Magnetic Position Sensor and Position Detecting Method

摘要

The present invention enables to obtain an approximate position of a zero crossing point in a shorter time period. A magnetic position sensor detects, with an array in which multiple magnetic detection elements are arranged in a straight line, the zero crossing point at which the magnetic flux density from a pair of magnetic poles is zero in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the array. The magnetic detection elements are elements whose output changes in polarity when the direction of the magnetic flux density is inverted, and detect an approximate position of the zero crossing point by reading an output of every k-th magnetic detection element of the array (where k is an integer of 2 or greater). Then, the position of the zero crossing point is detected according to outputs of at least two magnetic detection elements on both sides of the zero crossing point.

主权项

1. A magnetic position sensor having an array in which a plurality of magnetic detection elements are arranged in a straight line, configured to detect a zero crossing point at which a magnetic flux density from a pair of magnetic poles is zero in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the array, the magnetic detection elements being elements whose output changes in polarity when a direction of the magnetic flux density is inverted, the magnetic position sensor comprising:
the array; an approximate detection unit for the zero crossing point configured to read an output of every k-th magnetic detection element of the array (where k is an integer of 2 or greater), and detect an approximate position of the zero crossing point based on first detection of a magnetic detection element that has an output with a polarity different from that of an initial magnetic detection element in the reading of every k-th magnetic detection element; and a position detection unit configured to read outputs of at least two magnetic detection elements to both sides of the zero crossing point and detect an accurate position of the zero crossing point according to the read outputs.