Two-Dimensional Magnetic Field Sensor Based on Silicon Magnetic Sensitive Transistors with Differential Structure

A two-dimensional (2D) magnetic field sensor consisting of four silicon magnetic sensitive transistors (SMSTs) with similar characteristics is presented in this paper. By use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and integrated packaging technology, this sensor fabricated by using the silicon wafer with a <100> orientation and high resistivity, was packaged on printed circuit boards (PCBs). In order to detect the magnetic fields in the x and y axes directions, two of the four SMSTs with opposite magnetic sensitive directions were located along the x and −x axes directions, symmetrically, and the others were located along the y and −y axes directions. The experimental results show that when the V(CE) = 10.0 V and I(B) = 6.0 mA, the magnetic sensitivities of the sensor in the x and y axes directions are 366.0 mV/T and 365.0 mV/T, respectively. It is possible to measure the 2D magnetic field and improve the magnetic sensitivity, significantly.