Magnetic Sensors: Taxonomy, Applications, and New Trends

In this paper, we present the current state of the art in magnetic sensors. The three major magnetic effects that may be used in sensing devices and applications are: the magnetic induction, based on the characteristics and properties of the magnetization loop and its dependence on control parameters such as magnetic field, temperature, and stress; the magnetoelastic coupling, based on the magnetostiction loop and its dependence on stress, temperature, and magnetic field; the magnetotransport phenomena and their macroscopic characteristics, namely, the anisotropic magnetoresistance, the giant magnetoresistance, and the magnetoimpedance. Based on the above taxonomy, we present a variety of sensing elements materials and analyze their characteristics, focusing on sensitivity and uncertainty. We also demonstrate applications in field, stress, and positioning measurements, using state-of-the-art sensor designs. Finally, we discuss the outlook in this field, focusing on the needs of industrial and medical sectors.