CORRUPTION DETECTION AND SMART RESET OF FERROMAGNETIC STRUCTURES IN MAGNETIC FIELD SENSORS

摘要

A sensor package includes a magnetic field sensor and a corruption detection and reset subsystem. The magnetic field sensor has a magnetic sense element and a ferromagnetic structure characterized by a baseline magnetic state. The subsystem includes a detector element, a processor, and current carrying structure positioned in proximity to the ferromagnetic structure. Methodology performed by the subsystem entails detecting at the detector element an altered magnetic state of the ferromagnetic structure, where the altered magnetic state differs from the baseline magnetic state. Methodology further entails determining, at the processor, when a reset action is needed in response to the altered magnetic state and applying a reset magnetic field to the ferromagnetic structure to reset the ferromagnetic structure from the altered magnetic state to the baseline magnetic state.

主权项

1. In a sensor package having a ferromagnetic structure, said ferromagnetic structure being characterized by a baseline magnetic state, a method comprising:
detecting an altered magnetic state of said ferromagnetic structure, said altered magnetic state differing from said baseline magnetic state; determining, at a processor within said sensor package, when a reset action is needed in response to said altered magnetic state; and applying a reset magnetic field to said ferromagnetic structure via a current carrying structure positioned in proximity to said ferromagnetic structure to reset said ferromagnetic structure to said baseline magnetic state.