Abstract: Provided is a metering device and a metering method. The metering device includes a Hall sensor configured to output a Hall voltage generated by a magnetic field generated from a power supply line, an analog-digital converter configured to receive a voltage signal between a minimum voltage value and a maximum voltage value to convert the voltage signal into a digital signal and output the digital signal, an output adjustment unit connected between the Hall sensor and the analog-digital converter, and configured to attenuate and output the Hall voltage when the Hall voltage output from the Hall sensor is larger than the maximum voltage value and output adjustment information that adjusted the Hall voltage, and a control unit connected to the analog-digital converter and the output adjustment unit, and calculate the digital signal output from the analog-digital converter and the adjustment information output from the output adjustment unit to calculate wattage.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an electrical property of a test sample, comprising a non-conductive area and a conductive or semi-conductive test area, by performing multiple measurements using a multi-point probe. The method comprising the steps of providing a magnetic field having field lines passing perpendicularly through the test area, bringing the probe into a first position on the test area, the conductive tips of the probe being in contact with the test area, determining a position for each tip relative to the boundary between the non-conductive area and the test area, determining distances between each tip, selecting one tip to be a current source positioned between conductive tips being used for determining a voltage in the test sample, performing a first measurement, moving the probe and performing a second measurement, calculating on the basis of the first and second measurement the electrical property of the test area.

Abstract: A closed loop current sensor has a primary conductor and a plurality of secondary conductors. Selected ones of the plurality of secondary conductors are selected and driven in a feedback loop.

Abstract: A current sensor packaged in an integrated circuit package to include a magnetic field sensing circuit, a current conductor and an insulator that meets the safety isolation requirements for reinforced insulation under the UL 60950-1 Standard is presented. The insulator is provided as an insulation structure having at least two layers of thin sheet material. The insulation structure is dimensioned so that plastic material forming a molded plastic body of the package provides a reinforced insulation. According to one embodiment, the insulation structure has two layers of insulating tape. Each insulating tape layer includes a polyimide film and adhesive. The insulation structure and the molded plastic body can be constructed to achieve at least a 500 VRMS working voltage rating.

Abstract: The generation of a Hall voltage within a semiconductor film of an integrated Hall effect sensor uses the flow of a current within the semiconductor film when subjected to a magnetic field. The film is disposed on top of an insulating layer, referred to as buried layer, which is itself disposed on top of a carrier substrate containing a buried electrode that is situated under the insulating layer. A biasing voltage is applied to the buried electrode.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor is provided, having a first Hall sensor with a first terminal contact and with a second terminal contact and with a third terminal contact and with a fourth terminal contact and with a fifth terminal contact, and a second Hall sensor with a sixth terminal contact and with a seventh terminal contact and with an eighth terminal contact and with a ninth terminal contact and with a tenth terminal contact, whereby the first terminal contact is connected to the fifth terminal contact and to the sixth terminal contact and to the tenth terminal contact, and the second terminal contact is connected to the ninth terminal contact, and the fourth terminal contact is connected to the seventh terminal contact.

Abstract: A three-dimensional Hall sensor can be used for detecting a spatial magnetic field. A method for measuring a spatial magnetic field can be performed using this Hall sensor. The Hall sensor comprises an electrically conducting base body and at least three electrode pairs, wherein each electrode pair has a first terminal and a second terminal, which are arranged such on the base body, that a current can flow from the first terminal to the second terminal through the base body. At least three first terminals are arranged on a first surface of the base body and at least three second terminals are arranged on the second surface, different from the first surface of the base body, wherein the first and the second surfaces oppose each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of electrical, materials and mechanical engineering and relates to the use of flexible magnetic thin layer sensor elements, which can be used for measuring magnetic flux density in electromagnetic energy converters and magnetomechanical energy converters. The aim of the invention is to specify the use of flexible magnetic thin layer sensor elements in electric machines and magnetic bearings, which can be placed in air gaps without substantially limiting the air gap widths.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device can include two or more magnetic field sensors configured to detect a magnetic field in a current carrying conductor. The magnetic field sensing device also can include a phase detector electrically coupled to outputs of the two or more magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensing device further can include a phase indicator electrically coupled to the phase detector. The phase indictor can include a display that indicates when the two or more magnetic field sensors are in a position in relation to the current carrying conductor. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes first, second, and third magnetic field sensing elements having respective first, second and third maximum response axes, the first second and third maximum response axes pointing along respective first, second, and third different coordinate axes. In response to a magnetic field, the first, second, and third magnetic field sensing elements are operable to generate first second, and third magnetic field signals. Signals representative of the first, second, and third magnetic field signals are compared with thresholds to determine if the magnetic field is greater than the thresholds. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vertical Hall-effect device. The device includes at least two supply terminals arranged to supply electrical energy to the first Hall-effect region; and at least one Hall signal terminal arranged to provide a first Hall signal from the first Hall-effect region. The first Hall signal is indicative of a magnetic field which is parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate and which acts on the first Hall-effect region. One or more of the at least two supply terminals or one or more of the at least one Hall signal terminal comprises a force contact and a sense contact.

