Magnetic position sensor having shaped pole pieces for improved output linearity

A magnetic sensor, comprising:

• a first magnet spaced apart from a second magnet to define an air gap extending along an axis;
• first and second pole pieces at least partially disposed within said air gap and positioned adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets, said first and second pole pieces being at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material and cooperating with said magnets to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density that linearly varies along said axis;
• and
• a magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of said magnetic flux density along said axis and to generate an output signal representative of a sensed magnitude of said magnetic flux density.

A magnetic sensor, comprising:

• a magnet extending along an axis;
• a shaped pole piece positioned adjacent said magnet and cooperating with said magnet to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density that linearly varies along said axis;
• and
• a magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of said magnetic flux density along said axis through a sensing plane oriented substantially perpendicular to said axis and to generate an output signal representative of a sensed magnitude of said magnetic flux density.

A magnetic sensor, comprising:

• a first magnet spaced apart from a second magnet to define an air gap extending along an axis;
• first and second shaped pole pieces at least partially disposed within said air gap and positioned adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets, said first and second shaped pole pieces cooperating with said magnets to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density that linearly varies along said axis;
• and
• a magnetic flux sensor positioned within said magnetic field and operable to sense varying magnitudes of said magnetic flux density along said axis through a sensing plane oriented substantially perpendicular to said axis and to generate an output signal representative of a sensed magnitude of said magnetic flux density.