Abstract: Multiple magnetic sensing transducers can detect the position of a target. For example, a linear array of transducers can detect a target's linear position. A master and slave arrangement can reduce the cost and size of a system containing multiple magnetic sensing transducers. The master contains circuitry for voltage regulation and processing logic as well as a magnetic sensing transducer. The slaves contain a magnetic sensing transducer and little else. As such, the slave units are small and inexpensive. The slaves obtain power from the master, produce detection signals, and pass the detection signals to the master. The master interprets the detection signals along with an internal detection produced by the master's internal magnetic sensing transducer to produce a position signal.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing apparatus includes a first magnetic transducer separated spatially from a second magnetic transducer and proximate to a target and a direction decoding circuit associated with the first and second magnetic transducers, wherein the direction decoding circuit produces output pulses that provide data indicative of a rotation of the target while rejecting rotational vibration signals associated with the target during a rotational detection of the target utilizing the first and second magnetic transducers without producing erroneous output pulses or missing an excessive number of the output pulses during speed and rotational detection operations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a rotating target are disclosed herein, wherein a biasing magnet is associated with a rotating target in association with a dual peak detector. The rotating target generally comprises a plurality of teeth and at least one slot formed between at least one tooth of the rotating target. In general, the biasing magnet and the rotating target generate a magnetic signal having positive and negative peaks thereof. The dual peak detector includes a tooth detector and a slot detector, such that the dual peak detector detects a minimum and maximum peak of the magnetic signal generated by the biasing magnet and the rotating target. Additionally, a clamping circuit can be associated with the dual peak detector, wherein the clamping circuit can provide a true power on (TPO) functionality.

Abstract: Magnetic sensor methods and systems for decreasing variations in switching angles thereof are disclosed. An angled face magnet can be angularly positioned adjacent one or more sensing elements of a magnetic sensor thereof. The angled face magnet can be configured to include a recessed portion into which the one or more of the sensing elements can be positioned. When the teeth of a target pass by the angled face magnet, it produces a magnetic signal, which is steeper in switching regions. The angle face magnet can thus alter a magnetic signal thereof, thereby decreasing variations in switching angles associated the magnetic sensors relative to a sensor target.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a magnetic sensor having at least one magnet and at least one sensing element incorporated therein is disclosed. A magnetization direction of a magnet is altered in at least one axis until a sensing element is balanced. The magnet can be calibrated separately from the electronic components associated with the magnetic sensor to thereby achieve an improved calibration over temperature variations associated with the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor can be configured to include one or more magnets and one or more sensing elements. Such magnets may be calibrated according to the methods and systems disclosed herein, in association with such sensing elements. Each magnet may be calibrated separately from the electronics associated with the magnetic sensor. The magnetization direction of the magnet may be altered in one or more axis until the sensing element is balanced. The magnetic sensor may, for example, comprise a gear tooth sensor or a wheelspeed sensor.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with a rotatable magnet and first and second ferromagnetic pole pieces. The first ends of the ferromagnetic pole pieces are disposed on opposite sides of the rotatable permanent magnet and the second ends of the ferromagnetic pole pieces are arranged in overlapping association with a magnetically sensitive component disposed therebetween. First and second ferromagnetic inserts are provided which are movable with respect gaps between the permanent magnet and the first ends of the first and second pole pieces. By changing the relative positions between the first and second inserts and their respective gaps, the gain and offset of an output signal from the magnetically sensitive component can be altered to achieve predetermined characteristics.

Abstract: A method is provided to calibrate an angular position sensor by using an electrical coil to provide a magnetic field that simulates the presence of a permanent magnet. By successively selecting currents to flow through the electrical coil and by moving the electrical coil through at least two angular positions, the gain of an output relationship between a signal from a magnetically sensitive component and the angular position of the coil can be determined. By changing the intensity of the electrical current flowing through the coil, the intensity of the magnetic field emanating from the coil can be selected. In order to achieve the appropriate null offset characteristic of the device, the electrical coil is moved until a preselected output voltage is achieved. By comparing the angular position of the coil when the output voltage is achieved to an angular position of the coil for the desired output signal characteristic, a calibration angle can be determined.