Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing position of a magnetic target are disclosed. In embodiments, three magnetic field sensing elements are arranged equidistantly from each other to define a plane and a central axis perpendicular to the plane. The magnetic field sensing elements are configured to generate a respective output signal representing proximity of a magnetic target that is proximate to the central axis and capable of moving relative to the central axis. A processor circuit is coupled to receive output signals from each of the sensors and configured to calculate a position of the magnetic target relative to the plane.

Abstract: A system for controlling a motor may include a motor driver circuit for driving a camera motor. A memory capable of storing a plurality of parameters for controlling the camera motor may also be included. A set of parameters from the memory may be chosen to be applied to driving the motor. A motor control module may receive a signal from the control logic module, apply the chosen set of parameters to driving the camera motor, and command the motor driver circuit to drive the motor in accordance with the applied set of parameters. The parameters may be chosen based on desired behavior of the system and various other stimuli.

Abstract: Novel anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensor architectures and techniques for fabricating same are described. In some embodiments, AMR sensors having barber pole structures disposed below corresponding AMR sensing elements are provided. AMR sensors having segmented AMR sensing elements are also described. Fabrication techniques that can be used to fabricate such sensors are also described. Fabrication techniques are also described that can reduce the risk of contamination during AMR sensor fabrication.

Abstract: Novel anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) sensor architectures and techniques for fabricating same are described. In some embodiments, AMR sensors having barber pole structures disposed below corresponding AMR sensing elements are provided. AMR sensors having segmented AMR sensing elements are also described. Fabrication techniques that can be used to fabricate such sensors are also described. Fabrication techniques are also described that can reduce the risk of contamination during AMR sensor fabrication.

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: Circuits and methods provide an ability to track a direction of a magnetic field, and, more particular, to track a direction of a rapidly rotating magnetic field. The circuits and methods use a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, for example, as may be embodied in a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element. However, the circuits and methods can track the direction of the sensed magnetic field by processing at any time fewer than all of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, for example, one or two of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements.