Patent ID: 9222990
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a self-test associated with a magnetic field sensor, comprising: generating a proximity signal responsive to a proximity of a sensed object with one or more magnetic field sensing elements; identifying one or more characteristic values associated with the proximity signal, while the proximity signal is responding to the proximity of the sensed object; categorizing the one or more characteristic values into a plurality of potential categories, the plurality of potential categories including three or more categories, wherein the plurality of potential categories is representative of a plurality of discrete self-test states of the proximity signal, wherein one or more of the plurality of discrete self-test states occur while the proximity signal is responding to the proximity of the sensed object; and communicating at least one of the plurality of potential categories into which at least one of the one or more characteristic values was categorized.