small magnetic sensors for space applications对空间应用小型磁传感器.pdf

Sensors 2009, 9, 2271-2288; doi:10.3390/ OPEN ACCESS sensors ISSN 1424-8220 /journal/sensors Review Small Magnetic Sensors for Space Applications Marina Díaz-Michelena Payloads and Instrumentation Area, INTA-Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial, / Ctra. de Torrejón a Ajalvir km 4.2, Madrid, Spain; E-Mail: diazma@inta.es;Tel. +34-91-520-1183; Fax: +34-91-520-1065 Received: 23 December 2008; in revised form: 7 March 2009 / Accepted: 26 March 2009 / Published: 30 March 2009 Abstract: Small magnetic sensors are widely used integrated in vehicles, mobile phones, medical devices, etc for navigation, speed, position and angular sensing. These magnetic sensors are potential candidates for space sector applications in which mass, volume and power savings are important issues. This work covers the magnetic technologies available in the marketplace and the steps towards their implementation in space applications, the actual trend of miniaturization the front-end technologies, and the convergence of the mature and miniaturized magnetic sensor to the space sector through the small satellite concept. Keywords: Miniaturized magnetic sensors, space magnetometers, AMR-Anisotropic MagnetoResistance, magnetic COTS-Components Off-The-Shelf 1. Introduction Curiosity and desire for knowledge about the universe seems to be something inherent in human beings. Since ancient times, the thirst for learning has gone beyond the