Crossfield effect at fluxgate

The magnetic field transverse to the sensing axis may affect the performanc e of magnetic sensors. In the case of fluxgates, this effect is not as dram atic as it is for AMR sensors, but it still may cause errors up to 40 nT in the Earth's field. We performed measurements on voltage output fluxgate se nsors of various constructions. Ring-cores ate the most susceptible, showin g around 10 nT error for 50 mu T perpendicular field, while Vacquier-type ( bar-core) sensors suppress the crossfield by their shape anisotropy. Racetr ack fluxgates are the best candidates for crossfield resistant low-noise se nsors. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science SUA. All rights reserved.