System for a multiplexed magnetic sensor array circuit
Inventors
Labanowski, Dominic • Deka, Nishita
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11762045-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-19
Expiration Date
2041-09-30
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Abstract
Systems and method for a multi-array magnetic sensing component, which can include a circuit base platform; a set of magnetic sensors arranged on the circuit base platform; and a circuit system comprising intermediary circuit components, signal input, and a signal output, the signal input being an electrical oscillator signal input and being directable to each magnetic sensor in the set of magnetic sensors, the signal output including magnetic field measurements from the set of magnetic sensors, wherein each magnetic field measurement is individually selectable, the circuit system being configured to turn on or off subsets of the set of magnetic sensors, and the intermediary circuit components including a mixer.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system and method for a multiplexed magnetic sensor array circuit, particularly based on acoustically driven ferromagnetic resonance (ADFMR) sensors arranged on a circuit base platform to measure electromagnetic (EM) field properties. The system includes a set of magnetic sensors connected to a circuit system comprising a signal input that is an electrical oscillator signal and a signal output that provides magnetic field measurements from the sensors. The circuit system is configured to selectively turn on or off subsets of sensors, and includes intermediary components such as mixers. The system enables flexible, multi-dimensional, and high-resolution EM field measurements using a compact, possibly chip-based platform.
The problem being solved arises from the limitations of existing magnetic sensing technologies. Conventional FMR implementations require large laboratory setups with high power and large sample volumes, limiting portability and integration into devices. Other sensitive magnetic sensors like SERF and SQUID are large, complex, and need heavy shielding and strict conditions. Smaller sensors like Hall effect and magnetoresistive sensors lack sufficient sensitivity for many applications. Therefore, there is a need for a new system and method that enables flexible, small, portable, easily modifiable, and sensitive magnetic sensor arrays, especially leveraging ADFMR technology for enhanced multi-sensor circuits suitable for broad applications.
Claims Coverage
The claims define multiple inventive features covering a multi-array magnetic sensing system with individually addressable sensors, multiplexing techniques, power management, shielding, and various system configurations involving ADFMR sensors and associated circuitry.
Multi-array magnetic sensing system with individually outputted field measurements
A system comprising a circuit base platform, a set of magnetic sensors connected to an electrical oscillator signal input, and a circuit system configured to turn on or off subsets of sensors, providing individually outputted magnetic field measurements from each sensor.
Frequency multiplexing in magnetic sensor subsets
Inclusion of frequency multiplexed subsets of magnetic sensors whereby each sensor receives a distinct frequency bandwidth input signal, allowing the sensor outputs to be identified by associated frequencies.
Time multiplexing in magnetic sensor subsets
Inclusion of time multiplexed subsets of magnetic sensors such that signal inputs to each sensor occur over distinct time intervals, identifiable via non-overlapping or patterned time sequences.
Low power operating mode with sensor subset activation
Configuration enabling operation in a low power mode where only a fraction of magnetic sensors operate continuously, with the system capable of switching to full active mode upon trigger signals and back to low power mode based on sensor activity thresholds.
Shielding with high permeability materials and field coils
Integration of high permeability materials encircling the sensor set and field coils situated near or around the sensors to cancel out environmental magnetic fields and to shift field measurements to a linear regime during calibration.
Two-dimensional hypersurface arrangement of sensors on circuit platform
Arrangement of the set of magnetic sensors in a two-dimensional hypersurface pattern on the circuit base platform.
Circuit base platform variants including integrated circuits and printed circuit boards
Use of various circuit base platforms such as integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and configurations where sensor ICs are situated on PCBs.
Use of intermediary circuitry connecting input signals to each magnetic sensor
Connection of the electrical oscillator signal input to each magnetic sensor through intermediary circuit components including mixers.
Use of acoustically driven ferromagnetic resonance (ADFMR) sensor devices
Implementation where the set of magnetic sensors comprises acoustically driven ferromagnetic resonance sensor devices arranged on the circuit base platform.
The claims collectively cover a magnetic sensing system with a circuit base platform and a multiplexed set of magnetic sensors capable of individual selective activation and outputting, using frequency and time multiplexing, power modes, shielding mechanisms, integration on various circuit platforms, and including configurations of ADFMR sensor devices and intermediary circuit components such as mixers.
Stated Advantages
Provides a small, portable, and easily modifiable multi-sensor system for ferromagnetic resonance magnetic field measurements.
Enables multi-dimensional and multi-frequency EM field measurements with high spatial resolution and sensitivity.
Allows sharing of expensive circuit components and multiplexing to reduce cost and component count.
Includes low power operating modes suitable for mobile and extended use applications.
Offers noise cancellation capabilities reducing the need for heavy shielding.
Supports dense sensor arrays with configurable spatial arrangements for precise field and gradient measurements.
Facilitates integration as a chip or chip package, enabling straightforward incorporation into larger systems.
Supports both customized ASIC implementations and generalized ASSP implementations.
Enables compact form factors with hundreds or thousands of sensors on a single chip.
Allows use in a wide range of frequency bands from DC to GHz.
Documented Applications
Medical imaging and monitoring applications including nuclear medicine, MRI, fMRI, brain activity monitoring, heart and muscle monitoring, sleep and emotion monitoring, and brain-computer interfaces.
Augmented reality and virtual reality devices for improved positioning and tracking such as in AR glasses, VR headsets, smart watches, headphones, chest straps, and fitness trackers.
Sensing technologies including functional near infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy, lidar, impedance tomography, and other magnetic field sensing.
Use as a component for dense sensor arrays for precise spatial EM field measurements and imaging, such as in helmet-based brain sensing or microchip testing.
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