On-axis magnetic field angle sensors, systems and method
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorUdo Ausserlechner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments relate to magnetic field sensors, such as magnetic field angle sensors with generally on-axis arrangements of sensor elements relative to a rotation axis of a magnet or shaft. The shaft comprises or is coupled to an end portion that comprises a soft magnetic material, in embodiments, with the end portion having an end surface proximate the sensor that is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the rotation axis running through the length of the shaft. The sensor comprises at least three magnetic field sensing elements arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the shaft and rotation axis. Circuitry forming part of or coupled to the sensor is configured to estimate a rotational position of the shaft by combining the signals of the at least three magnetic field sensing elements.
Claims26
A magnetic field angle sensor system comprising:
- a shaft rotatable around a rotation axis;
- a soft magnetic end portion rotatable with the shaft and being rotationally asymmetric with respect to the rotation axis;
- a magnetic field source magnetizing the soft magnetic end portion;
- one or more magnetic field sensor elements configured to detect a magnetic field caused by the magnetized end portion;
- and
- circuitry coupled to the one or more magnetic field sensor elements and configured to estimate a rotational position of the shaft by combining signals of the one or more magnetic field sensor elements, and estimate a transient angle error and adjust the estimated rotational position of the shaft based on the estimated transient angle error.
A magnetic field angle sensor system comprising:
- a shaft rotatable around a rotation axis;
- a soft magnetic end portion rotatable with the shaft and being rotationally asymmetric with respect to the rotation axis;
- a magnetic field source magnetizing the soft magnetic end portion, the magnetic field source including a permanent magnet having a bore;
- at least three magnetic field sensor elements arranged on a die and configured to detect a magnetic field caused by the magnetized end portion;
- and
- circuitry coupled to the at least three magnetic field sensor elements and configured to estimate a rotational position of the shaft by combining signals of the at least three magnetic field sensor elements, wherein at least one of:
- a portion of the soft magnetic end portion, the die, and the at least three magnetic field sensor elements are arranged within the bore.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.