Abstract: The present invention provides a fluxgate magnetic sensor element which includes: a substrate; an exciting pattern which is disposed on the substrate to generate a magnetic field; a magnetic thin film pattern for detection which is disposed adjacent to the exciting pattern; and a detection coil pattern which is disposed adjacent to the magnetic thin film pattern for detection. In the magnetic sensor element, the exciting pattern, the magnetic thin film pattern for detection, and the detection coil pattern are formed on the substrate. Therefore, the magnetic sensor element can be formed into a flat shape. Moreover, since the length of the generated magnetic field is short in a long-axis direction, the size and thickness of the element itself can be reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a thin film tri-gate fluxgate for detecting a component of a magnetic field in directions of three axes, the thin film tri-gate fluxgate comprising: two first thin film fluxgates of a bar-type disposed on a plane for detecting horizontal components of the magnetic field in direction of dual axis; and a plurality of second thin film fluxgates for detecting a vertical component of the magnetic field, wherein each of the first thin film fluxgates and the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates comprises a drive coil for applying a power, a pickup coil for detecting a voltage and, a magnetic thin film, and wherein the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates are substantially perpendicular to each of the first thin film fluxgates wherein a length of the magnetic thin film of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is shorter than that of each of the two first thin film fluxgates, and wherein two end portions of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is wid

Abstract: A device for measuring the position of a mobile part (4), includes: at least one magnetic node (10) capable of modulating the amplitude of an excitation magnetic field according to the amplitude of a magnetic field to be measured, the magnetic node having a magnetic cycle for magnetic induction that depends on the hysteresis-free magnetic field in an operation range [Hmin; Hmax], and in which the magnetic cycle of the magnetic node (10) is characterised in that the absolute value of the third derivative of the magnetic induction relative to the magnetic field is maximal for a zero magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic field sensor comprising at least one magnetic core (10) in which the magnetic cycle of the magnetic core is characterised in that the absolute value of the third derivative of the magnetic flux density in relation to the magnetic field is maximum for a zero magnetic field.

Abstract: A ring-shaped first ring-shaped magnetic core, a first excitation coil wound on the first ring-shaped magnetic core, two detection coils wound on the first ring-shaped magnetic core in such a manner that respective input axes of the detection coils are orthogonal to each other, two signal detection/feedback units that detect outputs of the detection coils and feed output signals back to the detection coils, and a first excitation circuit that supplies an excitation current to the first excitation coil are provided, a second ring-shaped magnetic core, a compensation coil wound on the second ring-shaped magnetic core, and a compensation signal generation unit that generates, from an output of a detection coil, a compensation current to be applied to the compensation coil, are further provided, and the second ring-shaped magnetic core and the compensation coil are disposed in positions and directions so that a compensation magnetic field created by the compensation coil cancels interference between magnetic fiel

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor comprising means (5) for accommodating a fluid sample having a sensor surface at its bottom and means for detecting particles accumulated at and/or proximate the sensor surface. The biosensor further comprises a quadrupole magnetic unit (1, 2, 3, 4) adapted to provide a magnetic field gradient at the sensor surface, wherein the unit is arranged below the sensor surface.

Abstract: A system and method for non-contact engine parameter sensing. A magnetized engine component establishes a magnetic field that varies in response to stress imparted within the engine. A magnetic field sensing element spaced from the magnetized engine component is configured to provide an output indicative of a state of combustion in response to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A permanent or variable magnetic field circulation sensor including apparatus for magnetic excitation further including at least one elongated excitation coil extending around an elongated supple magnetic core and including a supple magnetic material with low relative magnetic permeability having a supple or flexible matrix in which magnetic particles are dispersed, an excitation current generation unit coupled to the excitation coil to generate an excitation magnetic field in the core over substantially the entire length of the coil, apparatus for measurement including: at least one magnetic measuring transducer magnetically coupled to the apparatus for magnetic excitation, a measuring unit connected to the magnetic measuring transducer and suitable for providing a measurement of magnetic field circulation in the core.

