Magnetic digital signal coupler

摘要

A current determiner having an output at which representations of input currents are provided comprising an input conductor for the input current and a current sensor supported on a substrate electrically isolated from one another but with the sensor positioned in the magnetic fields arising about the input conductor due to any input currents. The sensor extends along the substrate in a direction at an angle to the extent of the input conductor and is formed of at least a pair of thin-film ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic layer with one of these two ferromagnetic thin-film layers having a magnetization that is substantially maintained in a selected direction despite the magnetic fields arising from the input currents causing reversals of direction of magnetization of that remaining one of these two ferromagnetic thin-film layers. This first current sensor is spaced apart from the input conductor at least in part by a polymeric electrical insulating material, and the input conductor can be provided on a mechanically stiff base supported on such material and provided with an electric field interrupter supporting such material between the first current sensor and the input conductor. The sensor can be electrically connected to a electronic circuitry formed in the substrate as a monolithic integrated circuit sharing a common reference, and two such monolithic integrated chips in a housing can provide duplex information signal transmission.