Magnetic field and acceleration sensor and method for simultaneously detecting magnetism and acceleration
First Claim
1. A method for simultaneously sensing a magnetic field and acceleration, comprising the steps of:
- applying a current to first and second movable structures which are movable in a first direction, spaced from fixedly arranged first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, and arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to the first direction;
applying a magnetism and/or an acceleration to the first and second movable structures;
detecting capacitance changes from the first and second sensing electrodes, the capacitance changes being caused by the distance change between the first and second movable structures and the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively;
outputting a magnetic field signal by subtracting a signal detected from the second sensing electrode from a signal detected from the first sensing electrode; and
outputting an acceleration signal by adding the signals detected from the first and second sensing electrodes.
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Abstract
A method and a magnetic field and acceleration sensor for simultaneously sensing magnetism and acceleration are disclosed, the method comprising the steps of applying a current to first and second movable structures which are movable in a first direction, spaced from fixedly arranged first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, applying magnetic field and/or acceleration signals to the first and second movable structures, detecting capacitance changes from the first and second sensing electrodes, the capacitance changes being caused by the distance change between the first and second movable structures and the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, outputting a magnetic field signal by subtracting a signal detected from the second sensing electrode from a signal detected from the first sensing electrode, and outputting an acceleration signal by adding the signals detected from the first and second sensing electrodes.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for simultaneously sensing a magnetic field and acceleration, comprising the steps of:
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applying a current to first and second movable structures which are movable in a first direction, spaced from fixedly arranged first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, and arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to the first direction;
applying a magnetism and/or an acceleration to the first and second movable structures;
detecting capacitance changes from the first and second sensing electrodes, the capacitance changes being caused by the distance change between the first and second movable structures and the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively;
outputting a magnetic field signal by subtracting a signal detected from the second sensing electrode from a signal detected from the first sensing electrode; and
outputting an acceleration signal by adding the signals detected from the first and second sensing electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A magnetic field and acceleration sensor capable of simultaneously detecting magnetism and acceleration comprising:
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first and second movable structures which are movable in a direction and arranged in parallel with each other;
first and second sensing electrodes spaced from the first and second movable structures, respectively, by a predetermined distance and arranged fixedly;
an input electrode which is connected to one end of the first movable electrode and receives a predetermined frequency of current;
a ground electrode connected to one end of the second movable electrode; and
a common electrode connected to respective other ends of the first and second movable structures for transferring the current from the first movable electrode to the second movable electrode. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A five-axis magnetic field and acceleration sensor capable of simultaneously detecting magnetism and acceleration comprising:
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a first magnetic field and acceleration sensor arranged in a such way that current flows in a Y-direction;
a second magnetic field and acceleration sensor arranged in a such way that current flows in an X-direction;
a first acceleration sensor arranged so as to detect an X-direction acceleration;
a second acceleration sensor arranged so as to detect a Y-direction acceleration;
a first signal processing unit for outputting a Z-direction acceleration signal and an X-direction magnetic field signal by adding and subtracting first and second detecting signals, respectively, output from the first magnetic field and acceleration sensor;
a second signal processing unit for outputting a Y-direction magnetic field signal by subtracting first and second detecting signals output from the second magnetic field and acceleration sensor;
a third signal processing unit for outputting an X-direction acceleration signal by processing a detected signal output from the first acceleration sensor; and
a fourth signal processing unit for outputting a Y-direction acceleration signal by processing a detected signal output from the second acceleration sensor.
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Specification