sensors

Article
Circuit Parameters of a Receiver Coil Using a
Wiegand Sensor for Wireless Power Transmission
Katsuki Takahashi, Tsutomu Yamada and Yasushi Takemura *
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan;
kono-katsuki-rj@ynu.jp (K.T.); yamada@ynu.ac.jp (T.Y.)
* Correspondence: takemura-yasushi-nx@ynu.ac.jp




Received: 8 May 2019; Accepted: 12 June 2019; Published: 16 June 2019


Abstract: We previously demonstrated an efficient method of wireless power transmission using

a Wiegand sensor for the application in implantable medical devices. The Wiegand sensor has an
advantage in inducing sharp pulse voltage independent of the drive frequency. A down-sized receiver
coil for wireless power transmission within blood vessels has been prepared, which enables medical
treatment on any part of a human body. In order to develop practical applications of the Wiegand
sensor as implantable medical devices, the circuit design is important. The circuit parameters in
the circuit model of the Wiegand sensor must be clearly identified. However, a fast reversal of
magnetization of the magnetic wire used in the Wiegand sensor, known as a large Barkhausen jump,
and the induced nonlinear pulse signal make the inductance of the receiver coil time-dependent
and inconsistent as conventionally considered in circuit analysis. In this study, the voltage and
current responses of a wire-core coil are analyzed, and the time-dependent inductance is determined.
The results showed that the inductance depends on the magnetization state of the wire, which can be
negative during the fast reversal of magnetization.

Keywords: wiegand sensor; magnetization reversal; large Barkhausen jump; FeCoV wire

1. Introduction
Implantable medical devices, such as capsule endoscopy, are operated within the human body.
In future, multi-functionalized microrobots are expected to be inserted into a patient’s body through
the blood vessels. To this end, downsizing to a diameter of blood vessels and prolonging the operation
of these implantable medical devices are necessary. However, challenges remain as long as they are
operated using cell batteries. One outstanding technology that may substitute the batteries is wireless
power transmission using inductive coupling. It is, however, necessary to limit the intensity and
frequency of the magnetic field applied on a human body, which may cause heat and stimulus effects.
These factors become more serious as the drive frequency increases [1]. The International Commission
on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) suggests limiting the exposure of magnetic and electric
fields for general and occupational situations [2,3]. Therefore, the drive frequency must be set at a
lower value, below 10 kHz, even though an inductive coupling system is directly dependent on the
frequency. A lower drive frequency would result in reduced voltage and electrical power. In this
work, as a practical solution, a twisted FeCoV wire in the Wiegand sensor is used for the receiver coil,
and a frequency-independent pulse output induced in the coil is used for the power supply. We have
shown that effective wireless power transmission is achieved using the FeCoV wire, particularly for the
excitation frequency range lower than 10 kHz [4]. This study proposes a circuit model of the Wiegand
sensor used in wireless power transmission and investigates the circuit parameters.
Implantable medical devices for hyperthermia are good examples for converting an externally
supplied alternating magnetic field to energy for wireless power transmission. Hyperthermia is a

Sensors 2019, 19, 2710; doi:10.3390/s19122710 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

Sensors 2019, 19, 2710 2 of 9

thermal therapy for cancer. It elevates the body temperature to above 42.5 ◦ C to kill cancer cells
selectively. A ferrite core with high permeability is used for hyperthermia implants [5,6], similar to
that used as a conventional coil-core for the receiver coil in the inductive coupling for wireless power
transmission. We have recently proposed the use of a FeCoV wire instead of ferrite as the coil core
material for inductive coupling. The voltage induced in the receiver coil with a ferrite core is essentially
linear to the frequency of the applied alternating field. Compared to the conventional method using a
ferrite core having high permeability, such as MnZn, the receiver coil with the FeCoV wire induces a
pulse voltage independent of the applied field frequency and generates electrical power effectively in
the lower frequency range below 10 kHz [4]. In addition to its use as the power source of medical
devices, the Wiegand sensor can also be used as an energy-harvesting module and power source for
the battery-less operation of electronic devices. [7,8].
In these applications of the Wiegand sensor, electrical circuits, e.g., a rectifying circuit, charging
capacitor, and load circuit, are connected to the sensor. Then the internal circuit parameters in the
equivalent circuit of the Wiegand sensor, especially the inductance of the receiver coil, should be taken
into consideration. Although the application of the Wiegand sensor for the battery-less operation of a
rotary encoder [9] is an attractive topic, particularly from the point of view of the industry, only few
articles on the Wiegand sensor have been published [10,11] other than those by our group [7,8,12,13].
As Saggini et al. reported for the circuit analysis of the Wiegand sensor for low-power energy harvesting
solutions [10], it is significant to study the circuit parameters for applications of the Wiegand sensor.
The motivation for this work is that circuit design and simulation are necessary for developing
the applications of the Wiegand sensor. To achieve that, an equivalent circuit with circuit parameters
should be determined. The objective of this study is to derive the circuit parameter, particularly the
inductance of the receiver coil, which changes depending on the magnetization state of the wire inside.
In this study, the circuit parameters, including the time-dependent inductance of the receiver coil
(pick-up coil) in the Wiegand sensor, are successfully determined by measuring the waveforms of the
current-voltage characteristics. We found that the inductance changed periodically followed by an
alternating excitation field depending on the magnetization state of the wire and that it can be negative
during the fast reversal of magnetization. This result provides a significant concept of inductance
in the Wiegand sensor as this time-dependent inductance is required to perform an accurate circuit
design and analysis for applications of the Wiegand sensor.

