Method for determining a magnetization direction of a wiegand wire, and wiegand sensor arrangement

A method for determining a direction of magnetization of a Wiegand wire, the method comprising:

• applying a test current which increases with time to a sensor coil which surrounds the Wiegand wire;
• during the applying of the test current, detecting a sensor coil voltage which is present at the sensor coil;
• and
• comparing the sensor coil voltage which is detected during the applying of the test current with a reference voltage which increases simultaneously with the test current so as to determine the direction of magnetization,
• wherein,
• the reference voltage increases from a start reference voltage value to an end reference voltage value.

A Wiegand sensor arrangement comprising:

• a Wiegand wire;
• a sensor coil which surrounds the Wiegand wire;
• and
• a magnetization direction determination unit which is configured:
• to apply a test current which increases with time to the sensor coil,
• to detect a sensor coil voltage which is present at the sensor coil during the applying of the test current, and
• to determine a direction of magnetization of the Wiegand wire by comparing the sensor coil voltage which is detected during the applying of the test current with a reference voltage which increases simultaneously with the test current,
• wherein,
• the reference voltage increases from a start reference voltage value to an end reference voltage value.