Apparatus and method for in-field magnetic measurements

A method of sensing an applied magnetic field comprising:

• applying a stimulating voltage to a magnetic field detection element via a capacitor such that the current builds in a ramp-like progression;
• sensing an output voltage corresponding to a strength of the applied magnetic field from the magnetic field detection element upon the passing of a predetermined time period after applying the stimulating voltage to the magnetic field detection element;
• determining which of a first value corresponding to the output voltage and a second value corresponding to a second output voltage has a larger value;
• storing the larger value.

A device for sensing magnetic fields in at least two directions comprising:

• at least two magnetic field detection units wherein each magnetic field detection unit comprises:
• a magnetic field detection element configured to produce a voltage signal in response to an applied magnetic field wherein the voltage signal corresponds to the strength of the applied magnetic field;
• a capacitor operatively coupled across the magnetic field detection element such that a stimulating current for the magnetic filed detection element builds in a ramp-like progression upon application of a stimulating voltage;
• an amplifier operatively coupled to the voltage signal from the magnetic field detection element;
• at least one microcontroller operatively coupled to at least one of the amplifiers for the magnetic field detection units wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect the ramping time of each magnetic field detection element and to sense after the ramping time an amplifier signal corresponding to the voltage signal from each magnetic field detection element;
• at least one display connectable to the at least one microcontroller.

A device for sensing magnetic fields in at least three directions comprising:

• at least three magnetic field detection units wherein each magnetic field detection unit comprises:
• a magnetic field detection element configured to produce a voltage signal in response to an applied magnetic field wherein the voltage signal corresponds to the strength of the applied magnetic field;
• a microcontroller operatively coupled to the magnetic field detection element wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect the voltage signal from the magnetic field detection element;
• a reset switch in communication with the magnetic field detection units;
• wherein the magnetic field detection units each further comprises a housing with fasteners such that the magnetic field detection units are removably securable to each other such that the magnetic field detection elements of the magnetic field detection unit are approximately mutually orthogonal.