Data Acquisition Web

Magnetic sensors have been in use for well over 2,000 years. Early applications were for direction finding, or navigation. Today, magnetic sensors are still a primary means of navigation but many more uses have evolved. The technology for sensing magnetic fields has also evolved driven by the need for improved sensitivity, smaller size, and compatibility with electronic systems. In addition to the large practical differences, the ranges of magnetic field encountered are very different too.

Magnetic field detection has vastly expanded as industry has utilized a variety of magnetic sensors to detect the presence, strength, or direction of magnetic fields not only from the Earth, but also from permanent magnets, from magnetized soft magnets, and from the magnetic fields associated with currents. They can measure these properties without actual contact to the medium being measured and become the eyes of many control systems.