摘要 |
A magnetic field sensor comprises a substantially planar core member having flux concentrating fins, and relatively narrow segments that interconnect the fins so that an external magnetic field becomes concentrated within the segments. A quality factor (Q) of a single coil which is wrapped around the segments is monitored to measure or detect the presence of an external magnetic field. To measure an external field, a current is passed through the coil to charge the coil with a known quantity of energy. A circuit of the sensor then measures the quantity of energy returned by the coil to measure the Q of the coil, and to thereby measure the external magnetic field. The magnetic sensor is suitable for pacemaker applications as a substitute for reed switches.
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