Multiple position detection using an inhomogeneously varying magnetic field
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorRichard HEINZ
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetic sensor device includes a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor and a magnet that produces a magnetic field. The 3D magnetic sensor is arranged within the magnetic field and is configured to measure three different magnetic field components of the magnetic field and generate sensor signals in response to the measured three different magnetic field components. The magnet is arranged in a default spatial position in an absence of any applied spatial force, where the magnet is configured to rotate about a rotation axis based on an applied rotational force. The magnetic field varies inhomogeneously with regards to at least one of the three magnetic field components upon rotation of the magnet about the rotation axis.
Claims26
A magnetic sensor device, comprising:
- a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor arranged within a magnetic field, the 3D magnetic sensor being configured to measure three different magnetic field components of the magnetic field and generate sensor signals in response to the measured three different magnetic field components;
- and
- a magnet that produces the magnetic field, wherein the magnet is arranged in a default spatial position in an absence of any applied spatial force, wherein the magnet is configured to rotate about a rotation axis based on an applied rotational force, and wherein the magnetic field varies inhomogeneously with regards to at least one of the three magnetic field components upon rotation of the magnet about the rotation axis.
A rotary knob sensor arrangement, comprising:
- a rotary knob comprising a shaft configured to rotate about a rotation axis;
- a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensor arranged within a magnetic field, the 3D magnetic sensor being configured to measure three different magnetic field components of the magnetic field and generate sensor signals in response to the measured three different magnetic field components;
- and
- a magnet coupled to the shaft, wherein the magnet produces the magnetic field,
- wherein the magnet is arranged in a default spatial position in an absence of any spatial force applied to the rotary knob,
- wherein the magnet is configured to rotate about a rotation axis based on a rotational force applied to the rotary knob, and
- wherein the magnetic field varies inhomogeneously at the 3D magnetic sensor with regards to at least one of the three magnetic field components while the magnet rotates about the rotation axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.