I am profoundly convinced that notwithstanding the great progress made in solid-state magnetic sensors, they are as yet in their cloudless infancy, whereas there is still so much lying ahead in a world, unlimited in time and space ... Good Heavens! They are a whole Universe into themselves. So expounds the author in his preface to this second volume in the exciting new series, Handbook of Sensors and Actuators. The publication presents a balanced view of the overall progress made in the field, whilst summing up scientific achievements as the groundwork for further development. Readers will find, for the first time, collected in one book, detailed information regarding the physical mechanisms of the origin of magnetosensitivity, the geometry and design of devices, operating modes, basic parameters and methods for their determination, the incorporation of transducers in circuits and smart solutions, many varied applications and other problems relevant to all the current Hall sensors, magnetodiodes, magnetotransistors, carrier-domain magnetometers, SQUID's (Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices) and similar transducers of magnetic energy. Particular attention is devoted to semiconductor magnetosensitive sensors and their microelectronic versions since development rates in this area signify a dominant research trend for the future. Undoubtedly this book will become a vital reference tool for the ever widening circle of researchers and engineers interested in solid-state magnetosensors. It also makes a fundamental contribution to the handbook series as a whole.

A magnetic field sensor is a transducer that is capable of converting a magnetic field, H, into a useful electronic signal. These are used in a wide range of applications including retrieving data in the computer industry by reading magnetic tapes or disks or reading magnetic ink on banknotes, cashcards or credit cards for identification purposes, contactless switching, linear and angular displacement detection (e.g. in automotive systems) and potential-free current detection. A majority of solid state magnetic field sensors made to date have been built on bipolar processes. However, it would be beneficial to obtain similar levels of capability in magnetic sensors in CMOS, because this would allow magnetic sensors to be integrated into the present mainstream semiconductor technology. This thesis describes a research effort to improve the sensing capability of silicon magnetic field detectors through circuit innovation such that it is possible to develop a high performance, low power magnetic sensing capability in standard CMOS without extra exotic process steps or the requirement to have flux concentrators or other external devices in order to boost the sensing capability of the CMOS device. There are three circuits described in this work. The first, a magnetic sensitive amplifier achieved the highest figure of merit, 16kV/AT, reported at the time of its publication. The second device was the lowest power magnetic sensor at the time of its publication and could sense 1mT while running on 100nA. The third used a novel noise reduction scheme to sense lower levels of magnetic field (0.18mT) than had been reported for a CMOS device to date and provides a path to improved performance in future. The work in this thesis demonstrates that it is possible through circuit design innovation to deliver highly sensitive, low power magnetic sensors in standard CMOS.

Solid-State Sensors A thorough and up-to-date introduction to solid-state sensors, materials, fabrication processes, and applications Solid-State Sensors provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering fundamental principles, underlying theories, sensor materials, fabrication technologies, current and possible future applications, and more. Presented in a clear and accessible format, this reader-friendly textbook describes the fundamentals and classification of all major types of solid-state sensors, including piezoresistive, capacitive, thermometric, optical bio-chemical, magnetic, and acoustic-based sensors. Throughout the text, the authors offer insight into how different solid-state methods complement each other as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages in relation to specific devices and a variety of state-of-the-art applications. Detailed yet concise chapters include numerous visual illustrations and comparative tables of different subtypes of sensors for a given application. With in-depth discussion of recent developments, current research, and key challenges in the field of solid-state sensors, this volume: Describes solid-state sensing parameters and their importance in sensor characterization Explores possible future applications and breakthroughs in associated fields of research Covers the fundamental principles and relevant equations of sensing phenomena Discusses promising smart materials that have the potential for sensing applications Includes an overview of the history, classification, and terminology of sensors With well-balanced coverage of the fundamentals of sensor design, current and emerging applications, and the most recent research developments in the field, Solid-State Sensors is an excellent textbook for advanced students and professionals in disciplines such as Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering.

