US 2007/0163367 A1 · Magnetic sensor array

Abstract

A magnetic sensor array includes a first three-dimensional magnetic sensor secured to a substrate in a central location of the substrate. A number of second three-dimensional magnetic sensors are secured to the substrate at a first distance from the first magnetic sensor. Additionally, a number of one-dimensional magnetic sensors are secured to the substrate at a second distance from the first magnetic sensor greater than the first distance. Additional magnetic sensors of any dimension may also be included. The magnetic field sensitivity of the first and second three-dimensional magnetic sensors may be less than the magnetic field sensitivity of the one-dimensional magnetic sensors. The sensing range of the first and second three-dimensional magnetic sensors may be greater than the sensing range of the one-dimensional magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensor array may also include a processing circuit coupled to the magnetic sensors.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A magnetic sensor array for measuring a magnetic field generated by a magnetic source, the magnetic sensor array comprising:

a substrate,
a first three-dimensional magnetic sensor secured to the substrate at a central location;
a plurality of second three-dimensional magnetic sensors each secured to the substrate at a first distance from the first three-dimensional magnetic sensor;
and
a plurality of first one-dimensional magnetic sensors each secured to the substrate at a second distance from the first magnetic sensor, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

2 more elements

An apparatus for measuring a magnetic field of a magnetic source, the magnetic field being defined by a three-dimensional magnetic flux density at a plurality of points in space, the apparatus comprising:

a housing;
a substrate coupled to the housing;
a first three-dimensional magnetic sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to measure an X-component, a Y-component, and a Z-component of the three dimensional magnetic flux at a point in space;
a plurality of second three-dimensional magnetic sensors coupled to the substrate a first distance from the first three-dimensional magnetic sensor, each of the plurality of second three-dimensional magnetic sensors being configured to measure the X-component, the Y-component, and the Z-component of the three dimensional magnetic flux at a point in space;
a plurality of first one-dimensional magnetic sensors coupled to the substrate a second distance from the first three-dimensional magnetic sensor greater than the first distance, each of the plurality of first one-dimensional magnetic sensors being configured to measure the Z-component of the three-dimensional magnetic flux density at a point in space;
a plurality of second one-dimensional magnetic sensors coupled to the substrate a third distance from the first three-dimensional magnetic sensor greater than the second distance, each of the plurality of second one-dimensional magnetic sensors being configured to measure the Z-component of the three-dimensional magnetic flux density at a point in space;
and
a plurality of third one-dimensional magnetic sensors coupled to the substrate a fourth distance from the first three-dimensional magnetic sensor greater than the third distance, a first number of the plurality of third one-dimensional magnetic sensors being configured to measure the X-component of the three-dimensional magnetic flux density at a point in space and a second number of the plurality of third one-dimensional magnetic sensors being configured to measure the Y-component of the three-dimensional magnetic flux density at a point in space.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic sensor array

Life of this patent

Magnetic sensor array

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20