Magnetoresistive Sensor: Everything you need to know about

The magnetoresistive magnetic sensor utilizes Magnetoresistive elements to determine the position of a magnetic object. These sensors are highly sensitive, reliable, smaller in size, and consume almost zero power.

In this article, we will discuss the working principle, types, and applications of Magnetoresistive magnetic sensors.

To understand MR magnetic sensors, firstly we need to understand Magnetoresistive Elements.

You can buy Magnetoresistive sensors from various sensor manufacturers such as Avnet Sensors, Rechners Sensor, TE Connectivity

Magnetoresistive Element

Magnetoresistive or MR Elements are the elements that change their resistance when magnetic force is applied. The following four types of MR elements are available in the market.

  1. Semiconductor magnetoresistive element (SMR)
  2. Anisotropic MR element (AMR)
  3. Giant MR element (GMR)
  4. Tunnel MR element (TMR)

Magnetoresistive Sensor Working Principal

Magnetoresistive sensors works on the principal of the change in the electrical resistance when magnetic field is applied to a magnetoresistance element in the direction parallel to the MR material.

This image shows the Working Principal for Magnetoresistance Magnetic Sensors

An MR magnetic sensor detects the angle of the parallel magnetic field not the strength of the magnetic field. Therefore MR sensors have comparatively larger detectable area.

Advantages and Limitations of MR Sensor

Here is the list of the advantages and limitations of Magnetoresistance magnetic sensor:

Advantages
  • Compact Size
  • Comparatively wider detectable area.
  • Consumes almost zero power.
  •  Highly Sensitive
  • Consistent output even with temperature fluctuations. 
Limitations
  • Comparatively Higher cost.
  • Needs ESD protection in circuit. 

Applications of Magneticresistive Sensor

Here is the list of the applications of MR Sensor.

  1. Measure magnetic field Strength
  2. Metal detector
  3. Wheel Speed Sensor
  4. Linear Displacement measurements
  5. Measure angle

We will keep adding more information on Magnetoresistance sensors and their applications. Please add your suggestions, comments, or questions in the comment box. Reed switches and hall effect sensors are alternatives to MR sensors.

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