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US 8,056,246 B1Granted
Ferrofluidic orientation sensor and method of forming the sensor
AssigneeNational Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsPeter J. Hopper, William French, Ann Gabrys
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orientation sensor includes a measure of ferrofluid that moves as the orientation sensor moves. The movement of the ferrofluid, which lies over a number of coils, alters the magnetic permeability of the flux path around each coil. The orientation sensor determines a change in orientation by measuring a change in the voltage across each coil. The voltage across each coil changes as the inductance changes which, in turn, changes as the magnetic permeability of the flux path changes.
Claims20
An orientation sensor comprising:
- a die having a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a body attached to the die, the body having an opening that exposes the top surface of the die;
- a measure of ferrofluid positioned in the opening to touch the body and the top surface of the die;
- and
- a top attached to the body to cover the opening.
2 more elements
A method of forming an orientation sensor comprising:
- forming a die having a top surface and a bottom surface;
- attaching a body to the die, the body having an opening that exposes the top surface of the die;
- placing a measure of ferrofluid in the opening to touch the body and the top surface of the die;
- and
- attaching a top to the body to cover the opening.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.