Abstract: A switching arrangement around a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element can provide a normal mode configuration responsive to magnetic fields at some times, and at least one of a first and a second self-test mode configuration not responsive to a magnetic field but simulating a magnetic field at other times. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: A device for current measurement comprises a substrate with a first current conductor and a current sensor with a second current conductor. The current sensor is mounted above the first current conductor on the substrate. The second current conductor is formed with integrally attached first and second terminal leads through which the current to be measured is supplied and discharged. The current sensor further comprises a semiconductor chip with a magnetic field sensor mounted on the second current conductor on the side of the second current conductor facing the substrate. The magnetic field sensor is sensitive to a component of the magnetic field extending parallel to the surface of the semiconductor chip and perpendicular to the second current conductor. The second current conductor extends above and parallel to the first current conductor.

Abstract: A current sensor senses a primary current in a conductor. The current sensor includes a core, a sensing device, and a magnetizing coil. The core is configured so that the primary current generates a first magnetic field concentrated in the core. A magnetic flux density of the core is established based upon the first magnetic field and a magnetic permeability of the core. The sensing device senses the magnetic flux density of the core and provides a voltage representative of the primary current. The magnetizing coil receives a magnetizing current when the primary current is greater than a threshold value. The magnetizing coil generates a coil magnetic field in response to the magnetizing current to decrease the magnetic permeability of the core.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to xMR sensors, in particular AMR and/or TMR angle sensors with an angle range of 360 degrees. In embodiments, AMR angle sensors with a range of 360 degrees combine conventional, highly accurate AMR angle structures with structures in which an AMR layer is continuously magnetically biased by an exchange bias coupling effect. The equivalent bias field is lower than the external rotating magnetic field and is applied continuously to separate sensor structures. Thus, in contrast with conventional solutions, no temporary, auxiliary magnetic field need be generated, and embodiments are suitable for magnetic fields up to about 100 mT or more. Additional embodiments relate to combined TMR and AMR structures. In such embodiments, a TMR stack with a free layer functioning as an AMR structure is used. With a single such stack, contacted in different modes, a high-precision angle sensor with 360 degrees of uniqueness can be realized.

Abstract: A Hall sensor comprises at least three Hall sensor elements (1, 2, . . . , 94) that respectively comprise at least three element terminals (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) and are interconnected in a circuit grid with a structure that is more than one-dimensional, as well as at least three sensor terminals (EXT_A, EXT_B, EXT_C, EXT_D) for contacting the Hall sensor. In this case, each sensor terminal (EXT_A, EXT_B, EXT_C, EXT_D) is connected to at least one of the Hall sensor elements (1, 2, . . . , 94) at one of its element terminals (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of a sensor module including sensor which generates a measurement signal for a physical quantity to be determined and applies the measurement signal to an output terminal in an unchanged form or in processed form. In addition, a test signal is generated whose spectrum lies outside the spectrum of the measurement signal. The test signal is supplied at a place in the sensor from which it reaches the output terminal in unchanged form or in processed form only in the case of a functional sensor. An output signal present at the output terminal is compared with the test signal and a diagnosis signal is generated, which indicates whether the test signal is present at the output terminal. The test signal is filtered out of the output signal and the remaining signal is applied as the measurement signal at an output of the sensor module.

