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US 2015/0145508 A9Published application
Xmr angle sensors
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorJuergen Zimmer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate to xMR sensors, sensor elements and structures, and methods. In an embodiment, a sensor element comprises a non-elongated xMR structure; and a plurality of contact regions formed on the xMR structure spaced apart from one another such that a non-homogeneous current direction and current density distribution are induced in the xMR structure when a voltage is applied between the plurality of contact regions.
Claims28
A sensor element comprising:
- a non-elongated xMR structure;
- and
- a plurality of contact regions formed on the xMR structure spaced apart from one another such that a non-homogeneous current direction and current density distribution are induced in the xMR structure when a voltage is applied between the plurality of contact regions.
A sensor comprising:
- a first non-elongated xMR element having a plurality of contact regions formed on the first xMR element spaced apart from one another such that a locally non-homogenous current direction and current density distribution are induced in the first xMR element when a voltage is applied between the plurality of contact regions and a net current direction in the first xMR element defines a first axis;
- and
- a second non-elongated xMR element having a plurality of contact regions formed on the second xMR element spaced apart from one another such that a locally non-homogenous current direction and current density distribution are induced in the second xMR element when a voltage is applied between the plurality of contact regions and a net current direction in the second xMR element defines a second axis, the second axis being substantially orthogonal with respect to the first axis.
A sensor element comprising:
- a non-elongated xMR element;
- a first contact region formed on the xMR element and coupled to a first terminal;
- a second contact region formed on the xMR element and coupled to a second terminal and spaced apart from the first contact region along a first contact axis;
- and
- a third contact region formed on the xMR element and coupled to the second terminal and spaced apart from the first contact region along a second contact axis rotated ninety degrees with respect to the first contact axis.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- forming an xMR sensor element;
- forming a plurality of contact regions on the xMR sensor element spaced apart from one another and proximate an edge of the xMR sensor element;
- and
- causing a current to flow in the xMR sensor element with a locally non-homogenous current direction and current density distribution.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.