Nanoscale Integrated Magnetic Field Sensor

Introduction

Magnetic sensors are present everywhere in our daily lives. We often use them in cars, robotics, medical applications, power sensing, electronic compasses, etc. Among them, magnetoresistive sensors play an increasing role thanks to their relatively small size, good sensitivity, and low cost.

Limitations of Current Sensors

However, magnetoresistive sensors saturate above typically a few milli-Tesla, which is too low for a number of applications. Besides, reducing the sensor footprint is important in terms of costs. In addition, smaller sensors have also a reduced power consumption, which is very important for wearable applications and sensors used in the Internet of Things.

Project Goals

Therefore, it is commercially desirable to develop a low-cost, nano-size, magnetoresistive sensor in which the dynamic range could be extended and easily adjusted in the range of 80mT-400mT, commonly used in linear or angular encoders.

Previous Work

Within an ERC project that just ended, entitled “CMOS/Magnetoelectronic Integrated Circuits with Multifunctional Capabilities”, a novel concept of magnetic field sensor sensitive to out-of-plane fields was proposed and patented. Initial experiments performed within this ERC project provided very promising results.

Future Directions

The purpose of this ERC project is to create a full proof of concept of this sensor, demonstrating its outstanding performance, and subsequently move towards a start-up creation or licensing of the technology to an existing sensors manufacturer.

Expected Achievements

Within NANOSENSE, we aim to achieve gains over existing sensors by:

1. 10x in footprint reduction
2. 50x in power consumption
3. 10x in signal-to-noise ratio

while increasing the sensing range up to ~800mT. This will make these sensors suitable for integration in:

• Sensor networks for IoT
• Sensors for wearable applications
• Automotive applications
• Detection of leakage current in electronic circuits
• Detection of microcracks in metals
• Navigation of surgical tools (e.g., endoscopes)