Vector magnetic field sensor

摘要

The sensor (2) has a support (6) moving with respect to a rigid substrate (4), and a magnetic field source comprising a magnetostrictive permanent magnet (54) whose direction of magnetic moment varies based on mechanical stress exerted on the magnet. A controllable device formed of mechanical stress generator (56), additional magnetic stress generator, overhead beam and heat source changes the direction of magnetic moment of the magnetic field generated by the source. The stress generator varies mechanical stress exerted on the permanent magnet to vary the direction of magnetic moment. An independent claim is also included for a method for measuring a magnetic field by a sensor.