High-resolution magnetic encoder

US7612555B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Andreas Heinrich Dietzel · Wallertheim, DE
• Marcus Breuer · Oppenheim, DE
• Hubert Grimm · Mommenheim, DE
• Karl-Heinz Lehnhert · Mainz, DE
• Nikolaus Luckner · Ober-Olm, DE
• Rolf Schaefer · Mainz, DE
• Guenther Michaelis · Oppenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 2004
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2009
• Expiry date: Mar 3, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4902
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A high-resolution magnetic encoder system includes a magnetic resistive sensor, a fixed suspension, and a mechanism. The magnetic resistive sensor is mounted to the fixed suspension above a magnetic medium having at least one magnetic track. The fixed suspension is attached to the mechanism, such as a housing, a substrate, and/or an electronic board. The sensor is adapted to perform a relative movement with respect to and in close contact to the surface of the magnetic medium. The magnetic medium may be protected by an overcoat layer. The magnetic resistive sensor may be Giant Magnetic-Resistive (GMR) sensor and/or a Tunneling Magnetic-Resistive Sensor (TMR).