Co-Design of MR Sensor and Sensor Electronics for Self-X Integrated Sensory Systems

This work picks up the need of, e.g., Industry 4.0, for robust, maintenance-free, cost-sensitive yet well performing sensory systems. For the case of a magnetic sensory system, as applied in rotary encoders, TMR sensors with integrated actuation coil and CMOS sensor & actuation electronics were co-designed to efficiently support Self-X-capabilities, e.g., for Self-monitoring and -reset of the sensor in operation. Further defect detections, and corrections, e.g., of temperature induced sensitivity change or offset, gain, and angle mismatch in rotary encoders are supported by the approach. Obtained correction parameters themselves are shown to provide useful information for higher-levels in a Self-X-hierarchy. Simulations have confirmed the validity of the design. First sensor and CMOS chip prototypes have been sent to manufacturing while test environment and demonstrator are prepared.