Serpentine magnetoresistive elements for tactile sensor applications

Performance data on a new tactile sensor configuration are presented. The sensor is based on magnetoresistive (MR) technology but incorporates a patented serpentine path element structure which offers a wide range of advantages over previously considered designs. Previous work on MR tactile sensors did not approach the problem of sensor optimization at the transducer level. By placing the emphasis on the bottom-up method of design, a wide range of sensors for different applications could be developed. Sensitivity is a key feature in tactile sensor design. This is a measure of the minimum detectable force change that can be accurately detected. The requirement for high signal-to-noise ratios indicates the need for high element resistances, the use of AC magnetic fields, and small geometric size (pixel resolution)