Modeling and Performances of the Orthogonal Fluxgate Sensor Operated in Fundamental Mode

Fluxgate magnetometer is an important device for weak magnetic-field measurements. By adding a large dc bias excitation current, the performances of fluxgate can be highly improved. In this article, based on the assumption of the single-domain state within the probe core wire, the quasi-static Stoner–Wohlfarth model (SW model) was used to construct a mathematic model for the output signal of the orthogonal fluxgate probe operated in fundamental mode (FM-OFG). The dynamic hysteresis loop characteristics were also considered here, and the expected first-harmonic output signal corresponding to the theoretical analysis was obtained from our model. A prototype FM-OFG probe was fabricated by using a 20 mm-long Co–Fe–Nb–Si–B amorphous microwire as core wire and a 1500-turn solenoid as pickup coils. Output performances were analyzed at different external fields, ac excitation currents, and dc bias currents. A good agreement between the modeling results and the experimental ones was found. The noise level was reduced down to 9.01 pT/rt (Hz).@.1 Hz. The simulation method and experiment results provide theoretical guidance for the subsequent design and improvement of the FM-OFG.