Abstract: A measuring method of contactless magnetic detection of relative movement along a trajectory between a main creation system and a measuring system sensitive to the direction of the magnetic field, the creation system creating a main magnetic field of direction that varies in a plane detected by the measuring system to determine the relative position along that trajectory. The method includes subjecting the measuring system to a compensation magnetic field of direction that is fixed and opposite to the direction of the maximum main magnetic field measured by the measuring system and delivered uniquely by the main creation system and in determining the direction of a magnetic field resulting from the combination of the main magnetic field and the compensation magnetic field by measuring the two mutually-orthogonal components of the resultant magnetic field respectively varying substantially as cosine and sine functions of the angle of the resultant magnetic field.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a magnetic sensor circuitry (101) for detecting magnetic field and for generating a detection signal in response to the detected magnetic field, and a control circuitry (102) for controlling operation of the electrical device in accordance with the detection signal. The magnetic sensor circuitry is configured to detect a direction related to a deviation of the magnetic field from the magnetic field of the earth, and the control circuitry is configured to control the operation of the electrical device in accordance with the detected direction. The electrical device can be controlled by using e.g. a permanent magnet (105) for directing, to the magnetic sensor circuitry, magnetic field deviating from the magnetic field of the earth and having a desired orientation. Thus, the electrical device can be controlled without an electrical connector or a radio interface.

Abstract: A system for measuring electric current supplied by an electric battery, for example a battery in a motor vehicle, including: a Hall effect current sensor; a device for compensating for measurement errors made by the sensor, including a mechanism applying an operation close to the inverse of an operator characterizing magnetic hysteresis of the sensor to the measured current.

Abstract: Intelligent electronic sensors, system containing such sensors, and methods for using such sensors for monitoring electrical circuits are described herein. The electronic sensors can monitor current flow through a conducting line and are oriented substantially parallel to the conducting line. The electronic sensors comprise a sensor module comprising a current sensor chip, a shield, a conductor stabilizer located proximate the conducting line, and a securement device to connect the electronic sensor to the conducting line. These sensors may be non-intrusive, intelligent, multipurpose, have both a standalone and open architecture, and may be submersible. The sensors may be quickly mounted to live conducting lines without requiring outages and disturbing control circuitry and their outputs may be easily marshaled to new or existing IEDs. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor device for generating a logic output in accordance with a magnetic field intensity applied to a magnetoelectric conversion element includes: a comparator for inputting amplified output signals of the magnetoelectric conversion element, and outputting a comparison result; and a logic circuit for performing arithmetic processing on an output signal of the comparator. Only when the logic output is changed by a change in the magnetic field intensity, the logic circuit performs successive matching determination of logic outputs a plurality of times. Thus, the variation in determination for detection or canceling of a magnetic field intensity, which is caused by noise generated from respective constituent elements included in the magnetic sensor device and external noise, may be reduced while suppressing electric power consumption.

Abstract: A vertical Hall sensor circuit comprises an arrangement comprising a vertical Hall effect region of a first doping type, formed within a semiconductor substrate and having a stress dependency with respect to a Hall effect-related electrical characteristic. The vertical Hall sensor circuit further comprises a stress compensation circuit which comprises at least one of a lateral resistor arrangement and a vertical resistor arrangement. The lateral resistor arrangement has a first resistive element and a second resistive element, which are parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate and orthogonal to each other, for generating a stress-dependent lateral resistor arrangement signal on the basis of a reference signal inputted to the stress compensation circuit.

Abstract: Circuits and methods use a feedback arrangement to select one or more measuring devices from a plurality of measuring devices in order to rapidly identify a direction of a sensed parameter. In some embodiments, the plurality of measuring devices corresponds to a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and the sensed parameter is a magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic device having a cover includes a cover unit rotated about one side of the electronic device and having a magnet member; a magnetic body mounted within the electronic device and magnetized by the magnet member; a sensor unit provided close to the magnetic body to sense a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic body; and a controller which executes a user experience according to a signal output of the sensor unit.

