Module-2:
SENSORS AND SIGNAL CONDITIONING
EEE4021
LECTURE 4:
Magneto resistors
Course Instructor:-
Dr. K.V.Lakshmi Narayana,
Associate Professor
SELECT, VIT, Vellore.
Outline of Lecture 4
Introduction to Magneto resistors
Sensing Principle
Materials
Construction and Operation
Advantages and disadvantages
Applications of Magneto resistive sensors
Classification of Resistive Sensors
√ Based on the physical quantity being
measured such as mechanical, thermal,
magnetic, optical and chemical variables
1. Potentiometers and Strain gauges (mechanical)
2. RTDs and Thermistors (thermal)
3. Magneto resistive sensors (magnetic)
4. Light Dependent Resistors (Optical)
5. Resistive Hygrometers, Resistive Gas
sensors and Liquid conductivity sensors
(chemical)
Introduction to Magneto resistors
Magnetoresistive sensor is a resistive sensor whose
resistivity changes due to change in magnetic properties
like magnetic field, magnetic flux density and magnetic
permeability.
The change in resistivity of some metals and
semiconductors at low temperature when exposed to
magnetic field is known as Magnetoresistive Effect.
The materials used for construction of magneto
resistive sensors are Bismuth, Mumetal, Indium
antimonide and Indium arsenide etc.
Bismuth sensor is an example of Magneto resistive
sensors. GMR- giant magneto resistive sensor is another
example.
Construction and Operation of Bismuth Sensor
Bismuth sensor is an example of Magneto resistive
sensors. It consists of a thin wire wound in a flat
bipolar spiral of diameter varying from 0.5 mm to 30
mm cemented between two sheets of mica.
The resistance of Bismuth wire increases when it is
placed in strong magnetic field.
This property of Bismuth wire is used in instruments
employed for measuring flux density of magnetic field.
Bismuth Spiral sensor connected in one arm of the dc
wheatstone bridge circuit is used for measurement of
Magnetic flux density. The Bismuth wire is taken
spiral form and its resistance under the influence of
magnetic field is measured.
Features, Advantages and Limitations of Bismuth Sensor
The Bismuth resistivity becomes double on exposure
to a magnetic field of 1.5x106 A/m. Bismuth spiral
transducer can be used for measurement of flux
densities varying from 0.01 to 0.15 T (wb/m2 ).
Advantages: 1) Simple to use (Change in resistance
can be easily measured with wheatstone bridge circuit)
2) It takes a small area, being in spiral form for flux
measurement.
3) Flux density in airgap between poles and armature
of a dc machine can be measured.
Limitations: Change in resistance under influence of
magnetic field is very small and a large changes takes
place even with small change in temperature
Few more examples of Magneto resistors
Mumetal is also used Indium antimonide and
for measuring magnetic Indium arsenide are
flux density because of more sensitive to
its property of changing magnetic field
of its impedance when compared to Bismuth
kept in a transverse and mumetals. Hence
magnetic field. these are mostly used
It is highly sensitive and in modern sensors.
it is insensitive to
temperature changes.
Applications of Magnetoresistors
The applications of magnetoresistors can be divided into
those related to the direct measurement of magnetic fields
and those related to the measurement of other quantities
through a magnetic field variation.
The first group includes electric current measurement,
compass navigation based on measuring two components
of the Earth's magnetic field, magnetic audio recording
(insensitive to tape speed fluctuations), computer disk
drives, reading machines for credit cards, magnetically
coded price tags, and airport and retail security systems.
Applications of Magnetoresistors
The second group includes the measurement of
linear and angular displacements, rotation,
position, and angle, proximity switches, and
ferromagnetic metal detection.
In all these applications, the moving object must
modify a magnetic field. To accomplish this it
must either be a metallic object or an object with
a metallic covering or identifier placed in a
constant magnetic field,
Applications of Magnetoresistors
Applications of Magnetoresistors
Magnetoresistive sensors suit applications based
on angular measurement.
They are applied to automobile throttle position,
accelerator pedal position, wheel, cam, and
crankshaft speed measurement, antilock braking
systems (ABS), antislip control (ASC), automatic
headlight adjustment, tachometers, odometers,
automobile detection in traffic control systems
THANK YOU ONE AND ALL
Next Module 3
Capacitive Sensors
End of Module 2
