3D CMOS Magnetic Sensor

Team Members: Saransh Sharma

The 3D CMOS Magnetic Sensor represents a significant advancement in the field of magnetic sensing, which is integral to a wide array of applications across various industries, including automotive, navigation, medical electronics, and consumer products. Traditional Hall sensors, though compatible with CMOS technology, often grapple with issues such as subpar sensitivity and high power consumption. Our newly developed 3D magnetic sensor addresses these challenges by combining high sensitivity with ultra-low power operation, all within the standard CMOS process.

This innovative sensor is constructed with three orthogonal metal coils that are densely packed to enhance responsiveness. These coils are designed to generate a voltage in the presence of AC magnetic fields through electromagnetic induction. The resultant voltage signal is then meticulously processed by sophisticated on-chip circuitry. This circuitry is meticulously engineered to perform several critical functions: low-noise amplification to boost signal strength, filtering to eliminate unwanted noise, accurate peak detection, and efficient digitization. Remarkably, all these operations are achieved with an impressively low power consumption of just 14.8µW, enabling the sensor to detect magnetic fields at µT-level sensitivity.

The versatility of the 3D CMOS Magnetic Sensor makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of applications, particularly in scenarios that necessitate AC field sensing. In the biomedical realm, this sensor is poised to revolutionize various procedures and treatments. Its precision and sensitivity make it ideal for tracking catheters and guidewires during intricate endovascular procedures, thereby enhancing safety and outcomes. Additionally, its application in minimally invasive surgeries can lead to more accurate interventions, while its use in targeted radiotherapy can help in delivering treatment more precisely to the affected areas. Furthermore, the sensor’s capabilities extend to serving as fiducial markers in preoperative planning, providing critical data to guide surgical strategies.

In summary, the 3D CMOS Magnetic Sensor represents a leap forward in magnetic sensing technology. Its exceptional sensitivity, coupled with ultra-low power consumption, sets a new standard in the field. The sensor’s potential impact on medical electronics, particularly in improving the accuracy and safety of various medical procedures, underscores its significance. As we continue to explore and refine its applications, the sensor is poised to become an indispensable tool in numerous fields, driving innovation and enhancing capabilities across industries.

 

 

Related Publications

  • S. Sharma, H. Melton, L. Edmonds, O. Addington, M. Shapiro and A. Emami, “A Monolithic 3D Magnetic Sensor in 65nm CMOS with <10μTrms Noise and 14.8μW Power,” 2023 IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits Conference (CICC), San Antonio, TX, USA, 2023, pp. 1-2, doi: 10.1109/CICC57935.2023.10121313.