Inverted magnetic isolator

摘要

A current determiner comprising a first input conductor and a first current sensor, formed of a plurality of magnetoresistive, anisotropic, ferromagnetic thin-film layers at least two of which are separated from one another by a nonmagnetic layer positioned therebetween, and both supported on a first side of a substrate adjacent to but electrically isolated from one another with the first current sensor positioned in those magnetic fields arising from any input currents. A first shield/concentrator of a material exhibiting a substantial magnetic permeability is positioned on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate. The substrate can include a monolithic integrated circuit structure containing electronic circuit components of which at least one is electrically connected to the first input conductor.

主权项

1. A current determiner for providing at an output thereof representations of input currents provided therein from sources of such currents, said current determiner comprising:
a substrate having a first side and a second opposite side; a first input conductor supported on the first side of said substrate suited for conducting said input currents therethrough; a first shield/concentrator layer of material exhibiting a substantial magnetic permeability and positioned on the second side of said substrate to serve as a magnetic field concentrator; a first current sensor supported on the first side of said substrate so as to be adjacent to, yet spaced apart from, said first input conductor at said opposite side thereof to thereby be electrically isolated from any direct circuit interconnection therewith on said substrate but positioned in those magnetic fields arising from said input currents, said first current sensor being formed of a plurality of magnetoresistive, anisotropic, ferromagnetic thin-film layers at least two of which are separated from one another by a nonmagnetic layer positioned therebetween; and a receiver integrated circuit chip having output signal processing circuitry therein that is electrically interconnected to said first current sensor but otherwise electrically isolated from said current determiner including said substrate thereof.