Minimum magnetic field detection systems and methods in magnetoresistive sensors

摘要

Embodiments relate to magnetoresistive sensors suitable for both angle and field strength sensing. A sensor can comprise two magnetoresistive (xMR) sensor components for sensing two different aspects/characteristics of a magnetic field. The first xMR sensor component can be configured for magnetic field angle or rotation sensing, while the second xMR sensor component is configured for magnetic field strength sensing. The second xMR sensor component can be configured for magnetic field strength sensing in two dimensions. In an embodiment, the second xMR sensor can be sensitive to lower magnetic fields, while the first xMR sensor can be sensitive to relatively higher magnetic fields. In an exemplary operation, the second xMR sensor can determine whether the field sensed with respect to angle or rotation by the first xMR sensor component is of sufficient strength to increase the accuracy of the angle or rotation of the field sensed by the first xMR sensor.

主权项

1. A magnetoresistive (xMR) sensor comprising:
xMR magnetic field angle sensing circuitry configured to determine a magnetic field angle of a magnetic field; and xMR magnetic field magnitude sensing circuitry arranged in a sensor package with the xMR magnetic field angle sensing circuitry, the xMR magnetic field magnitude sensing circuitry being configured to:
determine a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field; anddetermine an accuracy of the magnetic field angle determined by the xMR magnetic field angle sensing circuitry based on the magnetic field strength.