High current range magnetoresistive-based current sensor

摘要

A system includes a magnetoresistive (MR) bridge circuit, a magnetic field sensor, and an adjustable load. The MR bridge circuit receives a supply voltage and generates an output voltage that indicates a strength/direction of a magnetic field. The MR bridge circuit includes first and second MR elements connected in series between a supply node and a ground node, and third and fourth MR elements connected in series between the supply node and the ground node. The output voltage is generated between a first node that is common to the first and second MR elements and a second node that is common to the third and fourth MR elements. The sensor generates signals based on the strength/direction of the magnetic field. The adjustable load is connected in parallel with one of the MR elements, and has a resistance that is controlled based on the signals generated by the sensor.

主权项

1. A system comprising: a magnetoresistive (MR) bridge circuit configured to receive a supply voltage between a supply node and a ground node, and configured to generate an output voltage that indicates a strength and direction of a magnetic field, the MR bridge circuit comprising:
first and second MR elements connected in series between the supply node and the ground node; and third and fourth MR elements connected in series between the supply node and the ground node, wherein the output voltage is generated between a first node that is common to the first and second MR elements and a second node that is common to the third and fourth MR elements; a magnetic field sensor configured to generate signals based on the strength and direction of the magnetic field; and a first adjustable load connected in parallel with one of the MR elements, wherein the first adjustable load has a first resistance that is controlled based on the signals generated by the magnetic field sensor.