An AC magnetic compass based on magnetoelectric effect integrated with a calibration algorithm

Abstract

Magnetoelectric (ME) composites are found to be sensitive to both the intensity and the orientation of external magnetic field, therefore, they have been developed as compasses for in-plane AC magnetic field detection. However, the angular sensitivity of ME compasses is still low compared to other compasses, due to their insensitive resonant mode and poor coupling structure. Here, we propose a ME compass working at L-T mode by using a Metglas/PZT composite that integrated with a calibration algorithm. Detection of the intensity and direction of in-plane AC magnetic field is demonstrated synchronously with intensity and angle sensitivities of 0.001 Oe and ± 0.1°, respectively. In addition, when the calibration algorithms are applied, the angular sensitivity is significantly enhanced to ± 0.02°, one order of magnitude higher than that of other reported ME compasses, demonstrating a great potential for applications in magnetic positioning, magnetic field calibration, and other magnetic detection technologies. A magnetoelectric compass made of Metglas/PZT composite is proposed, with intensity and angle sensitivities of 0.001 Oe and ± 0.1°, respectively. Integrated with a calibration algorithm, the angular sensitivity is significantly enhanced to ± 0.02°. • The properties are optimized by theoretical models and finite element analysis, giving a well guidance on similar devices. • A calibration algorithm is proposed, which is able to inexpensively and quickly increase the angular sensitivity. • The device shows intensity and angular sensitivities of 0.001 Oe and ± 0.1°, the latter is improved to ± 0.02° by calibration.