depends on the rotation angle of the external magnetic field. This makes it possible to increase, in the output of a magnetic sensor, the amount of change that depends on the rotation angle of the external magnetic field. The sensitivity of the magnetic sensor can be increased. | 02-12-2015 |
20150061647 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A MEASURING DEVICE FOR INSPECTING SURFACES ON THE BASIS OF BARKHAUSEN NOISES FOR A SPECIFIED COMPONENT GEOMETRY - A method for enhancing inspection of components of specific geometry based on Barkhausen noises. The method includes specifying a first calibration curve that is independent of the component geometry, which describes the relationship between surface hardness values and measured Barkhausen noise signals. A first noise signal is determined by the measuring device for a reference component having the specified geometry and a first hardness value. A second noise signal is determined for a second reference component, having the specified geometry and a second hardness value lower than the first. A second calibration curve is determined, in which the first calibration curve is fitted to the first noise signal at the first hardness value and to the second noise signal at the second hardness value, such that using the second calibration curve, the measured noise signal of a component having the specified geometry relates with a surface hardness value. | 03-05-2015 |
20150097552 | CALIBRATION CORRELATION FOR CALIBRATION ASSEMBLY HAVING ELECTROMAGNETIC READ HEAD - According to one embodiment a method of performing a calibration correlation test for a calibration assembly includes sweeping a head module having a magnetic read sensor along a y-axis of the calibration assembly. The calibration assembly has at least one calibration trench having at least one nanoparticle at a known y-axis location in the calibration trench and the magnetic properties are known for the at least one nanoparticle. A read response of the at least one nanoparticles is obtained from the magnetic read sensor and a correlation is determined from the read response. The correlation of the read response is compared to a correlation threshold. The read response correlation is stored in memory in response to determining that the correlation of the read response is greater than the correlation threshold. When the correlation of the read response is not greater than the correlation threshold, a correlation test error is indicated. | 04-09-2015 |
20150102804 | System for Magnetic Self Test - The disclosure provides a system for magnetic self test. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) including a controller. Only one sensor is electrically coupled to the ECU, wherein the sensor includes a sensing element, a signal conditioning element electrically coupled to the sensing element and the controller, and a wire-on-chip (WOC) device disposed next to the sensing element. The system further includes a WOC stimulus element provided in the ECU or the sensor to drive the WOC to create a WOC magnetic field, wherein the system is configured to compare an expected sensor output signal that is caused by the WOC magnetic field with an actual sensor output signal by the controller or an additional signal assessment element in the sensor to identify whether the sensor is still functioning correctly. | 04-16-2015 |
20150108967 | Methods and Systems Relating to AC Current Measurements - Accurate measurements of electrical power at various points of a power grid is becoming more important and, at the same time, is getting more difficult as the old power distribution model of a few, large power generating stations and a multitude of relatively linear loads is replaced by a newer model containing a multitude of smaller, and to some degree unpredictable power sources, as well as a multitude of not always linear and often smart (essentially also unpredictable) loads. Embodiments of the invention provide for management of AC current measurements in the presence of a DC current. Such current measurement management including at least alarms, feedback, and forward correction techniques exploiting magnetic field measurements from within the magnetic core or upon the surface of magnetic elements and/or shields within the current transducer. | 04-23-2015 |
20150115936 | SIGNAL ERROR COMPENSATION FOR A MAGNETOMETER IN A SENSOR PACKAGE | 04-30-2015 |
20150130443 | MAGNETOMETER TEST ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - Manufacturing of magnetometer units employs a test socket having a substantially rigid body with a cavity therein holding an untested unit in a predetermined position proximate electrical connection thereto, wherein one or more magnetic field sources fixed in the body provide known magnetic fields at the position so that the response of each unit is measured and compared to stored expected values. Based thereon, each unit can be calibrated or trimmed by feeding corrective electrical signals back to the unit through the test socket until the actual and expected responses match or the unit is discarded as uncorrectable. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic field sources are substantially orthogonal coil pairs arranged so that their centerlines coincide at a common point within the predetermined position. Because the test-socket is especially rugged and compact, other functions (e.g., accelerometers) included in the unit can also be easily tested and trimmed. | 05-14-2015 |
20150301149 | Circuits and Methods for Self-Calibrating or Self-Testing a Magnetic Field Sensor Using Phase Discrimination - A magnetic field sensor has a reference magnetic field channel and an external magnetic field channel. The magnetic field sensor uses phase discrimination to isolate a reference-magnetic-field signal component from an external magnetic field signal component in the two channels. | 10-22-2015 |
