Multi-mode hall effect sensor for determining position and timing parameters of a gear wheel
US6522131B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/2448
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor system including magnetic sensing elements and circuitry configured to detect the presence or absence of an article, such as a gear tooth, in a first mode, and to determine timing accuracy in a second mode. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the switching circuitry to switch between modes in a predetermined manner and at predetermined times dependent upon the voltages and magnetic fields. The magnetic sensing elements as well as the switching circuitry, interface circuitry and the control circuitry are preferably integrated onto a single silicon chip to yield an efficient and reliable sensor system. Upon power on, the sensor is configured in the first mode to determine the presence or absence of the article next to the sensor. After a number of transitions of the hall voltage, e.g., indicating a predetermined number of gear teeth have passed the sensor, the sensor is switched to the second mode, and the sensor operates in a dynamic time continuous manner to determine speed and timing parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.