Robust GMR sensors for angle detection and rotation speed sensing

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. Vol. 91; no. 1; pp. 16 - 20
• Main Authors: Giebeler, C., Adelerhof, D.J., Kuiper, A.E.T., van Zon, J.B.A., Oelgeschläger, D., Schulz, G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 05.06.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Angular position sensor; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; General equipment and techniques; Giant magnetoresistance; GMR; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Magnetic components, instruments and techniques; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic sensors; Magnetometers for magnetic field measurements; Magnetotransport phenomena, materials for magnetotransport; Physics; Rotational speed sensor; Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing; Magnetic sensors; Rotational speed sensor; Angular position sensor; GMR; Automotive industry; Measurement sensor; Theoretical study; Rotation speed; Giant magnetoresistance; Angular position; Velocity measurement
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/S0924-4247(01)00510-6

Magnetic sensors for automotive applications based on the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect have been developed. These sensors combine many of the advantageous properties of the GMR effect for sensor applications. The sensor characteristics have been optimised with respect to two different applications, namely angular position sensing and rotational speed sensing. Robust GMR sensors with a full Wheatstone-bridge configuration have been fabricated. The thermal and magnetic stability of our GMR sensors are excellent. The sensors show reliable performance at temperatures exceeding 170°C and at large magnetic fields (>200 kA/m). Lifetime tests at elevated temperatures also show very promising results.