Apparatus and Method for In-field Magnetic Measurements

An apparatus for sensing magnetic fields, the apparatus comprising:

• a central unit comprising a reset switch;
• at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units, wherein individual ones of the at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units comprise:
• a magnetic field detection element configured to produce a voltage signal in response to an applied magnetic field wherein the voltage signal corresponds to a strength of the applied magnetic field;
• a microcontroller operatively coupled to the magnetic field detection element wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect the voltage signal from the magnetic field detection element;
• a housing with fasteners configured to make the magnetic field detection units are removably securable to at least one of another of the at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units or the central unit such that the magnetic field detection elements of the at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units are approximately mutually orthogonal when secured;
• wherein the central unit is configured to be electrically connected with the at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units to provide a reset signal from the reset switch to the at least three substantially identical magnetic field detection units.

A method comprising:

• sensing at least three approximately orthogonal components of an applied magnetic field with magnetic field detection elements mounted to separate substantially identical circuit boards, the separate circuit boards having separate microcontrollers and being mounted to a common central structural element to orient the magnetic field detection elements approximately mutually orthogonal to each other;
• producing voltage signals at the magnetic field detection elements in response to the applied magnetic field wherein the voltage signals corresponds to a strength of the applied magnetic field sensed by the individual magnetic field detection elements;
• receiving at the separate microcontrollers a reset signal from a reset switch mounted on the common central structural element;
• resetting operation of the separate microcontrollers in response to the reset signal.