MR-Sensors

Where do you use MR-sensors?

MR-sensors, evaluation electronics and magnetic scales from Sensitec are in use everywhere, where movement is being controlled and steered, where paths, angles, positions, electric or magnetic fields are measured and detected.

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What is the MR effect?

The MagnetoResistive Effect, "MR-Effect", has been known for 150 years. However, its use in sensor applications was first made practically possible through the development of thin-film technology some 30 years ago.

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You will find us

… at the following exhibitions and fairs.

Our exhibition team is looking forward to presenting you our new products and innovations and to giving you technical advice for your individual measuring application.

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Aerospace

Aerospace applications provide a complex combination of requirements for sensors. The need for extremely high reliability as well as resistance to a tough operating environment with a very wide operating temperature range are just some of the demands leading to the increasing use of MR-based sensors in the aerospace field.

Typical Applications

  • Integrated encoder for micro-motor in Mars Lander

APPLICATION EXAMPLE: INCREMENTAL ENCODER IN THE MOTORS OF THE MARS ROVERS SPIRIT AND OPPORTUNITY

Requirements

The position of motors for the wheels and robotic arm must be measured. After a flight time of 6 months the sensors must function for at least 3 months after landing on Mars.

Key Specifications

Resolution:
32 sine/cosine periods/revolution
Temperature range:
-120 °C up to +20 °C

Solution from Sensitec

Series production processes are used to manufacture a customer-specific sensor element. Special electronics have been designed in order to avoid damage due to cosmic radiation and the tough environmental conditions on Mars.

Why use MR sensor technology?

  • Resistant to dust, oil and humidity
  • Resistant to strong temperature changes
  • Insensitive to cosmic or nuclear radiation
  • Very low current consumption
  • Note: Spirit and Opportunity were still functioning as of May 2007, more than 3 years after having landed in January 2004