Abstract: A magnetic-sensor controller includes an input section, a perpendicular-bisector calculation section, a storage section, and a setting section. The input section successively inputs a plurality of magnetic data sets successively output from a three-dimensional magnetic sensor. Each magnetic data includes three components. The perpendicular-bisector calculation section calculates, for each pair of two of the magnetic data sets, a perpendicular bisector of two points corresponding to the two magnetic data sets. The storage section stores a plurality of perpendicular bisectors. The setting section statistically approximates, by a single point, a region where the plurality of perpendicular bisectors stored in the storage section meet, and sets an offset of the magnetic data set on the basis of the single point. The magnetic-sensor controller enables accurate setting of an offset even when the magnetic field strength changes.

Abstract: A current sensor for outputting a detection signal corresponding to a current flowing through a bus bar. The current sensor includes a magnetic core that concentrates and amplifies magnetic flux generated by the current near a detection portion of the bus bar. A magnetic detection element detects the magnetic flux concentrated by the magnetic core and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected magnetic flux. A signal processing circuit includes electronic components and processes the electrical signal output from the magnetic detection element to generate the detection signal. A lead frame holds the magnetic detection element and the electronic components. The magnetic detection element, electronic components, and lead frame are combined to form a single sensor module. The current sensor detects the current flowing through the bus bar with the sensor module and outputs the detection signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting a magnetic flux includes: a magnetic-flux-generating coil having a first and second excitation-track elements extending essentially parallel to a reference plane; a flux-conducting structure for guiding the produced magnetic flux; and a flux-detecting coil having a first detection-track element for measuring at least a portion of the produced magnetic flux, the first detection-track element extending in a first plane defined by the first and second excitation-track elements between the first and the second excitation-track elements. The projection of the excitation-track elements of the flux-generating coil onto a projection plane extending parallel to the reference plane essentially covers the projection of the flux-conducting structure onto the projection plane, at least in the region of the windings of the flux-generating coil.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing and processing a magnetic flux signal comprising: an odd number of at least three fluxgate modules, a summer, and a processor. Each fluxgate module is configured to generate a module response signal upon receiving the magnetic flux signal. The fluxgate modules are circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between them. The summer is configured to sum the response signals from each fluxgate module into a summed signal. The processor is configured to receive and process the summed signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compensating for magnetic fields which has two sensors which are active in different frequency ranges and thus allows regulation with a bandwidth from 0 to 20 kHz.

Abstract: A flexible current sensor including a sensing cable with a sensing coil wound on a cylindrical flexible core and electrical shielding located over said sensing coil and an outer isolation coat. The electrical shielding includes a plurality of individually isolated shielding wires arranged into groups wound in mutually opposite directions and/or the sensing coil includes a plurality of individually isolated sensing wires arranged into groups wound in mutually opposite directions.

Abstract: Closed-loop current sensor comprising a magnetic circuit, a magnetic field sensor, and a compensation circuit configured to generate a magnetic field opposing a magnetic field created by an electrical current to be measured flowing in one or more primary conductors (10) extending through a central opening (38) of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit comprises a magnetic core (4) made of at least two core parts (28a, 28b) assembled together to form a substantially closed magnetic circuit, wherein a second branch (32) of the magnetic circuit comprises inner (40a, 40b) and outer (42a, 42b) wall portions joined by one or more lateral wall portions (46a, 46b, 46a?, 46b?) at least partially surrounding a cavity portion (44) receiving the magnetic field sensor (8) therein, the lateral and outer wall portions extending from one or both lateral edges of the inner wall portion.

Abstract: Orthogonal fluxgate sensor for measuring an external magnetic field Hext, comprising a conductor for carrying an excitation current lexc, a ferromagnetic material adapted to saturate in the presence of a magnetic field generated by the excitation current, and at least one pick-up coil adapted to detect variations in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetic material. The excitation conductor comprises a substantially linear elongated portion of conductive, non-magnetic material, forming an excitation rod (6). The magnetic material surrounds the excitation rod in the form of a cladding (8).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a very low noise fundamental mode orthogonal fluxgate magnetometer. Also disclosed is a method of measuring a magnetic field, and an integrated magnetotelluric station that can measure X, Y, and Z components of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic detection element, comprises a core composed of a soft magnetic material, a detecting coil for detecting a magnetic field applied to the core, and an exciting coil for applying an alternating magnetic field to the core, wherein the surface of the core is divided into a first region and a second region in the longitudinal direction of the detecting coil, the first region and the second region being different in affinity for a detection object substance.

