Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

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 current sensor integrated circuit including a magnetic field sensing element, a current conductor, an insulation structure, and a power calculation circuit is configured to meet safety isolation requirements. Isolation resistors allow for voltage from a high voltage side to be sensed at a low voltage side of the circuit. The insulation structure, current sensor package, and isolation resistors can achieve at least 500 Vrms isolation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit can include sensors with differing levels of sensitivity, a first processing channel that responds to a first analog signal generated by a first sensor to generate a first processed signal, and a second processing channel that responds to a second analog signal generated by the second sensor to generate a second processed signal. Where the first sensor can include a pressure or optical sensing element, and the second sensor can include a pressure or optical sensing element. A checker circuit uses the processed signals to detect faults in the sensor integrated circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a signal isolator having a dielectric interposer supporting first and second die each having a magnetic field sensing element. A first signal path extends from the first die to the second die and a second signal path extends from the second die to the first die. In embodiments, the first signal path is located in the interposer and includes a first coil to generate a magnetic field and the second signal path is located in the interposer and includes a second coil to generate a magnetic filed. The first coil is located in relation to the second magnetic field sensing element of the second die and the second coil is located in relation to the first magnetic field sensing element of the first die.

Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit can include sensors with differing levels of sensitivity, a first processing channel that responds to a first analog signal generated by a first sensor to generate a first processed signal, and a second processing channel that responds to a second analog signal generated by the second sensor to generate a second processed signal. Where the first sensor can include a pressure or optical sensing element, and the second sensor can include a pressure or optical sensing element. A checker circuit uses the processed signals to detect faults in the sensor integrated circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes a lead frame having a first surface, a second opposing surface, at least one die attach portion configured to support at least one die, and a plurality of leads, wherein at least one of the leads has a raised feature extending along a portion of a length of the lead.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method for patterning a magnetic sensing layer. The method includes disposing a protective layer on a first of a substrate, disposing a first insulating layer on a first surface of protective layer. An opening is formed in the first insulating layer to expose the first surface of the protective layer. A magnetic sensing layer is disposed over the first insulating layer and a predetermined portion of the first surface of the protective layer within the opening. A second insulating layer can be disposed over the magnetic sensing layer. The second insulation layer and the magnetic sensing layer can be removed from the first insulation layer. Thus, the opening includes the magnetic sensing layer and the second insulation layer after the removal of the second insulation layer and magnetic sensing layer from the first insulation layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a sensor that includes a first magnetoresistive (MR) element and a second MR element less active to a presence of a magnetic field than the first MR element. The second MR element includes a metal layer diffused into other layers of the second MR element.

Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit includes at least two processing channels responsive to the same or different analog input signals to generate respective processed signals. The two processing channels are non-homogenous and, in some embodiments have different processing accuracies. A checker circuit receives the first and second processed signals and is configured to detect a fault in the sensor integrated circuit when the first and second processed signals differ from each other by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an integrated circuit having a drive current source, a magnetic sensing element coupled to the drive current source, the magnetic sensing element having first and second differential outputs, and first and second current elements to provide respective currents in relation to the drive current source, wherein the first current element is coupled to the first differential output and the second current element is coupled to the second differential output. In illustrative embodiments, an IC output can output a voltage corresponding to the currents of the first and second current elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a magnetic field sensor integrated circuit including a lead frame having a first surface, a second opposing surface, and a plurality of leads. A substrate has a first surface supporting a magnetic field sensing element and a second surface attached to the first surface of the lead frame. A magnet has a first surface and a second, opposing surface, and is configured to generate a magnetic field. A spacer is positioned between the first surface of the magnet and the second surface of the lead frame with a thickness selected to establish a predetermined distance between the first surface of the magnet and the magnetic field sensing element, the predetermined distance selected to provide the magnetic field signal as a sinusoidal signal.

Abstract: A current sensor integrated circuit including a magnetic field sensing element, a current conductor, an insulation structure, and a power calculation circuit is configured to meet safety isolation requirements. The current sensor integrated circuit may include or be used with isolation resistors to allow for voltage from a high voltage side to be sensed at a low voltage side of the circuit. The insulation structure, current sensor package, and isolation resistors can achieve at least 500 Vrms isolation.

Abstract: A sensor integrated circuit includes at least two processing channels responsive to the same or different analog input signals to generate respective processed signals. The two processing channels are non-homogenous and, in some embodiments have different processing accuracies. A checker circuit receives the first and second processed signals and is configured to detect a fault in the sensor integrated circuit when the first and second processed signals differ from each other by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a magnetic source configured to provide a magnetic field to induce an eddy current in a non-ferromagnetic target, and a magnetic field sensing element configured to detect the magnetic field as a result of the eddy current. The magnetic field provided by the magnetic source can be a static (i.e. DC) field or a changing (i.e. non-DC) field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an integrated circuit having a drive current source, a magnetic sensing element coupled to the drive current source, the magnetic sensing element having first and second differential outputs, and first and second current elements to provide respective currents in relation to the drive current source, wherein the first current element is coupled to the first differential output and the second current element is coupled to the second differential output. In illustrative embodiments, an IC output can output a voltage corresponding to the currents of the first and second current elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed towards integrating a shield layer into a current sensor to shield a magnetic field sensing element and associated circuitry in the current sensor from electrical, voltage, or electrical transient noise. In an embodiment, a shield layer may be disposed along at least one surface of a die supporting a magnetic field sensing element. The shield layer may be disposed in various arrangements to shunt noise caused by a parasitic coupling between the magnetic field sensing element and the current carrying conductor away from the magnetic field sensing element.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a ferromagnetic object. The magnetic field sensor includes a magnet that includes two North regions and two South regions configured to generate opposing directions of magnetization to form a magnetic flux. The magnetic field sensor also includes a magnetic field sensing element configured to generate an is output signal responsive to changes in the magnetic flux caused by movement of the ferromagnetic object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an integrated circuit having first and second domains with an insulative material electrically isolating the first and second domains. A conductive shield is disposed between the first and second domains and a current sensor has at least one magnetoresistive element proximate the shield to detect current flow in the shield due to breakdown of the insulative material.