2. Materials and Method

The Wiegand sensor used in this study is based on the Wiegand effect, proposed by J. R. Wiegand
in 1974 [14]. Originally, this behavior was observed in magnetic wires of NiFe alloys [8]. Vicalloy,
having a typical composition of Fe0.4 Co0.5 V0.1 , is known to be one of the most suitable materials
that exhibit this effect [15–18]. In addition, a large Barkhausen jump in a magnetically bistable FeSiB
amorphous wire is also observed [19,20].
In our experiments, a twisted FeCoV wire is used. This wire has the same magnetic properties as
those reported in previous publications [7,12]. The wire exhibits two layers with different magnetic
properties in its core (center) and surface regions. In order to achieve an optimum magnetic property of
the wire to yield the Wiegand effect, annealing and torsion stress are applied to the wire. The magnetic
properties of twisted FeCoV wires depending on the conditions of annealing and torsion stress have
been previously reported in detail. [17]. Torsion stress is first applied to the wire during its preparation.
When the stress is released, the outer layer near the surface becomes magnetically soft, and the inner
core remains magnetically hard. As shown in Figure 1, the magnetization alignment of the soft layer
and the hard core can either be in a parallel or antiparallel state. The magnetization reversal of the
soft layer is accompanied by a large Barkhausen jump. This fast magnetization reversal independent
of the changing rate of the applied field induces a pulse voltage in the pick-up coil wound around
the wire. The voltage is independent of the frequency of the external magnetic field. For its use in
wireless power transmission, an alternating magnetic field switches the magnetization of the soft layer
 Sensors 2019, 19, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 9

Sensors 2019, 19, 2710 3 of 9

coil. 2019,
Sensors Thus,19,itx FOR
assumes both the
PEER REVIEW states in turns. This process appears as a nonlinear minor hysteresis
3 of 9
loop, as shown in Figure 2.
coil.
andThus, it assumes
generates both
a series the states
of pulse in turns.
voltages in theThis process
pick-up coil.appears
Thus, itas a nonlinear
assumes both minor hysteresis
the states in turns.
loop, as shown in Figure 2.
This process appears as a nonlinear minor hysteresis loop, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1. Two states of magnetization of the FeCoV wire: (a) parallel state and (b) antiparallel state.
Figure 1. Two states of magnetization of the FeCoV wire: (a) parallel state and (b) antiparallel state.
Figure 1. Two states of magnetization of the FeCoV wire: (a) parallel state and (b) antiparallel state.

