US6278271B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three dimensional magnetic field sensor
Assignee: Melexis Tessenderlo NV
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Filing: 1999-03-29
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Granted: 2001-08-21
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Expires: 2019-03-29
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic field sensor for measurement of the three components (Bx, By, Bz) of a magnetic field comprises a Hall-effect element (1) and an electronic circuit (22). The Hall-effect element (1) comprises an active area (18) of a first conductivity type which is contacted with voltage and current contacts (2-5 or 6-9). Four voltage contacts (2-5) are present which are connected to inputs of the electronic circuit (22). By means of summation or differential formation of the electrical potentials (V2, V3, V4, V5) present at the voltage contacts (2-5), the electronic circuit (22) derives three signals (Vx, Vy, Vz) which are proportional to the three components (Bx, By, Bz) of the magnetic field.
Inventors
- 👤 Christian Schott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/02; G01R33/0206; G01R33/06; G01R33/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Magnetic field sensor for measurement of the three components of a magnetic field comprising a Hall-effect element and an electronic circuit, whereby the Hall-effect element has an active area of a first conductivity type which is contacted with voltage and current contacts whereby at least four current contacts for current feed and four voltage contacts are present, whereby the voltage contacts are connected to the electronic circuit which derives three signals, each by means of one of: summation, differential, and both summation and differential formation of the electrical potentials present at the voltage contacts which are proportional to the three components of the magnetic field.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Magnetic field sensor for measurement of the three components of a magnetic field comprising a Hall-effect element and an electronic circuit, whereby the Hall-effect element has an active area of a first conductivity type which is contacted with voltage and current contacts whereby at least four current contacts for current feed and four voltage contacts are present, whereby the voltage contacts are connected to the electronic circuit which derives three signals, each by means of one of: summation, differential, and both summation and differential formation of the electrical potentials present at the voltage contacts which are proportional to the three components of the magnetic field.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Magnetic field sensor according to claim 1 whereby the active area is neither laterally limited by an area of a second conductivity type nor itself laterally limits an area of a second conductivity type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Magnetic field sensor according to claim 1 whereby the active area is laterally limited by an area of a second conductivity type and/or laterally limits an area of a second conductivity type.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
Magnetic field sensor according to claim 1 , whereby magnetic field concentrators are present which amplify the two components of the magnetic field directed parallel to the surface of the Hall-effect element in the area of the corresponding voltage contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Magnetic field sensor according to claim 1 , whereby the electronic circuit forms at least one signal by means of instrumentation amplifiers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Magnetic field sensor according to claim 1 , whereby a maximum of three current and/or voltage contacts are arranged along any direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-08-20 | 2005-02-19 | 2005-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-08-20 | 2009-02-19 | 2009-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-08-20 | 2013-02-19 | 2013-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |