METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING A MAGNETIC FIELD USING A LORENTZ FORCE AND A PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT

摘要

A method and apparatus for sensing a presence of a magnetic field and/or a magnitude of a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field (25). A direct-current voltage is applied across a first layer of a conductive material (20), so that a direct current flows in a first direction through the first layer. A second layer of a piezoelectric material (22) is integrated with or positioned adjacent or abutting the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are exposed to or positioned within a magnetic field. A Lorentz force is thus caused, preferably in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the first direction of the direct current and a second direction of the magnetic field to deflect the piezoelectric material thereby causing an output voltage in response to the Lorentz force. A magnetic flux density can be calculated as a function of the piezoelectric output.