Abstract: A three-axis fluxgate-type circuit having three fluxgate sensors for outputting three analog voltage values respectively. A controller normalizes three digital voltage values corresponding to said three analog voltage values, select a set of linear voltage values from the three normalized digital voltage values and calculate an azimuth based on the set of linear voltage values.

Abstract: A signal detection circuit comprising: a differential amplifier to which an output voltage of a detection coil of a magnetic sensor is to be applied; a comparator to output a digital signal being at one logic level in a period between two spike-shaped voltages adjacent to each other in the output voltage of the differential amplifier; and a count circuit to perform a count operation in a period during which the comparator outputs the digital signal of the one logic level, the count circuit including a first counter to count a first clock having a predetermined frequency, a second counter to count a second clock being equal in frequency to and different in phase from the first clock, the second counter having the same number of bits as the number of bits of the first counter, and an adder to add count values of the first and the second counter.

Abstract: A fluxgate sensor includes a magnetic core including CoNbZr, an excitation coil, and a magnetic field sensing coil. The fluxgate sensor can use CoNbZr. A low coercivity and high magnetic permeability can be obtained.

Abstract: A target signal analyzer having at least one receiving antenna configured to receive the target signal, and a parallel array of oscillator rings. Each oscillator ring is operatively coupled to receive the target signal from the receiving antenna. Each oscillator ring has an odd number of at least three bistable, nonlinear oscillators circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between the oscillators in each oscillator ring. Each of the oscillator rings is configured to oscillate and thereby produce a response signal only when the target signal frequency is within a designated frequency band. For every designated frequency band in a spectrum of interest, at least one of the oscillator rings is configured to produce a response signal.

Abstract: A two-axis geomagnetic sensor is disclosed. The two-axis geomagnetic sensor includes a first geomagnetic sensor part including a first wafer and a first geomagnetic sensor on a surface of the first wafer; and a second geomagnetic sensor part including a second wafer and a second geomagnetic sensor on a surface of the second wafer. The first and second geomagnetic sensor parts are bonded to each other, in which the first and second geomagnetic sensors positioned in an orthogonal relation to each other. Accordingly, an occupancy area of the geomagnetic sensor can be reduced. Further, the geomagnetic sensor on each axe can have the same magnetic material properties, and alignment deviation cannot be generated.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical modulating magnetic sensor comprising a base; a magnetic transducer associated with the base that provides an output in response to a magnetic field; a pair of movable flux concentrators positioned to move relative to the magnetic transducer; the pair of movable flux concentrators having a region of high flux concentration between the pair of movable flux concentrators; the pair of flux concentrators moving together in tandem with the distance between the pair remaining substantially constant during movement; support structure for supporting the pair of movable flux concentrators; a power source for causing the movable flux concentrators to move at a frequency within a predetermined frequency range; whereby when the pair of movable flux concentrators is in a first position the region of high flux concentration is in a first location, and when the pair of movable flux concentrators is in a second position, the region of high flux concentration is in a second position; such that as the

Abstract: A current transformer detects a sine-wave alternating current having a maximum effective current value Imax(Arms) and a frequency f(Hz) and a half-sine-wave rectified current having a maximum peak value Ipeak(Aop) and a frequency f(Hz) in a primary winding, consisting of at least one magnetic core with one turn of primary winding and at least one multiple turns of secondary winding to which a detecting resistor is connected.