Abstract: A surface-mountable magnetic field sensor (1) with a semiconductor chip (4), a magnetic field measuring device (30), and in a method for producing and populating a circuit board (24) having a magnetic field sensor (1), the magnetic field sensor (1) has a semiconductor chip (4), which is arranged on a flat-conductor substrate (5). At least three flat-conductor electrodes (6 to 9), which protrude out of a plastic housing side (10), are electrically connected to the semiconductor chip (4). The flat-conductor substrate (5) and the semiconductor chip (4) are embedded in a plastic housing (11). The plastic housing (11) can be inserted with the embedded semiconductor chip (4) into a magnetic field gap (12), with the flat-conductor electrodes (6 to 9) protruding, wherein the flat-conductor electrodes (6 to 9) have bends (13 to 16) at a distance from the plastic housing side (10), the bends being surface-mountable on a circuit board.

Abstract: A current sensor having a magnetic field sensor, and a variable current source connected to the magnetic field sensor, and a first differential amplifier, connected to the magnetic field sensor, for amplifying a first sensor voltage. A second differential amplifier is provided and the second differential amplifier is connected to the first differential amplifier and to the current source. In the case of the first sensor voltage, a first operating current is present at the magnetic field sensor and in the case of a second sensor voltage, a second operating current is present, whereby the second Hall voltage is smaller than the first sensor voltage and the second operating current is greater than the first operating current.

Abstract: The size of a current detecting apparatus is reduced by employing a small magnetic core, and problems caused by excessive heat generation and vibrations of a bass bar are prevented. In a current detecting apparatus, a current detecting bass bar includes a through portion penetrating through a hollow portion of a magnetic core, and plate-shaped terminal portions continuing from both sides of the through portion. The through portion is formed to have a thickness larger than that of the terminal portions.

Abstract: A vertical Hall Effect sensor assembly in one embodiment includes a first sensor with a first doped substrate, a first doped well, the first doped well having a doping opposite to the first doped substrate, a first endmost inner contact accessible at a first surface of the first sensor and located at a first end portion of the first doped well, a first intermediate inner contact accessible at the first surface and located between the first endmost inner contact and a second end portion of the first doped well, and a first electrode positioned on the first surface immediately adjacent to the first endmost inner contact and the first intermediate inner contact, the first electrode electrically isolated from the first doped well, and a first voltage source operably connected to the first electrode.

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 magnetic sensor of the present invention includes a Hall-effect sensor configured to detect magnetism and an IC being configured to drive the Hall-effect sensor and perform signal processing therefor and having two or more metal interconnection layers. The Hall-effect sensor and the IC are electrically connected to each other via wire interconnections and sealed in one package. Metal interconnections on the IC to input output voltage of the Hall-effect sensor to a signal processing unit of the IC have a grade-separation junction portion in order to suppress an induced electromotive force which a change in the magnetic flux density externally applied generates at output terminals of the Hall-effect sensor, the wire interconnections connected to output electrode pads of the Hall-effect sensor, and the metal interconnections to input the output voltage of the Hall-effect sensor to the signal processing unit of the IC.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to sensor systems and methods for detecting residual currents. In embodiments, a sensor comprises a magnetic core and a plurality of conductors passing through an aperture of the core. The magnetic core comprises a gap in the core itself, and a magnetic field sensor is arranged proximate to but not within this gap, in contrast with conventional approaches, in order to detect a net flux in the core. Advantageously, embodiments can be used in applications in which it is desired to detect AC or DC currents.

