Patent ID: 6545457
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: G01R,H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting an electric current, comprising:(a) a metal-made baseplate having a known magnetic permeability and a known electrical conductivity; (b) a magnetic layer formed on the baseplate, the magnetic layer being higher in magnetic permeability than the baseplate; (c) semiconductor means mounted to the baseplate, the semiconductor means including a Hall-effect device for generating a voltage proportional to the strength of an applied magnetic field; (d) an encapsulation of electrically insulating material enveloping the baseplate and the magnetic layer and the semiconductor means; and (e) a conductor for carrying current to be detected, the conductor being disposed contiguous the Hall-effect device in order to cause the Hall-effect device to generate the Hall voltage in response to a magnetic field due to the current flowing through the conductor, and the conductor being disposed opposite the magnetic layer via the Hall-effect device.