Integrated magnetic field sensor-controlled switch devices
AssigneeInfineon Technologies AG
InventorsSebastian Maerz, Jean-Marie Le Gall, Udo Ausserlechner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate to integrated magnetic field sensor-controlled switch devices, such as transistors, current sources, and power switches, among others. In an embodiment, a magnetic switch and a load switch are integrated in a single integrated circuit device. In embodiments, the device can also include integrated load protection and load diagnostics. Embodiments can provide load switching and optional simultaneous logic signaling, for example to update a microcontroller or electronic control unit (ECU), while reducing space and complexity and thereby cost.
Claims14
An integrated circuit comprising:
- magnetic switch circuitry comprising a magnetic field sensor element;
- load switching circuitry coupled to the magnetic switching circuitry;
- and
- an integrated circuit package housing the magnetic switching circuitry and the load switching circuitry and comprising an output to couple the integrated circuit package to an external load to be controlled by the load switching circuitry switching the external load,
- wherein the magnetic field switching circuitry is configured to send a logic signal and a load-control signal in parallel by sending the logic signal in a first connection to a microcontroller and sending the load-control signal in a different second connection to the load switching circuitry in response to a change in a magnetic field.
A magnetic field sensor-controlled device comprising:
- an integrated circuit package:
- magnetic field switch circuitry arranged in the package;
- load switch circuitry arranged in the package and coupled to the magnetic field switch circuitry;
- and
- a back bias magnetic material coupled to the package;
- wherein the magnetic field switching circuitry is configured to send a logic signal and a load-control signal in parallel by sending the logic signal in a first connection to a microcontroller and sending the load-control signal in a different second connection to load switching circuitry in response to a change in a magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.