This book presents in-depth coverage of magnetic sensors in industrial applications. It is divided into three sections: devices and technology for magnetic sensing, industrial applications (automotive, navigation), and emerging applications. Topics include transmission speed sensor ICs, dynamic differential Hall ICs, chopped Hall switches, programmable linear output Hall sensors, low power Hall ICs, self-calibrating differential Hall ICs for wheel speed sensing, dynamic differential Hall ICs, uni- and bipolar Hall IC switches, chopped mono cell Hall ICs, and electromagnetic levitation.

This completely updated second edition of an Artech House classic covers industrial applications and space and biomedical applications of magnetic sensors and magnetometers. With the advancement of smart grids, renewable energy resources, and electric vehicles, the importance of electric current sensors increased, and the book has been updated to reflect these changes. Integrated fluxgate single-chip magnetometers are presented. GMR sensors in the automotive market, especially for end-of-shaft angular sensors, are included, as well as Linear TMR sensors. Vertical Hall sensors and sensors with integrated ferromagnetic concentrators are two competing technologies, which both brought 3-axial single-chip Hall ICs, are considered. Digital fluxgate magnetometers for both satellite and ground-based applications are discussed. All-optical resonant magnetometes, based on the Coherent Population Trapping effect, has reached approval in space, and is covered in this new edition of the book. Whether you're an expert or new to the field, this unique resource offers you a thorough overview of the principles and design of magnetic sensors and magnetometers, as well as guidance in applying specific devices in the real world. The book covers both multi-channel and gradiometric magnetometer systems, special problems such as cross-talk and crossfield sensitivity, and comparisons between different sensors and magnetometers with respect to various application areas. Miniaturization and the use of new materials in magnetic sensors are also discussed. A comprehensive list of references to journal articles, books, proceedings and webpages helps you find additional information quickly.

Sensor technologies have experienced dramatic growth in recent years, making a significant impact on national security, health care, environmental improvement, energy management, food safety, construction monitoring, manufacturing and process control, and more. However, education on sensor technologies has not kept pace with this rapid development ... until now. Resistive, Capacitive, Inductive, and Magnetic Sensor Technologies examines existing, new, and novel sensor technologies and—through real-world examples, sample problems, and practical exercises—illustrates how the related science and engineering principles can be applied across multiple disciplines, offering greater insight into various sensors’ operating mechanisms and practical functions. The book assists readers in understanding resistive, capacitive, inductive, and magnetic (RCIM) sensors, as well as sensors with similar design concepts, characteristics, and circuitry. Resistive, Capacitive, Inductive, and Magnetic Sensor Technologies is a complete and comprehensive overview of RCIM sensing technologies. It takes a unique approach in describing a broad range of sensing technologies and their diverse applications by first reviewing the necessary physics, and then explaining the sensors’ intrinsic mechanisms, distinctive designs, materials and manufacturing methods, associated noise types, signal conditioning circuitry, and practical applications. The text not only covers silicon and metallic sensors but also those made of modern and specialized materials such as ceramics, polymers, and organic substances. It provides cutting-edge information useful to students, researchers, scientists, and practicing professionals involved in the design and application of sensor-based products in fields such as biomedical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, aerospace, and beyond.

'Sensors' is the first self-contained series to deal with the whole area of sensors. It describes general aspects, technical and physical fundamentals, construction, function, applications and developments of the various types of sensors. This volume presents for the first time a comprehensive description of magnetic sensors with special emphasis placed upon technical and scientific fundamentals. It provides important definitions and a unique overview of concepts, and the nature and principles of magnetic fields. General questions concerning all types of magnetic sensors, such as those pertaining to material, noise, etc. are treated. Each chapter contains physical and mathematical fundamentals and applied technical concepts. In addition, each chapter presents an outline of the most important applications, measurement ranges and accuracy of sensing etc. This volume is an indispensable reference work and text book for both specialists and newcomers, researcher and developers.