Abstract: An angle sensor to provide sensor-to-magnet misalignment detection and correction capability in rotation angle measurement applications is presented. The angle sensor has magnetic field sensing elements to sense magnetic field associated with a rotating magnet. The angle sensor includes circuitry to generate signals based on the sensing by the sensing elements. The signals provide information that can be combined according to an error function to provide misalignment detection. The angle sensor can be used with or can be incorporated in an angle measurement device that employs a processing unit to produce a rotation angle value. In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to implement the error function and correct the angle value for detected misalignment. In another embodiment, the error function is performed by a programming device and detected misalignment is corrected through mechanical adjustment of sensor-to-magnet position.

Abstract: An integrated circuit can have a first substrate supporting a magnetic field sensing element and a second substrate supporting another magnetic field sensing element. The first and second substrates can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Another integrated circuit can have a first magnetic field sensing element and second different magnetic field sensing element disposed on surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A sensor with multiple magnetic field sensing elements for use in current sensing and other applications is presented. The sensor includes an arrangement of two or more magnetic field sensing elements to sense magnetic field associated with a target. The sensor further includes circuitry to generate a sensor output signal based on sensing of at least one of the magnetic field sensing elements of the arrangement. Also included is a programmable misalignment adjustment block to control the circuitry to generate the output signal with compensation for misalignment between the sensor and the target. The programmable misalignment adjustment block can be programmed to select measurement of one of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, or alternatively, a mathematical combination of measurements of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, for generating the sensor output signal when a test of the sensor indicates a misalignment.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for magnetic field sensor having a sensing element, an analog circuit path coupled to the sensing element for generating an output voltage in response to a magnetic field applied to the sensing element, and a coil in proximity to the sensing element, the coil having a first terminal that is accessible external to the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor and a method used therein provide a measured signal representative of an angular speed of rotation of a target object. The magnetic field sensor, in accordance with the measured speed of rotation, can automatically change various characteristics of the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a linear magnetic field sensor to produce a voltage proportional to a sensed magnetic field and an interface having only two terminals for external connections. The two terminals of the interface include a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. The interface includes a voltage-controlled current generating device that is connected between the two terminals and is controlled by the voltage to provide a current signal that is proportional to the sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an integrated circuit having a magnetic sensing element, a fault detection module including circuitry to detect a fault condition and to self-test operation of the circuitry to detect the fault. The integrated circuit includes a fault pin to indicate the fault condition.

Abstract: A method of providing a magnetic sensor with a signal inversion module coupled to a signal generation module for inverting a first waveform and a second waveform, wherein the signal inversion module outputs the first and second waveforms in a first region spanning a first range of angular position of the magnet and outputs the first and second inverted waveforms in a second region spanning a second range of angular position of the magnet.

Abstract: Apparatuses for detecting the strength of magnetic fields may include a first magnetic field detection circuit that produces a first signal indicating a strength of a magnetic field, and a second magnetic field detection circuit that can be turned on and off, and produces a second signal indicating the strength of the magnetic field. A control circuit may be configured to determine whether the first signal indicates a change greater than a predetermined amount in the strength of the magnetic field. If the change is greater than the predetermined amount, the control circuit may turn on the second magnetic field detection circuit. The control circuit may turn off the second magnetic field detection circuit to conserve power if the strength of the magnetic field is relatively stable. Methods for detecting the strength of the magnetic field are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor and a method used therein provide an output signal in angle units representative of an angle of rotation of a target of and also an output signal in speed units representative of a speed of rotation of the target object. A power control circuit can cycle a magnetic field sensor on and off in accordance with a sensed rotation speed of the object.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a diagnostic circuit that allows a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including a self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a diagnostic magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide an integrated circuit package having a conductive leadframe, a non-conductive die paddle mechanically coupled to the leadframe, and a die disposed on the die paddle and electrically connected to the leadframe. With this arrangement, eddy currents are reduced near the magnetic field transducer to reduce interference with magnetic fields.

Abstract: An integrated circuit can have a first substrate supporting a magnetic field sensing element and a second substrate supporting another magnetic field sensing element. The first and second substrates can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Another integrated circuit can have a first magnetic field sensing element and second different magnetic field sensing element disposed on surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide an integrated circuit package having a conductive leadframe, a non-conductive die paddle mechanically coupled to the leadframe, and a die disposed on the die paddle and electrically connected to the leadframe. With this arrangement, eddy currents are reduced near the magnetic field transducer to reduce interference with magnetic fields.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a diagnostic circuit that allows a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including a self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a diagnostic magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) current sensor that self-calibrates to adjust its signal gain when employed in a current divider configuration is presented. The current sensor includes an integrated current conductor, a magnetic field transducer, a controllable gain stage and a calibration controller. The integrated current conductor is adapted to receive a portion of a calibration current. The calibration current corresponds to a full scale current. The magnetic field transducer, responsive to the calibration current portion, provides a magnetic field signal having a magnitude proportional to a magnetic field generated by the calibration current portion. The controllable gain stage is configured to amplify the magnetic field signal with an adjustable gain to provide an amplified magnetic field signal.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor including a bidirectional node is configured to perform at least one of generating sensor data, storing sensor data, or communicating sensor data in a serial data signal in response to a trigger signal received at the bidirectional node. An alternative sensor having a node that may or may not be a bidirectional node is configured to reset at least one of a sensor data signal, a clock, a register, or a counter in response to a trigger signal received at the node and is further configured to communicate the sensor data signal in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit can have a first substrate supporting a magnetic field sensing element and a second substrate supporting another magnetic field sensing element. The first and second substrates can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Another integrated circuit can have a first magnetic field sensing element and second different magnetic field sensing element disposed on surfaces thereof.