Position sensing method and system

A system comprising:

• a first target including a first base and a plurality of first teeth that extend inwardly from the first base, the plurality of first teeth defining an opening in an interior of the first target;
• a second target including a second base and a plurality of second teeth that extend outwardly from the second base, the second target being aligned with the opening in the interior of the first target, the second target being coupled to the first target via a mechanical link,
• wherein the first base and the second base are each shaped as a loop, and
• wherein the first target and the second target are configured to generate respective magnetic fields in response to one or more excitation magnetic fields, the respective magnetic fields being usable to measure a twisting force that is incident on the mechanical link that couples the first target to the second target.

A system comprising:

• a first target including a plurality of first teeth;
• and
• a second target that is coupled to the first target via a mechanical link, the second target including a plurality of second teeth, the second target being disposed above or below the first target, the plurality of first teeth including a different number of teeth than the plurality of second teeth,
• wherein the first target and the second target are configured to generate respective magnetic fields in response to one or more excitation magnetic fields, the respective magnetic fields being usable to measure a twisting force that is incident on the mechanical link that couples the first target to the second target.

A method comprising:

• receiving a first pair of signals, the first pair of signals being generated based on a first magnetic field that is associated with a first target, the first pair of signals including signals that are out of phase with each other by approximately 90 degrees;
• receiving a second pair of signals, the second pair of signals being generated based on a second magnetic field that is associated with a second target, the first pair of signals including signals that are out of phase with each other by approximately 90 degrees;
• calculating a first angle signal θ1 based on the first pair of signals,
• calculating a second angle signal θ2 based on the second pair of signals,
• generating a modified angle signal θ2,mod by adjusting the second angle signal θ2 to match an amplitude and frequency of the first angle signal θ1, and
• generating an output signal based on a difference θdiff between the first angle signal θ1 and the modified angle signal θ2,mod, the output signal being indicative of a twisting force that is incident on a mechanical link that couples the first target with the second target,
• wherein the first target is disposed above or below the second target.

A method, comprising:

• receiving a first pair of signals, the first pair of signals being generated based on a first magnetic field that is associated with a first target, the first pair of signals including signals that are out of phase with each other by approximately 90 degrees;
• receiving a second pair of signals, the second pair of signals being generated based on a second magnetic field that is associated with a second target, the first pair of signals including signals that are out of phase with each other by approximately 90 degrees;
• generating a first signal by mixing the first pair of signals with the second pair of signals, the first signal being a function of a relative angular displacement of the first and second targets;
• generating a second signal by mixing the first pair of signals with the second pair of signals, the second signal being a function of a relative angular displacement of the first and second targets, the second signal being out of phase with the first signal by approximately 90 degrees;
• and
• generating an output signal based on the first signal and the second signal, the output signal being indicative of a twisting force that is incident on a mechanical link that couples the first target with the second target,
• wherein first target includes a first base and a plurality of first teeth that extend inwardly from the first base, the second target includes a base and a plurality of second teeth that extend outwardly from the second base, the second target being aligned with an opening in an interior of the first target.