Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a substrate having a surface and a device supported by the surface of the substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the surface of the substrate and an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the magnetic field transducer. The electronic circuit also includes a conductor disposed over the magnetic field transducer. The conductor is configured to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a substrate having a surface and a device supported by the surface of the substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the surface of the substrate and an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the magnetic field transducer. The electronic circuit also includes a conductor disposed over the magnetic field transducer. The conductor is configured to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a first substrate having a first substrate surface and a device supported by the first substrate surface. The device is selected from among a passive electronic component and an active electronic component. The electronic circuit also includes a second substrate having a second substrate surface and a conductor proximate to the second substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the conductor and coupled to the device and an insulating layer disposed between the conductor and the second substrate. The conductor is adapted to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field. In some embodiments, the conductor is a secondary conductor and the circuit further includes a primary conductor disposed proximate to the magnetic field transducer and an insulating layer disposed between the primary conductor and the second substrate.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a first substrate having a first substrate surface and a device supported by the first substrate surface. The device is selected from among a passive electronic component and an active electronic component. The electronic circuit also includes a second substrate having a second substrate surface and a conductor proximate to the second substrate. The electronic circuit also includes a magnetic field transducer disposed over the conductor and coupled to the device and an insulating layer disposed between the conductor and the second substrate. The conductor is adapted to carry an electrical current to generate a first magnetic field. The electronic circuit is responsive to the first magnetic field. In some embodiments, the conductor is a secondary conductor and the circuit further includes a primary conductor disposed proximate to the magnetic field transducer and an insulating layer disposed between the primary conductor and the second substrate.

Abstract: An integrated sensor includes a magnetoresistance element electrically coupled to a device disposed on or integrated in a silicon substrate. A conductor is provided proximate to the magnetoresistance element. The integrated sensor can be used to provide various devices, such as a current sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or an isolator. Further, the integrated sensor can be used in an open loop configuration or in a closed loop configuration in which an additional conductor is provided. The magntoresistance element may be formed over the silicon substrate or on a separate, non-silicon substrate. Also described is an integrated sensor comprising a substrate, a magnetic field transducer disposed over a surface of the substrate, and a conductor disposed over the surface of the substrate proximate to the magnetic field transducer. The magnetic field transducer can be a Hall effect transducer or a magnetoresistance element.

Abstract: A proximity detector has a sequential flow state machine to identify states associated with a magnetic field signal provided by a magnetic field sensing element. The proximity detector can include a vibration processor to identify a vibration in response to the states.

Abstract: A switch which is magnetic pole insensitive is described. The switch includes a Hall effect sensor coupled to a threshold circuit which provides an output signal indicative of the proximity of a magnet, and hence a magnetic field, to the Hall effect sensor regardless of the orientation of the magnet to the Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation detecting sensor suitable for use under a vibration-abundant condition as e.g. a sensor disposed in an automobile body for detecting rotation of an engine or ABS. The sensor includes a detecting element for detecting rotation of a rotary body as a change in a magnetic flux and outputting a signal and an integrated circuit for processing the amplified signal into a pulse corresponding to the detected rotation of the rotary body. The signal processing includes an initialization such as a gain adjustment for obtaining an appropriate gain for use in the subsequent process of conversion of the amplified signal to the pulse. According to this invention, a re-initialization is effected to obtain a new initial value such as a new gain if the previously effected initialization is determined inappropriate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation detecting sensor suitable for use under a vibration-abundant condition as e.g. a sensor disposed in an automobile body for detecting rotation of an engine or ABS. The sensor includes a detecting element for detecting rotation of a rotary body as a change in a magnetic flux and outputting a signal and an integrated circuit for processing the amplified signal into a pulse corresponding to the detected rotation of the rotary body. The signal processing includes an initialization such as a gain adjustment for obtaining an appropriate gain for use in the subsequent process of conversion of the amplified signal to the pulse. According to this invention, a re-initialization is effected to obtain a new initial value such as a new gain if the previously effected initialization is determined inappropriate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information from a speed and direction sensor is disclosed. The method and apparatus detect the presence of a ferromagnetic object as it moves past a sensor. The sensor determines speed and direction information regarding the ferromagnetic object, and further provides information relating to the environment surrounding the sensor or object, such as the status of an air gap between the sensor and the moving object, and the temperature of the environment in which the sensor or object is disposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information from a speed and direction sensor is disclosed. The method and apparatus detect the presence of a ferromagnetic object as it moves past a sensor. The sensor determines speed and direction information regarding the ferromagnetic object, and further provides information relating to the environment surrounding the sensor or object, such as the status of an air gap between the sensor and the moving object, and the temperature of the environment in which the sensor or object is disposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information from a speed and direction sensor is disclosed. The method and apparatus detect the presence of a ferromagnetic object as it moves past a sensor. The sensor determines speed and direction information regarding the ferromagnetic object, and further provides information relating to the environment surrounding the sensor or object, such as the status of an air gap between the sensor and the moving object, and the temperature of the environment in which the sensor or object is disposed.

Abstract: An integrated sensor includes a magnetoresistance element electrically coupled to a device disposed on or integrated in a silicon substrate. A conductor is provided proximate to the magnetoresistance element. The integrated sensor can be used to provide various devices, such as a current sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or an isolator. Further, the integrated sensor can be used in an open loop configuration or in a closed loop configuration in which an additional conductor is provided. The magntoresistance element may be formed over the silicon substrate or on a separate, non-silicon substrate. Also described is an integrated sensor comprising a substrate, a magnetic field transducer disposed over a surface of the substrate, and a conductor disposed over the surface of the substrate proximate to the magnetic field transducer. The magnetic field transducer can be a Hall effect transducer or a magnetoresistance element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information from a speed and direction sensor is disclosed The method and apparatus detect the presence of a ferromagnetic object as it moves past a sensor The sensor determines speed and direction information regarding the ferromagnetic object, and further provides information relating to the environment surrounding the sensor or object, such as the status of an air gap between the sensor and the moving object, and the temperature of the environment in which the sensor or object is disposed