Abstract: A signal detection circuit of a magnetic sensor includes a differential amplifier to which an output voltage of a detecting coil of the magnetic sensor is applied; a comparator to which the output of the differential amplifier is input, the comparator outputting a digital signal having one logical value during a time period between two adjacent spike voltages included in the output voltage; and a counter that counts the number of pulses of a clock in a period when the output of the comparator has one logical value.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetic field sensing cell and a magnetic shield comprising at least two parts separated by an air-gap and surrounding the magnetic field sensing cell positioned in a cavity of the magnetic shield.

Abstract: A magnetometer assembly (22) for a torque transducer (10) includes inner and outer coils (34,38,36,40) wrapped and supported on a bobbin assembly (22). The bobbin assembly (22) includes upper and lower axial portions (21,23) divided by a middle flange (28). The middle flange (28) includes a plurality of notches (32) that are disposed equal angularly about an axis (18). A plurality of corresponding magnetic strips (42) extend axially through each of the notches (32) and through the entire length of the magnetometer assembly (22). The magnetic strips (42) are disposed between an inner and outer coil assembly (34,38,36,40) and becomes saturated in the presence of a magnetic field. Divergent magnetic fields created by torque applied to a torque transducer element (12) disposed within the magnetometer assembly (22) and detected and measured to provide an indication of applied torque.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluxgate magnetic sensor element which includes: a substrate; an exciting pattern which is disposed on the substrate to generate a magnetic field; a magnetic thin film pattern for detection which is disposed adjacent to the exciting pattern; and a detection coil pattern which is disposed adjacent to the magnetic thin film pattern for detection. In the magnetic sensor element, the exciting pattern, the magnetic thin film pattern for detection, and the detection coil pattern are formed on the substrate. Therefore, the magnetic sensor element can be formed into a flat shape. Moreover, since the length of the generated magnetic field is short in a long-axis direction, the size and thickness of the element itself can be reduced.

Abstract: Orthogonal fluxgate sensor for measuring an external magnetic field Hext, comprising a conductor for carrying an excitation current lexc, a ferromagnetic material adapted to saturate in the presence of a magnetic field generated by the excitation current, and at least one pick-up coil adapted to detect variations in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the magnetic material. The excitation conductor comprises a substantially linear elongated portion of conductive, non-magnetic material, forming an excitation rod (6). The magnetic material surrounds the excitation rod in the form of a cladding (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing and processing a magnetic flux signal comprising: an odd number of at least three fluxgate modules, a summer, and a processor. Each fluxgate module is configured to generate a module response signal upon receiving the magnetic flux signal. The fluxgate modules are circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between them. The summer is configured to sum the response signals from each fluxgate module into a summed signal. The processor is configured to receive and process the summed signal.

Abstract: A fluxgate sensor is integrated in a semiconductor substrate. The fluxgate sensor has two bar type soft magnetic cores, or a rectangular-ring type soft magnetic core to form a closed magnetic path on the semiconductor substrate, with an excitation coil formed of a metal layer either of the united structure winding the two bar-type cores or two longer sides of the rectangular-ring type core altogether and substantially in a number ‘8’ pattern, or of a separated structure winding the two bar type cores or two longer sides of the rectangular-ring type core, respectively, in a number ‘8’ pattern. Also, a pick-up coil is formed on the two bar-type cores or two longer sides of the rectangular-ring type core, either of the united structure winding the two bar-type cores or two longer sides of the rectangular-type core altogether in a solenoid pattern, or of the separated structure winding the two bar type cores or two longer sides of the rectangular-ring type core, respectively, in a solenoid pattern.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor element of a flux gate type comprising a magnetism sensitive part (8a) formed by winding a coil (3) around a magnetic core layer (8), and magnetism collective part (8b) for guiding magnetic fluxes to the magnetism sensitive part (8a). Respective central parts of the magnetism collective part (8b) are connected with the respective ends of the magnetism sensitive part (8a). Therefor the magnetic core layer (8) is formed so as to resemble a letter H in planar shape. And the coil (3) of the magnetism collective part (8b) is a thin-film coil comprising a plurality of upper coil thin-films (12) and a plurality of lower coil thin-films (4) formed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the magnetic core layer (8) via insulation layers by connecting together the respective lower coil thin-films (4) and the upper coil thin-films (12), at respective adjacent ends thereof, so as to be sequentially continuous with each other.

