Method and apparatus for generating an output voltage by detecting magnetic field
US6426621B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for sensing a presence of a magnetic field and/or a magnitude of a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. A direct-current voltage is applied across a first layer of a conductive material, so that a direct current flows in a first direction through the first layer. A second layer of a piezoelectric material is integrated with or positioned adjacent or abutting the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are exposed to or positioned within a magnetic field. A Lorentz force is thus caused, preferably in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the first direction of the direct current and a second direction of the magnetic field to deflect the piezoelectric material thereby causing an output voltage in response to the Lorentz force. A magnetic flux density can be calculated as a function of the piezoelectric output.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.