Figure 2. Initial magnetization curve (blue) and minor hysteresis loop (red) of the FeCoV wire.
Figure 2. Initial magnetization curve (blue) and minor hysteresis loop (red) of the FeCoV wire.
A twisted FeCoV wire of 11 mm length and a 0.25 mm diameter was used in this work. It had a
AFigure
twisted FeCoV
2. Initial wire of 11 mm
magnetization curve length
(blue)and
and a 0.25 hysteresis
minor mm diameter was used
loop (red) of the in this work.
FeCoV wire. It had a
coercive field of 2 mT in the soft layer and 8 mT in the hard core. The saturation magnetization of the
coercive field of 2 mT in the soft layer and 8 mT in the hard core. The saturation magnetization of the
sample was Ms = 1.78 T. The details of the magnetization properties of full and minor magnetization
A twisted
sample was MFeCoV
s = 1.78wire of 11
T. The mm length
details and a 0.25 mmproperties
of the magnetization diameter was of fullusedandinminor
this work. It had a
magnetization
curves have been reported [7]. The circuit model of the coil in the Wiegand sensor can be simply
coercive
curves field
haveofbeen
2 mT in the soft
reported [7].layer
The and 8 mT
circuit in theofhard
model the core. The
coil in thesaturation
Wiegandmagnetization
sensor can be of the
simply
represented using an internal resistance and an inductance, as shown in Figure 3. A similar circuit
sample was Musing
represented s = 1.78an T.internal
The details of the magnetization
resistance and an inductance, properties
as shownof fullinand
Figureminor
3. Amagnetization
similar circuit
model for the Wiegand sensor was reported recently [10], but the purpose of this study is to analyze
curves
modelhave been
for the reported
Wiegand [7]. The
sensor was circuit
reported model of the
recently coil
[10], butinthe
thepurpose
Wiegand of sensor can isbetosimply
this study analyze
the time-dependent current-voltage characteristics under the excitation by an alternating magnetic
represented using an internal
the time-dependent resistance
current-voltage and an inductance,
characteristics under the as shown
excitationin Figure 3. A similarmagnetic
by an alternating circuit
field in a sinusoidal waveform and to derive the circuit parameters. A 3000-turn coil is wound around
model
field for
in athe Wiegand waveform
sinusoidal sensor was and reported recently
to derive the [10], butparameters.
circuit the purpose A of 3000-turn
this study coil
is to is
analyze
wound
the FeCoV wire; this pick-up coil had a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 9 mm. This combination of
the time-dependent
around the FeCoVcurrent-voltage
wire; this pick-up characteristics
coil had aunderdiameterthe excitation
of 2 mm and by ana alternating
length of 9magnetic
mm. This
the coil and the wire allows for medical treatments inside narrow parts of the human body (such as
field in a sinusoidal
combination of the coilwaveform
and the and wire to derive
allows for the circuit
medical parameters.
treatments insideA narrow
3000-turn coilofisthe
parts wound
human
blood vessels) and the supply of enough DC electric power into the connected module [4]. The internal
around the FeCoV
body (such as blood wire; this and
vessels) pick-up coil had
the supply a diameter
of enough of 2 mm
DC electric and into
power a length of 9 mm.module
the connected This
resistance of the core coil was 175 Ω, which was measured at a frequency range of 1–100 kHz using an
combination of theresistance
[4]. The internal coil and the wire
of the allows
core for medical
coil was treatments
175 Ω, which inside narrow
was measured parts of the
at a frequency human
range of 1–
LCR meter (HIOKI IM3536). For the inductance measurement, the coil was directly connected to a
body (suchusing
100 kHz as blood
an LCR vessels)
meter and the supply
(HIOKI of enough
IM3536). For theDC electric power
inductance into the connected
measurement, the coil was module
directly
sinusoidal signal generator and a known resistance (50 Ω) for monitoring the current signal, as shown
[4]. The internal
connected to a resistance
sinusoidalofsignal the core coil wasand
generator 175aΩ, whichresistance
known was measured(50 Ω)atfor a frequency
monitoringrange of 1–
the current
in Figure 3. A sinusoidal current flowed into the coil to generate an AC magnetic field, which was then
100 kHz using
signal, as shownan LCR meter (HIOKI
in Figure IM3536).current
3. A sinusoidal For theflowed
inductance measurement,
into the coil to generate the coil
anwas
AC directly
magnetic
applied to the core (wire). The signal frequency was set to 1 kHz, and the voltage response of the coil
connected
field, whichto a was
sinusoidal signal generator
then applied to the core and a known
(wire). Theresistance (50 Ω) for
signal frequency was monitoring the current
set to 1 kHz, and the
and that of the current through the resistor were measured under varying conditions–allowing the
signal,
voltageas shown
response in ofFigure 3. A and
the coil sinusoidal
that ofcurrent flowedthrough
the current into thethe coilresistor
to generatewerean AC magnetic
measured under
calculation of the inductance. Although the objective of this study is to develop implantable medical
varying conditions–allowing the calculation of the inductance. Although the objective of this study
field, which was then applied to the core (wire). The signal frequency was set to 1 kHz, and the
devices using the Wiegand sensor, all measurements were performed in normal atmosphere at room
voltage responseimplantable
is to develop of the coil and medicalthat devices
of the current
using the through
Wiegandthe resistor
sensor, were measured under
all measurements were
temperature (20–25 ◦ C).
varying conditions – allowing the calculation
performed in normal atmosphere at room temperature (20–25 °C). of the inductance. Although the objective of this study
is to develop implantable medical devices using the Wiegand sensor, all measurements were
performed in normal atmosphere at room temperature (20–25 °C).
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Figure 3. Configuration for the measurement of the Wiegand sensor connected with the load resistor
Figure 3. Configuration for the measurement of the Wiegand sensor connected with the load resistor
Figure
and 3. Configuration
power foralternating
source with an the measurement
current.of theWiegand
The Wiegandsensor
sensorisconnected
describedwith the
by its load resistor
circuit model
and power source with an alternating current. The Wiegand sensor is described by its circuit model
and powerofsource
composed with an alternating
the inductance and resistorcurrent. The Wiegand
of the pick-up coil as sensor
circuit is described by its circuit model
parameters.
composed of the inductance and resistor of the pick-up coil as circuit parameters.
composed of the inductance and resistor of the pick-up coil as circuit parameters.
3. Results and Discussion
3.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1.
3.1. Magnetic Properties of the Twisted Twisted Fecov
Fecov Wire
Wire
3.1. Magnetic Properties of the Twisted Fecov Wire
To
To determine
determine the the magnetic
magnetic properties
properties of of the
the twisted
twisted FeCoV FeCoV wire, wire, DC
DC (static)
(static) minor
minor loops
loops were
were
tracedTo
traced determine
with
with an
an applied
appliedthe alternating
magnetic properties
alternating magnetic of
magnetic field theof
field µμ00Hext
oftwisted FeCoV
from
ext from wire,
11 mT
mT to 5DC
to 5 mT,
mT,(static) minor
as shown
as shown inloops
in Figurewere
Figure 4a.
traced
Similar with an
measurements applied alternating
from 6 mT to magnetic
10 mT are field
shown of μ
Similar measurements from 6 mT to 10 mT are shown in Figure 4b. These were measured by4a.
in H
Figure
0 ext from
4b. 1 mT
These to 5
weremT, as shown
measured by ina Figure
vibrating a
Similarmagnetometer
sample
vibrating measurements
sample magnetometer from 6Except
(VSM). mT(VSM).
to for
10 mT
the are shown
loop
Except the in
of the
for Figure
1loop
mT 4b. These
excitation,
of the 1 mT twowere measured two by
fast magnetization
excitation, fasta
vibratingaccompanied
reversals
magnetization sample magnetometer
reversals with (VSM).
with aExcept
a large Barkhausen
accompanied largejump forweretheobserved.
Barkhausen loopjump of were
the
This1observed.
mT excitation,
indicates aThis two fast
magnetization
indicates a
magnetization transition from a parallel to an antiparallel state, and vice versa, which makes thea
magnetization
transition from reversals
a parallel accompanied
to an with
antiparallel a large
state, and Barkhausen
vice versa, jump
whichwere observed.
makes the This
curve indicates
nonlinear,
asmagnetization
curveshown in Figure
nonlinear, transition
as 2. from a parallel
The magnetization
shown in Figure 2. The tomagnetization
an antiparallel
process after the reversal state, of
process andthevice
after versa,
layer iswhich
softreversal
the also
of makes
theimportant. the
soft layer
iscurve
The also nonlinear,
higher
important. as
the external
Theshown
field, in
higher the Figure
theslower 2.the
externalThe magnetization
increase
field, theof process
the magnetization.
slower the increaseafterofOwing
the
thereversal
to theof the soft
larger
magnetization. layer
coercive
Owing
is
field also important.
to theoflarger
the hard The
core as
coercive µ0 H
higher
field the external
approaches
ofextthe field,
hard core 8asmT, the
μ0Halmost slower the increase
all the magnetization
ext approaches of
8 mT, almost all the magnetization.
in the wire Owing
followed its
magnetization in
to the
direction
the larger
wire and coercive field
finallyitssaturated.
followed of theThis
direction hardindicates
and core assaturated.
finally μthat
0Hext theapproaches
permeability 8 mT,ofalmost
This indicates the FeCoV
that all permeability
the thewire
magnetization
is not of
static;
thein
the
rather, wire
its followed
value reducesits direction
as it reaches and finally
saturation. saturated.
These minor This indicates
loops
FeCoV wire is not static; rather, its value reduces as it reaches saturation. These minor loops are aare a that
result the
of permeability
the magnetization of the
of
FeCoV
the
resultwireofwire
thetois
due notexternal
the static; rather,
magnetization magnetic its wire
of the valuedue
field. reduces
However,
to the astheit same
reaches
external saturation.
tendency
magnetic These
is field.
expected minor loops
in the inductance
However, are a
the same
ofresult of isthe
the wire-core
tendency magnetization
coil. in the inductance
expected of the wireof thedue to the external
wire-core coil. magnetic field. However, the same
tendency is expected in the inductance of the wire-core coil.

Figure 4. DC minor loops of the FeCoV wire (0.25 mm diameter and 11 mm length). The applied field
Figure 4. DC
intensities areminor loops
(a) µ0 H of mT
= 1–5 the and
FeCoV
(b) wire
µ0 H (0.25
= 6–10mmmT.diameter and 11 mm length). The applied field
Figure 4. DC
intensities are minor
(a) μ0Hloops
= 1–5ofmT
theand
FeCoV
(b) μwire (0.25 mT.
0H= 6–10 mm diameter and 11 mm length). The applied field
intensities are (a) μ0H = 1–5 mT and (b) μ0H= 6–10 mT.
Sensors
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2019,19,
19,x2710
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3.2. Inductance of the Wire-Core Coil

3.2. Inductance of xthe
Sensors 2019, 19, FORWire-Core
PEER REVIEW Coil 5 of 9
3.2.1. Under the Condition that the Wire Has No Reversal Process
3.2.1.3.2.
Under the Condition
Inductance that the
of the Wire-Core CoilWire Has No Reversal Process
The inductance of the wire-core coil was studied using the circuit shown in Figure 3. Under the
The inductance
condition of theamplitude
wire-core is coil was instudied using thethecircuit shown in Figure 3. Under the
3.2.1.that
Under thethe current
Condition that the Wire small,
Has Noother words,
Reversal Process intensity of the AC magnetic field
condition that the current amplitude is small, in other words, the
in the coil is less than 2 mT, the wire was excited, with no occurrence of large Barkhausen jumps. intensity of the AC magnetic field
in the
Both coilThe
current is inductance
than 2ofmT,
less voltage the wire-core
the wire coil was
arewas
studied
excited, using
with nothe circuit shown
occurrence in Figure
of large 3. Under the
Barkhausen jumps.
conditionand that the current responses
amplitude issine
small,waves,
in other and the
words, inductance
the intensityisofcalculated simply
the AC magnetic by
field the
Both current
differences and voltage
between the responses
two signals. are sine waves,
Figure 5 shows and
the the inductance
calculated is calculated
value of the simply byThe
inductance. the
in the coil is less than 2 mT, the wire was excited, with no occurrence of large Barkhausen jumps.
differences
current between
amplitude the two
wasvoltage signals.
set to responses Figure
less than are 4 mA, 5 shows the calculated value of the inductance. The current
Both current and sine while
waves,the andfield intensity from
the inductance the coilsimply
is calculated was 2 by mTthe when
amplitude
the amplitude was set
differencesreached
to
between5 mA.
less than
the two
4 mA,
Thesignals. while
magnetization the
Figure 5 shows
field intensity
of the wire from
might trace
the calculated
the
value
coil
a linear was
of thecurve,
2 mT when
similar
inductance. The
the
to the
amplitude
μ0Hext current reached
= 1 mTamplitude 5 mA.
loop, as shown The
was set in magnetization
to less
Figurethan4a. 4 mA, of
Thewhile the wire might
the fieldhad
inductance intensitytrace
a fixed froma linear
the coil
value curve,
was 2 mT
at around similar
whenmH,
2.5–2.7 to the
µ H the
0 ext
which = 1 mT
amplitude
increased loop,
from as
reached shown
that5of mA. in Figure
theThe 4a.
airmagnetizationThe
core coil of 1.1 inductance
of the wire
mH. had
might
This a fixed value
trace a linear
inductance at around
curve, similar
calculated 2.5–2.7
under to the mH,
the AC
current measurement agrees well with that measured by the LCR meter, as shown in Figure 5.the AC
which μ increased
0H ext = 1 mT fromloop, that
as of
shown the
in air core
Figure coil
4a. The of 1.1 mH.
inductance This
had ainductance
fixed value calculated
at around under
2.5–2.7 mH,
which
current increased from
measurement agreesthatwellof the air core
with that coil of 1.1 mH.
measured ThisLCR
by the inductance
meter, as calculated
shown in under the 5.
Figure AC
current measurement agrees4well with that measured by the LCR meter, as shown in Figure 5.
4
Inductance [mH]

3
Inductance [mH]

3
2
2 LCR meter
1 LCR
AC meter
measurement
1 AC measurement

0
10 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
AC
ACCurrent [mA]
Current [mA]
Figure
Figure5.5. Inductance
Figure Inductance value
value
5. Inductance under
under
value underan AC
ananACACcurrent
currentof
current ofsmall amplitude
smallamplitude
small amplitude(without
(without
(without introducing
anyany
introducing
introducing anylarge
large large
Barkhausen
Barkhausen
Barkhausenjumps)
jumps) applied
applied
jumps) to
tothe
applied circuit
thethe
to circuitshown
shownin
shown
circuit inFigure
in Figure 3.
3.
Figure 3.

3.2.2.Under
3.2.2. Under
3.2.2. theCondition
Under
the Condition
the that
Condition the
that
that the Wire
the isisisOriented
Wire
Wire Oriented tothe
Oriented to
to theEasy
the EasyAxis
Easy Axis
Axis
In In practical
In practical
practical applications,
applications,
applications, the
the themagnetization
magnetization
magnetization process
process of the
process of the
the FeCoV
ofFeCoV wire wire
FeCoV normally
normally
wire formsforms
normally a
a nonlinear
forms a
nonlinear
hysteresis. hysteresis. Considering
Considering the current the current
flowing flowing
into the intoand
coil the the
coil change
and the in change
the in the magnetic
magnetic flux in the
nonlinear hysteresis. Considering the current flowing into the coil and the change in the magnetic
flux
wire,in in the wire,
thethe
inductance the inductance
is variable depending is variable depending onstate
on the instantaneous the ofinstantaneous
the magnetization state of the wire.
of the
flux wire, the inductance is variable depending on the instantaneous state of the
magnetization of the wire. Here, a DC magnetic field was applied as a bias field in the longitudinal
Here, a DC magnetic
magnetization of the field was
wire. Here,applied
a DC as a bias field
magnetic field inwas
the longitudinal
applied as a direction
bias fieldofinthe
the wire, as shown
longitudinal
direction of the wire, as shown in Figure 6. The magnetization value should depend on the intensity
in Figureof
direction 6. Thewire,
magnetization invalue should Thedepend on the intensity of thisdepend
DC field. the When an AC
of this the as shown
DC field. When an AC Figure
magnetic 6. field magnetization value should
of 1 kHz (with amplitude less than the on thresholdintensity
to
magnetic
of thisobtainfield
DC field. of 1 kHz
When an AC
large Barkhausen
(with
jumps
amplitude
magnetic
caused by
less
field than
the of
the threshold
coil1 current)
kHz (with to
was amplitude
obtain large Barkhausen
less than the
applied simultaneously withthreshold jumps
the DC to
caused
obtainbiasby
largethe coil current)
Barkhausen
field, was applied
jumps caused
a linear hysteresis simultaneously
loop wasbyobserved.
the coil The with
current) the DC
was applied
inductance bias
should be field, a linear
simultaneously
equivalent to thehysteresis
with the loop
loop’s DC
was field,
bias observed.
gradient, Thehysteresis
which
a linear inductance
depends on should
loopthewas be
state equivalent
of toinductance
magnetization.
observed. The theFrom
loop’sthegradient,
inducedbe
should which
voltage depends on
thethe
and thetocurrent
equivalent state
loop’s
of magnetization.
signals,
gradient, which From the
the inductance
depends oninduced
was statevoltage
calculated
the and theincurrent
ofasmagnetization.
described theFrom signals,
previous the inductance
thesection.
induced voltage wasandcalculated
the current as
described in the previous section.
signals, the inductance was calculated as described in the previous section.

Figure 6. Excitation of the wire by AC current under DC bias field to orient the magnetization.

Figure 6. Excitation of the wire by AC current under DC bias field to orient the magnetization.
Figure 6. Excitation of the wire by AC current under DC bias field to orient the magnetization.
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x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 9
Sensors 2019, 19, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 9
Figure 7 shows the calculated value of inductance, indicated as a function of the DC field
Figure
intensity.
Figure 77shows
Here, shows the
the AC thecalculated
current value
throughout
calculated of inductance,
value theinductance,
of coil was indicated
to 1 as
setindicated
mA a function
amplitude.of the
as a functionTheDC field
inductance
of the DCintensity.
was
field
Here,
reducedthe AC
intensity.by current
applying
Here, the ACthroughout
thecurrent
DC field the coil was
to the wire,
throughout set to 1 mA
theregardless
coil was setamplitude.
of to The
the1 direction. inductance
This result
mA amplitude. was reduced
proves thatwas
The inductance by
the
applyingby
inductance
reduced theofDC
the field
applying tothe
coil the
in the wire,
DCWiegand regardless
field to sensor
the wire, ofregardless
has the direction.
a rather of theThis
nonstatic result which
value,
direction. proves that proves
depends
This result the on
inductance
the
thatstate
the
of
of the coil in the
the magnetization
inductance Wiegand
of the coilofinthe sensor
Wiegand sensor has a rather nonstatic value, which depends on theofstate
thewire. has a rather nonstatic value, which depends on the state the
magnetization of the wire.
of the magnetization of the wire.
4
4

[mH][mH]
3
3

Inductance
2
Inductance
2
1
1
0
-5 0 5 -10
10
0
DC-5Magnetic
0 field [mT]
5 -10
10
DC Magnetic field [mT]
Figure 7. Inductance of the coil in the Wiegand sensor depending on DC bias field.
Figure 7. Inductance of the coil in the Wiegand sensor depending on DC bias field.
Figure 7. Inductance of the coil in the Wiegand sensor depending on DC bias field.
3.2.3. Under
Under the the Condition
Condition that the Wire Undergoes a Reversal Process
3.2.3.Figure
Under8the Condition
shows that the Wirevoltage
the waveforms Undergoes a Reversal Process
waveforms of of voltage acrossacross the the coil
coil and
and current
current (with
(with aa 8 mA amplitude)
amplitude)
throughFigureit. In
8 this
In this case,
shows case,thean AC
AC magnetic
waveforms
an magnetic field
field of across
of voltage 3 mT was the applied
coil andtocurrent
the wire,(withwhich induced
a 8 mA a large
amplitude)
Barkhausen
through it. Injump,jump, and
this case,
and the the voltage
an voltage
AC magnetic waveform
waveform field waswas distorted.
of 3 distorted.
mT was applied The Wiegand
The Wiegandto the wire,pulse
pulsewhich was superposed
induced a large
was superposed ononto
to the induced
Barkhausen
the induced jump, voltage
voltage and in
in the a sine wave.
voltage
a sine wave. However,
waveform
However, was this cannot
thisdistorted.
cannot be be
The clearly
Wiegand
clearly observed.
pulse was
observed. Thissuperposedthe
This is because on
amplitude
to the induced
amplitude of the induced
voltage in avoltage
sine wave.is sufficiently
However,large to dominate
this cannot be clearlythe composite
observed. This wave. is In
In addition,
because the
addition,
the current
amplitude
current of wave
wavethe is is
induced nonlinear
nonlinear voltage at the
at theismoment moment
sufficiently of pulse
largegeneration.
of pulse generation.
to dominate Self-induction
the composite
Self-induction wave.
occurs occurs
inIn in
theaddition,the
pick-up
pick-up
the coil
current
coil due to the due
wavefasttotransient
isthe fast of
nonlineartransient
the theof moment
atmagnetic the flux
magnetic flux
of pulse
inside inside
generation.
the wire. the opposes
This wire. Thistheopposes
Self-induction current the
andcurrent
occurs in the
tries to
and triesthe
pick-up
prevent tochange
coil prevent
due tointhe thefast
change influx.
transient
magnetic theofThis
magnetic
the phenomenon
magnetic flux.flux
This
and phenomenon
inside
the two wire.and
the waves This the
of the two waves
opposes
voltage of the
the current
and current
voltage
and it and
maketries to current
prevent
difficult make itthe
the change
to analyze difficult
in the
phase todifference
analyze
magnetic the phase
flux.
between Thisdifference
the voltagebetween
phenomenon andthe
and current thevoltage
intwo
the wavesand current
conventionalof the
in the conventional
voltage
method and
for an current
alternatingmethod
make it for an
difficult
current toalternating
circuit. analyze
Figurethe 9current
phase the
shows Φw –IFigure
circuit.
difference w between
curve,9 shows
the the
voltage
processed Φ
and w–I
and curve,
wcurrent
calculated
processed
in
fromthethe andwaveforms
conventional
two calculated methodfrom thewhere
for
above, antwo Φw and Icurrent
waveforms
alternating wabove, where
denotecircuit. Φ w and I9
Figure
the magnetic w denote
fluxshows
and AC the current
magnetic
Φw–Iw curve,offlux
the
and AC
wire-core current
processedcoil, of
andrespectively.the
calculated fromwire-core coil,
the two
To derive respectively.
waveforms
this curve, the above, To derive
following where this
steps curve,
Φwwere the
andundertaken. following
Iw denote theThe steps
magnetic
waveshapewere
flux
undertaken.
and
acrossAC thecurrentThe of
pick-up waveshape
thecontained
coil across
wire-core thecomponents:
coil,
both pick-up coil internal
respectively. contained
To derive both components:
this curve,
resistance andthe internal
following
inductance. The resistance
steps were
product
and inductance.
undertaken.
of the currentThe wave The
waveshape product of the
acrossofthe
and the value current
thepick-up wave
internalcoil and the
contained
resistance value
wereboth of the
components:
subtracted internal resistance
frominternal
the original were
resistance
wave
subtracted
and inductance.
in order from The
to remove the original of
its product
components. wave
the in order
current
Then, to remove
wave
the remainder theitsvalue
and component components.
of thethe
(i.e., Then, resistance
internal the remainder
inductance-originated were
component
subtracted
wave) (i.e., the
from
was integrated the inductance-originated
original
with time, wave
which wave)
in provides
order to thewasmagnetic
remove integrated
its components.
flux, Φw.time,
with The which
Then, the
horizontalprovides
remainder the
axis (i.e.,
magnetic
component flux,
the instantaneous Φw.
(i.e., the The horizontal
inductance-originated
current) axis
and the vertical wave) axis, Φw,
(i.e., the instantaneous
wasformed
integrated current) and the
with time, which
a hysteresis-like vertical
curve, provides axis,
as shownthe Φw,in
formed
Figure 9.a The
magnetic hysteresis-like
flux,loopΦw.became curve,
The horizontal
narrowas atshown
axis in Figure
the (i.e., 9.points
The loop
the instantaneous
two-turning of the became
current) narrow
and theat
magnetization the two-turning
vertical
reversal axis,toΦw,
due the
points
formed ofa the
self-induction magnetization
hysteresis-like
of the pick-up reversal
curve,
coilasthat
showndue
opposedto
in the theself-induction
Figure 9. The
flow loopofbecame
of current. the pick-up
narrow coilatthat
the opposed
two-turning the
flow of current.
points of the magnetization reversal due to the self-induction of the pick-up coil that opposed the
flow of current. 2 10
2 10
AC AC

1 5
[V] [V]

current

1 5
0 0
Voltage

current

0 0
Voltage

[mA]

-1 -5
[mA]

-1 -5
-2 -10
-2 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 -10
0 0.25 Time [ms]
0.5 0.75 1
Time [ms]
Figure 8.
Figure Voltage and
8. Voltage and current
current wave
wave when
when an
an AC
AC current
current of
of 88 mA
mA amplitude
amplitude was
was applied
applied (1
(1 kHz).
kHz).
Figure 8. Voltage and current wave when an AC current of 8 mA amplitude was applied (1 kHz).
 Sensors 2019, 19, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 9
Sensors 2019, 19, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 9

With Withthe Φthe

w =Φ LI w relationship, the gradient of the Φw–Iw curve in each time step was regarded
w = LIw relationship, the gradient of the Φw–Iw curve in each time step was regarded

as the asvalue of theofinductance.

the value the inductance.Figure 1010
Figure shows
showsits
itstransient inone
transient in onecycle
cycle when
when a sinusoidal
a sinusoidal voltage
voltage of of
1 kHz1was kHzapplied to the
was applied circuit.
to the The
circuit. self-induction
The self-induction caused
caused ininthe
thepick-up
pick-upcoilcoil
by by large
large Barkhausen
Barkhausen
Sensorsjumps 19,
2019, jumps
and 2710
andnonlinear
the the nonlinear voltage
voltage wavewave
bybythe
theWiegand
Wiegand pulse
pulsevaried
variedthe inductance
the inductance sharply. Then,Then,
sharply. it it 7 of 9
assumed a negative
assumed a negative value. value.

Figure 9. Φw-Iw loop derived from the coil voltage and current wave in Figure 8.
Figure 9. Φw -Iw loop derived from the coil voltage and current wave in Figure 8.
Figure 11 shows
Figure 9. Φwthe voltage
-Iw loop and current
derived waveshapes
from the when
coil voltage and an AC current
current of Figure
wave in 1 mA amplitude
8. at
a frequency of 1 kHz was applied. The wire was excited sufficiently by approaching a magnet of
With the Φw = LIw relationship, the gradient of the Φw –Iw curve in each time step was regarded
dimensions
Figure 3 × 3 ×the
11 shows 5 mm 3. The movement was extremely slow
voltage and current waveshapes when so as
antoACminimize
currentthe
ofchanging rate of
1 mA amplitude at
as the valuetheof the inductance.
applied field. This Figure 10 shows
pulse-inducing its transient
magnetic field wasinseparated
one cyclefromwhen the acircuit
sinusoidal
in thisvoltage of
a frequency of 1 kHz was applied. The wire was excited sufficiently by approaching a magnet of
1 kHz wasmeasurement,
applied to the circuit.
as shown The 12.
in Figure self-induction
Thus, the pulsecaused in the
component pick-up
in the coilobserved
voltage was by large Barkhausen
more
dimensions 3 × 3 × 5 mm3. The movement was extremely slow so as to minimize the changing rate of
jumps clearly than the waveshape shown inby
Figure 8.Wiegand
The nonlinear effect was also observed in the current
the applied field. This pulse-inducing magnetic field was separated from the circuit in thisThen,
and the nonlinear voltage wave the pulse varied the inductance sharply.
wave. The large Barkhausen jump opposed the current flow, resulting in the change and nonlinear
it assumed a negative
measurement, asthe value.in Figure 12. Thus, the pulse component in the voltage was observed more
shown
behavior of AC current and voltage.
clearly than the waveshape shown in Figure 8. The nonlinear effect was also observed in the current
wave. The large Barkhausen jump6 opposed the current flow, resulting in the change and nonlinear
4
behavior of the AC current and voltage.
Inductance [mH]

6 2
0
4
Inductance [mH]

-2
2
-4
0
-6
-2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Time [ms]
-4
Figure 10. Inductance variability in one cycle from the Φ loop
Figure 10. Inductance variability in one cycle from the Φw-Iw w
-Iw(1loop (1 kHz).
-6 kHz).

Figure 11 shows the voltage and 0 current

0.2 waveshapes
0.4 0.6 when0.8 an AC 1 current of 1 mA amplitude
Time [ms]
at a frequency of 1 kHz was applied. The wire was excited sufficiently by approaching a magnet
of dimensions 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 . The movement was extremely slow so as to minimize the changing
Figure 10. Inductance variability in one cycle from the Φw-Iw loop (1 kHz).
rate of the applied field. This pulse-inducing magnetic field was separated from the circuit in this
measurement, as shown in Figure 12. Thus, the pulse component in the voltage was observed more
clearly than the waveshape shown in Figure 8. The nonlinear effect was also observed in the current
wave. The large Barkhausen jump opposed the current flow, resulting in the change and nonlinear
behavior
Sensorsof the19,AC
2019, current
x FOR and voltage.
PEER REVIEW 8 of 9

0.5 2
AC current [mA]

0.25 1
Voltage [V]

0 0

-0.25 -1

-0.5 -2
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Time [ms]

Figure 11. Voltage

Figure andand
11. Voltage current waves
current waveswhen
when an an AC currentofof11mA
AC current mAamplitude
amplitude is applied.
is applied. A large
A large
Barkhausen jumpjump
Barkhausen is caused by by
is caused thethe
magnetic
magneticfield
fieldofofaaslow-moving magnethaving
slow-moving magnet havingdimensions
dimensionsof 3of× 3 × 3
3 × 35. mm3.
× 5 mm
 0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Time [ms]

Figure 11. Voltage and current waves when an AC current of 1 mA amplitude is applied. A large
Barkhausen jump is caused by the magnetic field of a slow-moving magnet having dimensions of 3 ×
Sensors 2019, 19,32710 8 of 9
3 × 5 mm .

Figure 12. Application of an AC current of small amplitude where a large Barkhausen jump occurs
Figure 12. Application
due to the independentof an AC current
magnetic field of of
thesmall amplitude
slow-moving whereshown
magnet a largeinBarkhausen jump
the circuit of occurs
Figure 3.
due to the independent magnetic field of the slow-moving magnet shown in the circuit of Figure 3.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
In this work, equivalent circuit parameters of resistance and inductance of the wire-core coil used
in Wiegand sensorequivalent
In this work, were measured using
circuit an LCR meter
parameters and current-voltage
of resistance and inductance characteristics undercoil
of the wire-core the
excitation of alternating current. The inductance of the coil strictly reflected
used in Wiegand sensor were measured using an LCR meter and current-voltage characteristics the magnetization state of
the wire.
under theAtexcitation
the moment of when a large current.
alternating BarkhausenThejump occurred,ofthe
inductance coilcoil
the underwent
strictly self-induction
reflected the
due to the fast propagation of the magnetic flux inside the wire. Consequently,
magnetization state of the wire. At the moment when a large Barkhausen jump occurred, the calculated inductance
the coil
became negative.
underwent In order todue
self-induction optimize
to thethefast
performance of inductive
propagation of the coupling
magneticusing fluxthe Wiegand
inside the sensor,
wire.
the determination
Consequently, the of internal parameters
calculated inductance in the circuit
became design
negative. Inisorder
required. The obtained
to optimize experimental
the performance of
results of the nonlinear characteristics of the current and voltage and the time-dependent
inductive coupling using the Wiegand sensor, the determination of internal parameters in the circuit inductance
of the Wiegand
design is required.sensor
Theare significant
obtained in developing
experimental applications
results of the Wiegand
of the nonlinear sensor.of the current
characteristics
and voltage and the time-dependent inductance of the Wiegand sensor are significant in developing
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Y.T.; Methodology, T.Y.; Investigation, K.T.; Writing-Original Draft
applications of the
Preparation, K.T.; Wiegand sensor.
Writing-Review & Editing, Y.T.
Author Contributions:
Funding: This research Conceptualization, Y.T.; KAKENHI
was funded by the JSPS Methodology, T.Y.;
grant Investigation,
number 17K18874. K.T.; Writing-Original Draft
Preparation, K.T.; Writing-Review & Editing, Y.T.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding: This research was funded by the JSPS KAKENHI grant number 17K18874.
References
Conflicts of Interest: Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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