Abstract: A coupled non-linear sensor system is provided for sensing a non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal. The system comprises an odd number, other than one, of interconnected oscillatory sensors for sensing time-dependent changes in an external magnetic flux generated by the non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal, the sensors coupled to each other by a coupling parameter characterized by a threshold value, so that each of the sensors oscillates in the presence of the non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal as the coupling parameter exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A differential wireless sensing device includes a first resonant device impinged on a substrate having a predetermined natural frequency, the first resonant device having a changeable resonant frequency in response to an environmental condition, and a second resonant device impinged on the substrate having a predetermined static resonant frequency.

Abstract: This application describes a system for contraband and weapons detection. The system comprises a coplanar sensor array, electronic drive circuitry, a data acquisition circuit, a video frame grabber, a video camera, and a computer control unit with a control module installed. Properly constructed and aligned, the system allows for the detection of very small magnetic moments, which surround ferromagnetic materials. This ferromagnetic detection allows users to screen personnel for contraband electronic devices and concealed weapons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic field sensor comprising at least one magnetic core (10) in which the magnetic cycle of the magnetic core is characterised in that the absolute value of the third derivative of the magnetic flux density in relation to the magnetic field is maximum for a zero magnetic field.

Abstract: A sensor system employing a plurality of nonlinear sensors utilizes a coupling network to interconnect the sensors wherein the coupling network inherently induces oscillations in the sensor system. This approach removes the need to provide bias signal generation either onboard the sensors or via a source external to the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluxgate micromagnetometer implemented in thin layers, fitted with at least one excitation coil with an arrangement and a structure that bring improvements particularly in terms of the magnetometer footprint, reduction in the “offsets” of measurements taken by the magnetometer, common mode rejection.

Abstract: A fluxgate sensor is integrated in a printed circuit board. The fluxgate sensor has two bar-type (or rectangular-ring shaped) soft magnetic cores to form a closed magnetic path on a printed circuit board and an excitation coil in the form of a metal film is wound around the two bar-type soft magnetic cores either in a united structure that winds the two bar-type soft magnetic cores altogether, or in a separated structure that winds the two bar-type soft magnetic cores respectively, both in a pattern of number ‘8’. A pick-up coil is mounted on the excitation coil, either winding the two bars altogether, or respectively, in a solenoid pattern. The fluxgate sensor integrated in the printed circuit board can be mass-produced at a cheap manufacturing cost. The fluxgate sensor also can be made compact-sized, and at the same time, is capable of forming a closed-magnetic path.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a fluxgate module which outputs an analog signal corresponding to terrestrial magnetism using a fluxgate having a magnetic substance core and a driving coil, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter which converts an analog signal output from the fluxgate module into a digital signal. The fluxgate module includes first and second current amplifiers for exciting the magnetic substance core by applying pulses to first and second ends of the driving coil, and a pulse restricting part for driving the first and second current amplifiers to apply the pulses and for stopping driving the first and second current amplifiers when converting the analog signal into the digital signal is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board with a weak magnetic field sensor according to the present invention, which includes a substrate having first excitation circuits and first detection circuits formed on both sides thereof. First laminates are layered on both sides of the substrate, and have soft magnetic cores with a predetermined shape formed thereon. Second laminates are layered on the first laminates, and have second excitation circuits and second detection circuits, connected through via holes to the first excitation circuits and first detection circuits, respectively, so that the first and second excitation circuits and first and second detection circuits are wound around the soft magnetic cores, formed thereon. The soft magnetic cores each include a magnetic core and non-magnetic metal layers formed on both sides of the magnetic core.

