High Temperature Circular Position Sensor Based on a Giant Magnetoresistance Nanogranular Ag Co Alloy

A new circular position sensor based on giant mag- netoresistances has been developed. The sensing film is an AgCo nanogranular thin film patterned in a circular Wheatstone bridge configuration. This alloy shows a high magnetoresistance (8%) at room temperature within the field generated by an NdFeB perma- nent magnet that provides a sensitivity of 440 V V. The op- erational temperature range of this sensor is 40 C 120 C, although the magnetic film tolerates higher temperatures up to 200 C. These parameters and the contactlessless way of sensing make this device appropriate for automotive applications. The de- veloped sensor presents excellent characteristics for life, since it is not sensitive to pollution; it is frictionless and does not present any type of electrical noise generated by contacts. Index Terms—AgCo alloy, giant magnetoresistances (GMR), magnetoresistance, position sensor.