SENSOR TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device comprising:
- first and second individual sensors spaced apart from each other;
a current source configured to provide current to each of the first and second individual sensors; and
a differential temperature sensor disposed thermally proximate the first and second individual sensors and configured to provide a temperature difference signal that can be combined with current from the current source to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the first and second individual sensors.
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Abstract
A device includes a pair of individual sensors spaced apart from each other. A current source provides current to both of the individual sensors. A differential temperature sensor is coupled thermally proximate the individual sensors and provides a temperature difference signal that is combined with current from the current source to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the individual sensors. Alternatively, temperature responsive excitation sources may be positioned thermally proximate the sensors to provide temperature compensation.
18 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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first and second individual sensors spaced apart from each other; a current source configured to provide current to each of the first and second individual sensors; and a differential temperature sensor disposed thermally proximate the first and second individual sensors and configured to provide a temperature difference signal that can be combined with current from the current source to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the first and second individual sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A sensor comprising:
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a pair of individual giant magneto resistive (GMR) strips spaced apart from each other; a current source configured to provide current to both of the strips; means for sensing a difference in temperature of the strips to provide a temperature difference signal; and means for combining the temperature difference signal with current from the current source to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the individual sensors. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A sensor comprising:
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a pair of individual giant magneto resistive (GMR) strips spaced apart from each other; an excitation source configured to provide excitation to both of the strips; and means for providing a correction factor to the excitation of at least one of the strips as a function of a differential temperature across the strips.
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16. A method comprising:
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providing a substantially equal current to two sensors that are spaced apart from each other; sensing a difference in temperature proximate the two sensors to provide a temperature difference signal; and combining the temperature difference signal with current from the current source to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the individual sensors.
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17. A device comprising:
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first and second sensors spaced apart from each such that they may be at different first and second temperatures; a first excitation source positioned to be at a temperature between the different first and second temperatures; a second excitation source positioned proximate the first temperature to provide electrical excitation as a function of the first temperature; and a third excitation source positioned proximate the second temperature to provide electrical excitation as a function of the second temperature, wherein the first, second, and third excitation sources are selectively coupled to the first and second sensors to provide a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the first and second sensors. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A device comprising:
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a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from each other such that they may be at different respective first and second temperatures; a first current source positioned to be at a temperature between the different first and second temperatures and capable of providing equal first currents to the first and second sensors; a second current source positioned proximate the first temperature and capable of providing a second current to the second sensor a function of the first temperature; and a third current source positioned proximate the second temperature and capable of providing a third current to the first sensor as a function of the second temperature, wherein the second and third currents are capable of providing a correction factor for a temperature gradient across the individual sensors. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification