A universal low-field magnetic field sensor using GMR resistors on a semicustom BiCMOS array

Author

Brown, Jay L.

Author_Institution

Nonvolatile Electron. Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, USA

Volume

1

fYear

1996

fDate

18-21 Aug 1996

Firstpage

123

Abstract

This paper presents the first commercially available IC that integrates Giant Magnetoresistive Ratio (GMR) materials with semiconductor devices. This marriage results in a highly sensitive, inexpensive, low power, and temperature stable magnetic field sensor. The chip uses a BiCMOS 1.5 μ process and a masterslice design approach that allows rapid prototyping of many custom configurations in a 35 mil by 95 mil size. Sensing of a wide range of magnetic fields (0-500 Gauss) is possible, with digital and linear outputs available. Temperature range of operation is -55C to +150C, making the chip ideal for many automotive, industrial, and military applications

Keywords

BiCMOS integrated circuits; application specific integrated circuits; giant magnetoresistance; magnetic sensors; magnetoresistive devices; -55 to 150 degC; 0 to 500 gauss; 1.5 micron; 35 mil; 95 mil; GMR resistors; custom configurations; digital outputs; linear outputs; low-field magnetic field sensor; masterslice design approach; rapid prototyping; semicustom BiCMOS array; BiCMOS integrated circuits; Giant magnetoresistance; Magnetic fields; Magnetic materials; Magnetic sensors; Prototypes; Resistors; Semiconductor devices; Semiconductor materials; Temperature sensors;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Circuits and Systems, 1996., IEEE 39th Midwest symposium on

Conference_Location

Ames, IA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3636-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/MWSCAS.1996.594053

Filename

594053