20150316638 | MAGNETIC SENSOR AND SENSITIVITY MEASURING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor with a sensitivity measuring function and a method thereof. Magnetic sensitivity elements detect flux density, and a switching unit extracts magnetic field intensity information of each axis, and inputs it to a sensitivity calculating unit. The sensitivity calculating unit calculates the sensitivity from the magnetic field intensity information about the individual axes from the magnetic sensitivity elements. The sensitivity calculating unit includes an axial component analyzing unit for analyzing the flux density from the magnetic sensitivity elements into magnetic components of the individual axes; a sensitivity decision unit for deciding the sensitivity by comparing the individual axial components of the magnetic field intensity from the axial component analyzing unit with a reference value; and a sensitivity correction unit for carrying out sensitivity correction in accordance with the sensitivity information from the sensitivity decision unit. | 11-05-2015 |
20150346290 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR WITH Z-AXIS SELF-TEST CAPABILITY - A magnetic field sensor includes in-plane sense elements located in a plane of the magnetic field sensor and configured to detect a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the plane. A current carrying structure is positioned proximate the magnetic field sensor and includes at least one coil surrounding the in-plane sense elements. An electric current is applied to the coil to create a self-test magnetic field to be sensed by the sense elements. The coil may be vertically displaced from the plane in which the sense elements are located and laterally displaced from an area occupied by the sense elements to produce both Z-axis magnetic field components and lateral magnetic field components of the self-test magnetic field. The sense elements are arranged within the coil and interconnected to cancel the lateral magnetic field components, while retaining the Z-axis magnetic field components to be used for self-test of the magnetic field sensor. | 12-03-2015 |
20150354980 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FAST MAGNETOMETER CALIBRATION - A method and apparatus for fast magnetometer calibration with little space coverage is described herein. The present method and apparatus is capable of performing both 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) calibration for a magnetometer (magnetic sensor) and calculating calibration parameters. The present method and apparatus does not need the user to be involved in the calibration process and there are no required specific movements that the user should perform. The present method and apparatus performs magnetometer calibration in 2D or 3D depending on the natural device movements whatever the application that the magnetometer is used in. | 12-10-2015 |
20150362462 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EDDY CURRENT DEVICE DYNAMIC GAIN ADJUSTMENT - A method and system for dynamically adjusting a gain of an eddy current device are provided. The method includes providing calibration information to the eddy current device using a probe and switching between a first mode and a second mode of the eddy current device, the first mode exciting only a first coil to measure liftoff of the probe from a surface of a workpiece, the second mode exciting the first coil and a second coil to measure dimensions of a flaw within a workpiece. The method also includes determining a thickness of a non-conductive coating covering at least a portion of the workpiece using the first coil, adjusting a gain setting of the eddy current device based on the determined thickness and the calibration information, and determining dimensions of the flaw using the first and second coils and the adjusted gain setting. | 12-17-2015 |
20160011277 | Testing Assembly for Testing Magnetic Sensor and Method for Testing Magnetic Sensor | 01-14-2016 |
20160018475 | MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR SYSTEM - A magnetic field sensor system has a plurality of magnetic field sensor elements, which each are configured to provide an individual sensor value, and of which a first portion is arranged in a first contiguous area and a second portion is arranged in a second contiguous area, and a coil wire arrangement with a first coil portion and at least a second coil portion being connected to the first coil portion, wherein the first coil portion is arranged close to the sensor elements of the first area and the second coil portion is arranged close to the sensor elements of the second area such that, if a predetermined current is applied to the coil wire arrangement, a first magnetic field component is generated at the first area and a second magnetic field component is generated at the second area being opposite to the first magnetic field component. The magnetic field sensor system is configured to produce a total sensor value that is based on a difference between the individual sensor values provided within the areas. | 01-21-2016 |
