Patent ID: 8378672

Claim:
A semiconductor component on a semiconductor chip comprising: a sensor element for measuring a physical quantity; and an evaluator, wherein the semiconductor component is configured to be switched between a first and a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the sensor element is sensitive to the physical quantity to be measured and a measurement signal output of the sensor element is connected to an input connection on the evaluator, wherein in the second operating mode the sensor element is not sensitive to the physical quantity to be measured and/or the sensor element is isolated from the evaluator, wherein a test signal source is configured to generate a test signal simulating the measurement signal of the sensor element, the test signal source being arranged on the semiconductor chip, wherein in the second operating mode the test signal source is connected or is connectable to the input connection of the evaluator, wherein the sensor element is a Hall element, and wherein a Hall current source is disposed on the semiconductor chip, said Hall current source providing current to the Hall element in the first operating mode and not providing current to the Hall element in the second operating mode.