Low power orthogonal fluxgate sensor with electroplated Ni 80Fe20/Cu wire

Abstract

A single-core orthogonal fluxgate sensor based on electroplated Ni80 Fe20 Cu microwire was presented. Compared to the conventional amorphous wires, the core-shell structure of the sensing element has significant advantages in the sensor applications. No magnetic material in the central part results in smaller perming error and less power consumption. The composite wire has a helical anisotropy, which has favorable orthogonal fluxgate effects. The sensor was excited by an alternating current at 500 kHz and worked at the second-harmonic mode. The sensitivity of 20 mVμT and power consumption within 100 mW were obtained by the sensor. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.