Abstract: Current sensors, conductors and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a magnetic current sensor comprises a conductor comprising a first sheet metal layer having a first thickness and comprising at least one hole, and a second sheet metal layer having a second thickness less than the first thickness and comprising at least one notch, the second sheet metal layer being coupled to the first sheet metal layer such that the at least one hole of the first sheet metal layer at least partially overlaps with the at least one notch of the second sheet metal layer; and an integrated circuit (IC) die comprising at least one magnetic sensor element and being coupled to the conductor such that the at least one magnetic sensor element is generally aligned with a tip of the at least one notch of the second sheet metal layer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method of providing force feedback information experienced by an object of interest (OOI) within a magnetic field comprising determining location of OOI within the magnetic field; determining new location of OOI within the magnetic field; determining expected position of the OOI within the magnetic field; comparing the new location with the expected position of the OOI and calculating force feedback information being experienced on the OOI.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing the effect of contact resistances for Hall effect device contacts. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a Hall effect device comprising a plurality of force and sense contact pairs. The force and sense contact pairs comprise a force contact and a separate and distinct sense contact. The force contact is configured to act as a supply terminal that receive an input signal while the sense contact is configured act as an output terminal to provide an output signal indicative of a measured magnetic field value. By utilizing separate contacts for inputting a signal (e.g., an applied current) and reading out a signal (e.g., an induced voltage) the non-linearities generated by contact resistances may be removed, thereby minimizing the zero point offset voltage of the measured magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a planar Hall-effect sensor with a magnetic sensing region of an elongated shape, wherein, for a ratio of long axis length to short axis length greater than a predetermined number, effective single magnetic domain behavior is exhibited in the sensing region, the sensing having shape-induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with the easy axis parallel to the long axis of the magnetic sensing region; further wherein the magnitude of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy depends on the ratio of the thickness of the sensing region to the length of the short axis.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor element including an electrode; a leading line electrically connected to the electrode, passing above the electrode, and led to a side thereof; and a current sensor sensing current flowing through the leading line. The current sensor includes a magneto-resistance element placed above the electrode and below the leading line. A resistance value of the magneto-resistance element varies linearly according to magnetic field generated by the current.

Abstract: A current detection busbar has a penetrating portion that penetrates a hole portion of a magnetic core and two flat plate-like terminal portions that are respectively continuous with opposite sides of the penetrating portion. The terminal portions have a larger width and a smaller thickness than the penetrating portion. An insulating casing has busbar holes that are penetrated by the respective terminal portions of the current detection busbar. An edge portion of each busbar hole is constituted by flat surfaces that face the terminal portion with a gap left between each flat surface and the terminal portion, a plurality of projecting portions that sandwich the terminal portion while coming into contact with the front and back surfaces of the terminal portion, and curved surfaces that face respective corner portions of the terminal portion with a gap left between each curved surface and the corresponding corner portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for contactless measurement of a relative position of a magnetic field source, which produces a magnetic field and a magnetic field sensor in relation to each other. The present invention further relates to a corresponding displacement sensor. According to the present invention, the magnetic field sensor detects at least two spatial components (Bz, By) of the magnetic field and a position signal is produced from the measured components. The method comprises the following steps of calculating the position signal based on a quotient of the two magnetic field components; and correcting, before the quotient is calculated, the magnetic field component, which extends in a movement direction between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic sensor device capable of performing signal processing at high speed with high accuracy. The magnetic sensor device includes: a plurality of Hall elements; a plurality of differential amplifiers to which the plurality of Hall elements are connected, respectively; a detection voltage setting circuit for outputting a reference voltage; and a comparator including: a plurality of differential input pairs connected to the plurality of differential amplifiers, respectively; and a differential input pair connected to the detection voltage setting circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a magnetic sensor device capable of performing signal processing at high speed with high accuracy. The magnetic sensor device includes: a plurality of Hall elements; a plurality of differential amplifiers to which the plurality of Hall elements are connected, respectively; a detection voltage setting circuit for outputting a reference voltage; and a comparator including: a plurality of differential input pairs connected to the plurality of differential amplifiers, respectively; and a differential input pair connected to the detection voltage setting circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting concealed personal security threats may comprise conventional mirrors and less conventional arrays of Hall-effect sensors and/or magnetometers, preferably at least two axis or three axis sensors or sensors mounted back-to-back. The concealed personal security threats may comprise, for example, sticky devices consisting of geographic position sensors for covertly broadcasting motor vehicle location data, of so-called Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) which may be covertly or openly affixed to, for example, the undercarriages of motor vehicles using strong magnets and later exploded, the former giving away private location information, the latter causing damage to the motor vehicles to which they are affixed and sticky containers for hiding contraband among other “sticky devices.” Magnetic fields detected by, for example, arrays of Hall-effect sensors and the like may be quantified and stored in processor memory as a vehicle magnetic field signature.

