Abstract: A sensor arrangement has a current mirror structure that is configured to provide respective base currents at each of a plurality of output current paths based on an input current. For each of the output current paths, a respective adjustment current source is provided that is digitally controllable and is connected to the respective output current path for adjusting the base current of said output current path. For each of the output current paths, a current biased sensor element is coupled in said output current path. The sensor arrangement further has a selection element for selectively connecting one of the output current paths to an evaluation block based on a selection signal. The evaluation block is configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to a resulting current in the connected output current path, to compare the sensing value with an average value, and to update the average value based on the sensing value.

Abstract: A rotary sensor arrangement is configured to be used with a rotatable magnetic source and comprises a first and a second pair of magnetic field sensors, each pair arranged symmetrically with respect to rotation axes and providing respective sensor values. An evaluation unit determines a first sum value corresponding to a sum of the sensor values of the first pair, and a second sum value corresponding to a sum of the sensor values of the second pair. The evaluation unit further determines a difference value corresponding to a difference between the first and the second sum value and compares the difference value or a value derived thereof to a threshold value. Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether a failure status of the sensor arrangement is present.

Abstract: A rotary sensor arrangement is configured to be used with a rotatable magnetic source and comprises a first and a second pair of magnetic field sensors, each pair arranged symmetrically with respect to rotation axes and providing respective sensor values. An evaluation unit determines a first sum value corresponding to a sum of the sensor values of the first pair, and a second sum value corresponding to a sum of the sensor values of the second pair. The evaluation unit further determines a difference value corresponding to a difference between the first and the second sum value and compares the difference value or a value derived thereof to a threshold value. Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether a failure status of the sensor arrangement is present.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement has a current mirror structure that is configured to provide respective base currents at each of a plurality of output current paths based on an input current. For each of the output current paths, a respective adjustment current source is provided that is digitally controllable and is connected to the respective output current path for adjusting the base current of said output current path. For each of the output current paths, a current biased sensor element is coupled in said output current path. The sensor arrangement further has a selection element for selectively connecting one of the output current paths to an evaluation block based on a selection signal. The evaluation block is configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to a resulting current in the connected output current path, to compare the sensing value with an average value, and to update the average value based on the sensing value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processor, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of using a comprehensive sensor fusion algorithm to integrate sensor data collected by accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers. The signal processor dynamically applies a Complementary Filter to merge a rotation based gyro output and a FQA output that is obtained by combining acceleration rates and magnetic field magnitudes. Therefore, motion information is derived to generate a motion control signal. Such a comprehensive sensor fusion algorithm significantly reduces the complexity of computation, and the power and area overhead is controlled. As a result, the signal processor may be implemented based on local computation capability of a sensor system, and its integration within such a sensor system is made possible without relying on an external microprocessor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide for fully-integrated, low-latency power reduction in multi-sensor systems. In certain embodiments, power consumption is minimized by modulating power and mode of operation of gyroscopes, magnetometers, and accelerometers under certain conditions. Certain embodiments provide for reduction of power consumption by the use of emulated gyroscope data.