Abstract: An integrated fluxgate-induction sensor is formed of a combined fluxgate sensor and induction sensor using a common core. The sensor may be in serial operation where it switches between a fluxgate mode for measuring static magnetic fields and an induction mode for measuring alternating magnetic fields. Additionally, the sensor may be used in an interleaved operation where the sensor operates from the fluxgate mode during the transition period where its core is changing from a high permeability state to a low permeability state or vice versa, while the sensor operates in the induction mode when the core is in its high permeability state. The resulting sensor provides for a compact magnetic sensor system capable of sensing magnetic fields which oscillate from zero frequency to 10 kHz and higher.

Abstract: A circuit for a fluxgate magnetometer includes a plurality of digital function blocks that are programmed as functions within a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes and implements the functions of an analog circuit to lower the cost and complexity of a digital fluxgate magnetometer circuit.

Abstract: A micro-machining method of manufacturing a micro fluxgate sensor manufactured having an amorphous magnetic core includes forming lower coils of an excitation coil and a magnetic field detecting coil on a wafer, depositing a first insulating layer on the lower coils and forming an amorphous magnetic core, depositing a second insulating layer on the amorphous magnetic core and forming upper coils connected to the lower coils to complete the excitation coil and the magnetic field detecting coil, and covering the excitation coil and the magnetic field detecting coil with a protective film, and etching the protective film to expose a portion of the excitation coil and magnetic field detecting coil, thereby forming a pad.

Abstract: A magnetic field measuring device, equipped with a fluxgate magnetometer, the device including a magnetic sensor equipped with at least one magnetic core and a plurality of windings, and configured to deliver at least one output signal, pulse generating means for emitting at least one excitation signal at the input of the magnetic sensor, in the form of a succession of excitation pulses, one excitation pulse of the excitation pulses having a duration at least 50 times less than a period of the at least one excitation signal, sampling means for sampling the output signal of the magnetic sensor, and means for, following the emission of at least one excitation pulse of the succession of excitation pulses and during the duration of the at least one excitation pulse, triggering at least one acquisition of the output signal of the magnetic sensor by the sampling means.

Abstract: A printed circuit board integrated with a two-axis fluxgate sensor includes a first soft magnetic core formed lengthwise in a first axial direction, a first excitation coil formed of a metal film and wound around the first soft magnetic core, a first pick-up coil formed of a metal film and wound around the first soft magnetic core and the first excitation coil, a second soft magnetic core formed lengthwise in a second axial direction, the second axial direction being perpendicular to the first axial direction, a second excitation coil formed of a metal film and wound around the second soft magnetic core, a second pick-up coil formed of a metal film and wound around the second soft magnetic core and the second excitation coil, and a pad for establishing conductivity between the first and second excitation coils and the first and second pick-up coils and an external circuit.

Abstract: A two-axis fluxgate sensor has a driving pulse generating circuit which generates pulse signal and outputs as a driving signal, and X-axis and Y-axis fluxgates which are in proportional relation with each other. The two-axis fluxgate sensor generates voltage values of X-axis and Y-axis fluxgates corresponding to the magnetism which is generated from the driving signal, and a memory stores therein a neural network weight matrix. When the voltage values of the X-axis and Y-axis fluxgates are measured, a control unit compensates for the voltage values by using the neural network weight matrix which is stored in the memory, and computes an azimuth angle by using the compensated voltage values. An accurate azimuth angle can be obtained even at slopes.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly includes a multilayer printed wiring board proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being operable as either a variable-reluctance sensor or an eddy current loss sensor. The proximity sensor includes a plurality of layers configured to form at least one wound coil disposed about at least a portion of a core. The coils are electrically driven to generate an alternating magnetic field such that the inductance of the coils changes when a permeable or conductive object is moved in relation to the magnetic field. The change in inductance is recognized and used to detect the proximity and presence of an object relative to the sensor.

Abstract: An exciting coil drive circuit of a magnetic sensor comprises a D/A converter that receives input of digital data for detecting a magnetic field; a first amplifier that outputs a drive signal P applied to one end of an exciting coil of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the D/A converter; and a second amplifier that outputs a drive signal N applied to the other end of the exciting coil based on the output signal of the D/A converter, the drive signal N being an inversion signal of the drive signal P, the drive signal N intersecting with the drive signal P twice or more.