RTD fluxgate: a low-power nonlinear device to sense weak magnetic fields

Fluxgate magnetometers have always been of interest to technical and scientific communities to sense weak magnetic fields (in the range of 10/sup -6/) with a resolution of 100 pT at room temperature. These devices find applicability in fields such as space, geophysical exploration and mapping, nondestructive testing, and assorted military applications. This article discusses the quantities affecting the RTD fluxgate performances, considerations on the design of an RTD fluxgate, and presents an magnetometer experimental prototype.