Abstract: A measurement head (1) for a magnetoelastic sensor having a ferrite core (3). The core (3) has a first end (5), on which a field coil (9) which generates a magnetic field is fitted, and at least a second end (7), on which a magnetic field sensor (11, 41) is fitted.

Abstract: Some embodiments herein relate to a sensor package. The sensor package includes a printed circuit board with a laminar current conductor arranged on a first main surface of the printed circuit board. The sensor package also includes a sensor chip adapted to measure a current flowing through the laminar current conductor, wherein the sensor chip comprises a magnetic field sensor. The sensor chip is electrically insulated from the current conductor by the printed circuit board, and is arranged on a second main surface of the printed circuit board opposite to the first main surface. The sensor chip is hermetically sealed between the mold material and the printed circuit board, or is arranged in the printed circuit board and hermetically sealed by the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Vertical Hall device with highly conductive node for electrically connecting first and second Hall effect regions. A vertical Hall device comprises a first Hall effect region and a different second Hall effect region, both in a common semiconductor body. The first and second Hall effect regions have a main face and an opposite face, respectively. A highly conductive opposite face node is in ohmic contact to the opposite face of the first Hall effect region and the opposite face of the second Hall effect region in the semiconductor body. The vertical Hall device also comprises a first pair of contacts in or at the main face of the first Hall effect region and a second pair of contacts in or at the main face of the second Hall effect region. A convex circumscribing contour of the second pair of contacts is disjoint from a convex circumscribing contour of the first pair of contacts. Alternative embodiments comprise a pair of contacts and an opposite face node contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetism detection device. First and second switch units switch a direction of a current flown from a bias generating unit across two opposite terminals of four terminals of a hall sensor, and switch a direction of a voltage to be available in remaining two opposite terminals in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the current, respectively, so that in a first period, a polarity of a hall electromotive force is a first polarity and a polarity of the hall offset voltage alternates four times, and in a second period, the polarity of the hall electromotive force is a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and the polarity of the hall offset voltage alternates four times.

Abstract: A current detector senses current flowing through a conductor, such as a conductive trace of a circuit board, without being placed in series with the conductor. A first magnetically conductive partial ring is located above the conductor, and a second magnetically conductive partial ring is located below the conductor. Ends of one of the partial rings may be inserted through holes of the circuit board to either side of the conductive trace. The partial rings, upon being contactively aligned with one another, form a magnetically conductive complete ring around the conductor. A Hall effect sensor disposed within one of the partial rings outputs a signal corresponding to the current flowing through the conductor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a plurality of sensing elements configured to generate a plurality of sensing element signals. The electronic circuit also includes a control signal generator configured to generate a plurality of control signals. The electronic circuit also includes a combining circuit. The combining circuit includes a plurality of switching circuits. Each switching circuit is configured to generate a respective switching circuit output signal being representative of either a non-inverted or an inverted respective one of the plurality of sensing element signals depending upon the first state or the second state of a respective one of the plurality of control signals. The combining circuit also includes a summing circuit coupled to receive the switching circuit output and configured to generate a summed output signal corresponding to a sum of the switching circuit output signals.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a linear magnetic field sensor to produce a voltage proportional to a sensed magnetic field and an interface having only two terminals for external connections. The two terminals of the interface include a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. The interface includes a voltage-controlled current generating device that is connected between the two terminals and is controlled by the voltage to provide a current signal that is proportional to the sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic input apparatus and method for a computer device are disclosed. A grid pattern of magnetic sensors can include a plurality of Hall elements. Each Hall element is selectively coupled to a Hall voltage sensor. A source of magnetic field can be placed in proximity to the grid pattern and one or more Hall voltage measurements for one or more of the regions can be collected with the Hall voltage sensor. The measurements can be analyzed to determine a position of the source of the magnetic field with respect to the grid pattern. Input can be provided to the computer program based on the determined position of the source of the magnetic field.