20160033612 | INDUCTION KEY, CALIBRATION SYSTEM FOR INDUCTION KEYS, AND CALIBRATION METHOD FOR INDUCTION KEYS - A calibration system for induction keys includes a signal source and a computing device. The signal source is configured to generate a low frequency (LF) signal and a magnetic field signal at intervals. The computing device is configured to receive the magnetic field signal transmitted by an induction key when the induction key senses the LF signal. The computing device is configured to obtain a magnetic field strength from the magnetic field signal, and then comparing the magnetic field strength with a pre-stored standard strength of the magnetic field to achieve an offset. The computing device sends the offset value to the induction key and enables the induction key to get a calibrated strength value of the magnetic field according to the offset value. This disclosure further provided an induction key and a calibration method. | 02-04-2016 |
20160041234 | CALIBRATION OF SENSITIVITY AND AXIAL ORTHOGONALITY FOR MAGNETOMETERS - A reduced-cost apparatus for calibrating the sensitivity and orthogonality of a triaxial magnetometer, and a method for adjusting the distance between the two coils of a Helmholtz coil and other related parameters are described herein. A method can include positioning a calibrated magnetometer within a mounting fixture between two coils of a Helmholtz coil, the two coils arranged in mutually parallel planes and separated by the radius of the Helmholtz coil, the mounting fixture mounted such that a position of the mounting fixture is adjustable along an axis orthogonal to the mutually parallel planes; adjusting the position of the mounting fixture over at least some of the positions and measuring the magnetic field at each position to generate a set of magnetic field measurements associated with the positions; and adjusting the first distance based on the first set of magnetic field measurements. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 02-11-2016 |
20160109550 | MAGNETIC CURRENT SENSOR CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A magnetic current sensor calibration system includes a plurality of sensors and a substrate. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and the sensors are mounted on the first surface. The substrate includes a bipolar calibration conductor and a unipolar calibration conductor. The bipolar calibration conductor is spaced apart from the plurality of sensors and is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The unipolar calibration conductor is spaced apart from the plurality of sensors and the bipolar calibration conductor, and is disposed between the first and second surfaces. | 04-21-2016 |
20160123773 | GAP AND DISPLACEMENT MAGNETIC SENSOR SYSTEM FOR SCANNER HEADS IN PAPER MACHINES OR OTHER SYSTEMS - A gap and displacement magnetic sensor system for scanner heads in paper machines or other systems includes a multiple-sensor assembly. The multiple-sensor assembly includes multiple magnetic field orientation sensors configured to capture measurements of a magnetic field in order to identify (i) a displacement of first and second scanning sensor heads in a first direction, and (ii) a gap separation of the first and second scanning sensor heads in a second direction, and (iii) a displacement of the first and second scanning sensor heads in a third direction. At least one of the magnetic field orientation sensors is disposed offset from a centerline of the magnetic field such that an output from the at least one magnetic field orientation sensor indicates a combination of the gap separation and the displacement in either the first direction or the third direction. | 05-05-2016 |
20160139229 | Dual-Path Analog to Digital Converter - Methods and apparatus for processing a signal comprise at least one circuit configured to generate a measured signal during a measured time period and a reference signal during a reference time period. Also included is at least one dual- or multi-path analog-to-digital converter comprising at least a first processing circuit configured to process the measured signal, at least a second processing circuit configured to process the reference signal, and a third processing circuit configured to process both the measured signal and the reference signal. | 05-19-2016 |
20160146904 | MICRO-DNV DEVICE - A method for providing a miniature vector magnetometer includes embedding a micron-sized diamond nitrogen-vacancy (DNV) crystal into a bonding material. The bonding material including the embedded micron-sized DNV crystal is cured to form a micro-DNV sensor. A micro-DNV assembly is formed by integrating the micro-DNV sensor with a micro-radio-frequency (RF) source, a micron-sized light source, a reference bias magnet, and one or more micro-photo detectors. The micro-DNV assembly is operable to perform vector magnetometry when positioned in an external magnetic field. | 05-26-2016 |
20160169983 | MAGNETIC SENSING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC SENSING METHOD THEREOF | 06-16-2016 |
20160377688 | MAGNETIC FIELD LOCALIZATION AND NAVIGATION - A mobile robot includes a body movable over a surface within an environment, a calibration coil carried on the body and configured to produce a calibration magnetic field, a sensor circuit carried on the body and responsive to the calibration magnetic field, and a controller carried on the body and in communication with the sensor circuit. The sensor circuit is configured to generate calibration signals based on the calibration magnetic field. The controller is configured to calibrate the sensor circuit as a function of the calibration signals, thereby resulting in a calibrated sensor circuit configured to detect a transmitter magnetic field within the environment and to generate detection signals based on the transmitter magnetic field. The controller is configured to estimate a pose of the mobile robot as a function of the detection signals. | 12-29-2016 |
20170234938 | MAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT DEVICE | 08-17-2017 |