Magnetometer package

Details Magnetometer package Magnetometer package

2001-03-29

2003-01-07

Lefkowitz, Edward (Department: 2862)

Electricity: measuring and testing

Magnetic

Magnetometers

C174S254000, C174S050510

Reexamination Certificate

active

06504366

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
A three-axis magnetometer measures magnetic fields about three axes, i.e., x, y, and z axes. Typically, three individual directional sensors are orientated in each of the three axes. For example, a sensor is orientated to measure on the x-axis, another sensor is orientated to measure on the y-axis, and yet another sensor is orientated to measure on the z-axis. The sensors in the three-axis magnetometer are usually mounted with wire bonds, which are very delicate and require delicate packaging techniques. Because of the delicate packaging techniques associated with the wire bonds, the electronic packaging for a three-axis magnetometer requires a large enclosure. In such an enclosure, however, the directional sensors are substantially separated from one another which introduces significant errors in the accuracy of the measurements taken by the directional sensors. That is, the measurements are more accurate when the directional sensors are closer to each other.
The present invention integrates a plurality of sensing elements into a small magnetometer package. This packaging arrangement provides closer proximity between the plurality of sensing elements to accurately measure magnetic fields in all directions in three-dimensional space.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a magnetometer package comprises a plurality of sensing elements, a housing, a board, and a sealing element. The plurality of sensing elements measure in a plurality of directions in three-dimensional space. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The board is coupled to the plurality of sensing elements. The sealing element, which is in the first end, seals the first end and engages the plurality of sensing elements so as to fasten the plurality of sensing elements within the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a magnetometer package comprises a plurality of sensing elements, a housing, a board, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element. The plurality of sensing elements measure magnetic fields in a plurality of directions in three-dimensional space. The plurality of sensing elements are orientated so as to measure magnetic fields in different directions. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The board supports the plurality of sensing elements. The first sealing element seals the first end and the second sealing element seals the second end. The first and second sealing elements engage the plurality of sensing elements so as to fasten the plurality of sensing elements within the housing.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a three-axis magnetometer comprises coupling three sensing elements to a common board so that their sensing axes are mutually perpendicular; and sealing the three sensing elements and common board within a housing.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5121289 (1992-06-01), Gagliardi
patent: 5414355 (1995-05-01), Davidson et al.
patent: 6169254 (2001-01-01), Pant et al.
patent: 3822369 (1989-06-01), None
International Search Report

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