Boosting the performance of miniature fluxgates with novel signal extraction techniques

Analytical modeling of classical fluxgate sensor function is presented, acc ompanied by computer simulation results for numerous actual core hysteresis loops that enables theoretical verification of fluxgate limitations which obstruct efficient miniaturization. This mathematical analysis leads to the proposition and experimental verification of two alternative fluxgate sign al extraction techniques that can be optimally utilized with conventional t hin film and fine wire cores, and which may improve miniature sensor charac teristics, thus enabling microsystem fabrication without performance degrad ation. Two fluxgate systems which meet the theoretically predicted performa nce, based on these techniques have been developed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.